Meet Marcus D. Newsome | Artist, comic book, artist, author, animated

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marcus D. Newsome and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcus D., is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
What is the most important factor behind My success is about daring to dream big and believing that anything is possible, no matter what others may say.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from other artists is my passion and drive to constantly improve, pushing myself to new heights. I’m always on the lookout for ways to refine my craft with Storey. With this piece, I’m trying to convey a message – how can I continue to challenge myself and take my art to the next level?

The key takeaway I’ve learned is to stay focused on your aspirations and persevere through adversity, because amidst the naysayers and doubters, your determination and resilience will ultimately propel you forward.

My storytelling and drawing style embodies the unbreakable spirit of my community, forged by the trials and triumphs of growing up in a big, resilient family led by a single parent, where financial struggles and neighborhood challenges became catalysts for growth and transformation.

One thing I want the world to know about me is that I’m relentless when I’m driven by a vision – nothing can deter me from moving forward to turn my dreams into reality. From humble beginnings, where I had to sketch on pizza boxes due to limited resources, to experiencing homelessness while living in a van with my brothers and single mother, I’ve risen to create impactful art that inspires people and fosters a community that supports my aspirations and pushes me to excel.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of my favorite places to visit include a fantastic phat noodle restaurant for delicious noodles, the Compton museum, Barberizm for engaging conversations and excellent barbers, and Wilson Park to enjoy sunlight and potentially catch a basketball game.

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?
Under Philip May’s transformative mentorship in high school, my brothers and I discovered the empowering support and visionary guidance that unlocked life-changing opportunities, fueling our academic excellence and illuminating the profound impact of inspired guidance in shaping destinies. Who was the first Black male role model we ever saw?

The second person who ignited a spark in me for art is ceron christie, whose potential in me was limitless. She empowered me with my first opportunity, hand-picking me to work as an intern for a graphic design lab right after high school.

Another extraordinary individual who inspires me is Jerrell Conner, who lights the way for me to courageously share my story. He demonstrated that my artistic expression is valued. He also introduced me to the world of Comic Con with genuine passion, giving me the confidence to authentically be myself.

James Davis, my college professor, continues to fuel my passion for animation, inspiring me to new heights as a creator and steadfastly supporting my journey as an animator.

Ron Myrick is a true mentor and inspiration, consistently offering invaluable guidance that fuels my growth in story character development and world building, while being incredibly supportive of my career aspirations and personal journey.

Ray-Anthony Height, I felt an electrifying spark of motivation discovering a phenomenal black artist who was soaring to new heights in his illustrious career, collaborating with renowned brands like DC and Marvel, while spearheading numerous groundbreaking projects, and, remarkably, hailing from Compton, CA, the very city where I grew up, reaffirming my unshakeable conviction that I too can unlock my limitless potential and achieve extraordinary success.

The unshakeable support of my wife Lonnie sparks an unrelenting passion within me, fueling my creative expression and ambition, whether we’re united or apart, granting me the courage to chase my artistic aspirations, launch pioneering endeavors, and foster a vibrant family life with our two children, instilling a profound appreciation for life’s precious moments and motivating me to seize every opportunity with determination.

Website: https://www.lightningstrike.store/

Instagram: Lscomicx

Linkedin: lightningstrikex39@gmail.com

Twitter: Lscomicx

Facebook: lightningstrike

Youtube: lightningstrike animation

Image Credits
Lonnie Newsome, Storey Newsome Legacy Newsome