Meet George Bennett: Storyboard Artist and Illustrator

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

Hi George, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always been passionate about two things: drawing and playing pretend. These two things have consumed me since the beginning. I would play for hours and hours outside with friends, family, or just by myself. I would fight in epic battles, solve great mysteries, and discover whole new worlds! When I went back inside I was drawing the things I did, the characters I had met and places I had seen. Storyboarding allows me to tell stories through drawing. I still get to play.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m in a constant search for authenticity and that which is genuine. I believe anyone can draw but it takes an artist to trigger a emotional response. I’m most excited for getting my original stories out there. I want to hear what people have to say about my ability to transport or guide a viewer through a story. Hopefully this will attract enough positive attention that new opportunities will open up for me to meet and work with more artists and filmmakers. I’ve learned to let play take lead when it comes to my work. The blank page can be very intimidating and can paralyze our creativity. But I learned to see it as a sand box. A chance to pour out all stress and frustration and be free to play. Simply put I want people to know how passionate I am about telling stories and I believe I can do a lot good through it.

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.
As far as favorite spots in L.A. go I say start at Bolt EaHo for a slam dunk breakfast spot. Looking to get out of the city for an afternoon? Check out Descanso Gardens for an early afternoon hike then grab a wholesome pour over from Constellation Coffee. Silver Lake has about everything you’ll need for a great day in L.A.! First check out Secret Headquarters Comics. For dinner Red Lion Tavern is the place to feel the friend vibe of the L.A. local. Vista Theater is the only place I go for my movie watching experiences. Finally grab a drink across the street at the classic Good Luck Club!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My beautiful wife, Amanda P.H. Bennett who is always taking great leaps of faith in her work and encourages me to do the same. Case and Dione Carriagain, family who trusted me to illustrate their first novel. They have overwhelmed me with confidence in my ability to work well others while making strong decisions that support story. Wade Patterson, a brilliant filmmaker and fellow Mississippian. His talent and creative determination keep me hopeful and determined in my work. He’s taught me never to be distracted by what the entertainment industry is doing but to focus on serving the art.

Website: georgebennettstoryartist.com
Instagram: @georgebennett_storyartist
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-bennett-story-artist

Image Credits
Treasure of Coco’s Island by Case and Dione Carrigan. Descent written and directed by George Bennett Currents by Michael Joel Green Dave and Holland Dance Out Loud by George Bennett Silverback City by George Bennett