Meet William Wray | Comic book artist/animation artist/Fine artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with William Wray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Moving to New York in the 80s and going to a Art School, I could afford. the arts students league- And being close to where the work was (publishing) as I was looking to do comic books and illustration.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always wanted to be a fine artist, but found no place for myself in the New York scene of conceptual art because I wanted to do old-fashioned realism. In hindsight, I did miss a big opportunity because I knew a lot of the insiders in the art world because I lived in So Ho. I do have some regrets I didn’t at least try to be a graffiti artist or something. When midlife hit (while I was still working the Animation business) I decided if I don’t become a painter now I never will- that decision proved to be a boon for me since recently the Animation business has collapsed and my Fine Art career is doing OK.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a real homebody and I keep to myself with my girlfriend- So it’s rare for me to be in this scenario-But I selfishly would probably want to do what I wanted to do, like visit the local art museums like LACMA— Or the Getty- And simply look around for a particular artist that I like having a show in Los Angeles- I’d also recommend Laguna Beach has a nice place to go has a bit of an art scene and- Visiting Crystal Cove is a great place to chill.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I was always disappointed in trying to get professionals to be my mentor. I would just hear about some artist who had a assistant job available and go for that. Early on I had a partnership with John K. We did little animated shorts for Mexican TV and a Coke dealer who wanted to do a self financed pilot to get into cable television- When John and I couldn’t sell any Of our own cartoons to TV or budding cable, I moved to New York To become a painter and support my schooling with comic book Work- Years later John sold Ren and Stimpy to Nickelodeon and called me back to work for him. the Success of that show has been a major highlight of my animation art career.

Website: williamwray. com

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Image Credits
not applicable