Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Clarkson.
Zachary, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Once upon a time in far off land called New Jersey, there lived a six years old Zach who could be found glued to the television at all times drawing Sailor Moon fan art. From a young age, I consumed a substantial amount of animated media which pole vaulted my artistic journey. Drawing my favorite characters from all different kinds of shows propelled me to be a lean mean drawing machine, cranking out drawing after drawing. Luckily the drawing never stopped and neither did my love for the art of storytelling. It became extremely apparent to me that being an artist wasn’t a choice but a necessity. My mom fostered this necessity by giving me the greatest gift, a safe space to believe in myself. She honestly is the reason I am where I am now because of the strength she gave me to follow my dreams.
Growing up in the age of the World Wide Web the internet was my art school. Social media platforms like DeviantArt were my stomping grounds from elementary school all the way up into high school. I finally started taking art more seriously as a definitive career path once I started taking traditional art classes in high school. From there, with the help of my unbelievably incredible high school art teachers, I attended two pre-colleges for illustration which then led to me attending art school. However, due to financial hardships I needed to withdraw from art school and return to my online art school roots. I pivoted to taking online art classes and mentorships geared towards designing for animation. This blossomed into my hopes of wanting to convey entertaining storytelling that gave a sense of magic similar to the shows and movies I watched growing up. Fast forward a few years later, I’m now working as a character designer for Disney Jr.!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My art journey has been anything but smooth. Sadly most art schools are super expensive and coming from a lower income family art school wasn’t feasible. The internal crises of having to be crafty with how I utilized the information society we live in today to Macgyver my education weighed heavily on me. It’s already difficult being an artist, but being an artist who felt left behind by a fundamentally classist system hurt. It took a few years to find my bearings and collect myself. The hardships weren’t easy, but it’s made me the strong person I am today. Sometimes journeying off the beaten path leads you right where you need to be.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a character/prop designer, visual development artist, and color stylist for animation! In the past, I have worked with Disney Jr. and small indie companies all while focusing on spreading positivity and a childlike sense of wonder through my designs. My objective is to help make future art directors’ and viewers’ lives easier by creating impactful designs. I aspire to work collaboratively with a team to tell narratives that evoke others to find the strength within themselves to dream.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m currently freelancing and looking for my next in-house gig! I really look forward to continue working with so many amazing fellow artists on different projects! Majorly though, in a handful of years, I would love to art direct on a LGBT TV show or feature film! I dream of creating the content that would of helped younger me for the next generation to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zacharyclarkson.com/
- Email: zachsgotyourbac@gmail.com
- Instagram: zachsgotyourback
- Twitter: Zachsgotyourbac
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