Meet Kylen Guilbeaux of MAAD City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kylen Guilbeaux.

Kylen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m was raised in a small town called Opelousas, Louisiana. I started doing art when I was four years old. I remember being in Kindergarten drawing firetrucks over and over again. In high school, I took art as an elective for four years. I was a natural. I studied art in college, with a lack of support and resources I began to find my own way. I started networking and began working with celebrities, and just learning about the business. Which lead me to work for BET Networks for a short period. Fast forward to now I’m working on my own original animated series.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This has been the farthest thing from a smooth road. Being African American and growing up in Louisiana is already challenging. Being an African American studying art in Louisiana is a suicide mission. I was the only black person in my whole art program at times. Me and my art professors never saw eye to eye. I was often ridiculed and outcasted and eventually physically assaulted by an art professor. All the chaos I went through in college fueled my desire to keep pushing in my professional career.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
MAAD City is an animated series about young black heroes growing up in the voodoo filled city of New Orleans. I do art in every aspect. I can draw, paint, animate, shoot and edit videos. I’m known for my playful yet versatile style. I’m most proud of is my drive and faith, not being too scared to take a risk. What sets me apart from the others is I want it the most, no one can outwork or wit me.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The quality I feel is most important towards my success is having a strong work ethic and never taking no for answer.

Contact Info:

• Website: kylen.onuniverse.com
• Phone: 3373517759
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/kylen_7

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