Ayanna Williams

A conversation with Ayanna Williams, an art student at the Milwaukee University of Art & Design.

H: So, just to start off I wanted to ask what your background is with art?

Ayanna: I’ve been drawing since I was in first grade and it’s always been my greatest passion. I’m constantly inspired by comic books, graphic novels, and various TV shows. Watching other artists create their own fantastical worlds inspired me to develop my own! I’ve taken some art classes in high school and attended two pre-college programs at the Kansas City Art Institute and Ringling College of Art and Design. Now, I am an illustration student attending the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

H: Why did you decide to study art?

Ayanna: I decided to study art simply because it’s my greatest passion. I couldn’t imagine a single moment in my life without art being my favorite thing. Art means everything to me and it shapes who I am.

H: There has been a stereotype for a long type that being an “artist” isn’t a profitable career, how do you feel about this?

Ayanna: I feel like this stereotype is halfway true. I think this is because so many art students go into college just because they like drawing or whatnot, but never actually research potential career options or take on internship opportunities. So after they graduate, they may not have an idea what they want to do or don’t have any jobs lined up. However, I feel that it could be profitable if you find a good job that you enjoy while also doing gigs every now and then. I feel like nowadays, there are many opportunities for artists to shine and thrive. Many art schools like mine are also making sure that we know our career options.

H: What do you think constitutes so called good art?

Ayanna: Passion and effort makes good art 100%. I feel like your skill level doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re putting in effort to learn from yourself and artists around you.

H: How do you want people to experience your art?

Ayanna: I want people to experience my art as a sort of “fantasy land” or “getaway”. Growing up, seeing so many stories and worlds created by great artists put me in a place where I could imagine myself living in them. Whether it’d be fantasy, sci-fi, or nonfiction, all of those stories touched my heart. I also want people in my artwork to be seen. I purposefully take the time to make my original characters from diverse backgrounds because I want those characters to speak to someone.

H: What is your response to the idea that digital art has less value than physically created art like a painting or sculpture?

Ayanna: All forms of art have value. Yes, digital art has its perks that make it a little easier to produce. However, it takes time to learn to system and its tools to make the art that you want to create. It took me 6 years to build up my skill level and learn the program that I currently use. Just because I’m able to have multiple layers on a canvas, doesn’t mean my art is less valuable.

H: How do you feel about the modern art world, is there something you would like to change?

Ayanna: I love the modern art world! Everyone is creating their own unique art styles and expressing themselves how they want to. Although I may not fully understand the concepts of some modern art pieces, it’s amazing to visualize the artist’s perspective.

H: Okay one final question, what legacy do you want to leave with your art?

Ayanna: I want to leave stories, whether they’re fiction or nonfiction. I want my stories and illustrations to inspire the next generation of artists just like first grader me was reading graphic novels. I want people to look at my art and feel overwhelmed with so much passion, that they believe they can create something of their own.

H: Thank you so much!

Check Out Ayanna's Instagram Account