Meet Rodney Lambright II | Artist, Designer, Illustrator & Animator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rodney Lambright II and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rodney, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing about the design and animation industry that outsiders probably aren’t aware of is the countless hours spent sharpening and honing our craft. It can seem like creativity and artistry are rendered as gifts rather than the result of years of late nights drawing, tinkering with new software, and keeping up with design trends and new technology. This dedication can be daunting at times, but there is also a level of creative relief that is infectious. The amount of time I’ve spent to reach this skill level isn’t a journey that many would sign up for willingly, but the reward of my creative expression is necessary for me to live a life that is whole.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am currently an Atlanta-based artist, designer, illustrator, and animator. My work has spanned across mediums such as animation, live-action, video games, and immersive experiences. My approach focuses on storytelling first within a concept, and then building a world that explores whichever medium best facilitates any idea.

My journey as an artist has been one filled with uncertainty, imposter syndrome, and a lack of belonging. I’ve always been praised for my drawing abilities, finding peace in hours of solitude drawing out different scenes, characters, and stories. When I got to college at UW-Madison, I majored in Art, only seeing a career path as a fine artist or an art teacher. As someone interested in Pop art, graffiti, and cartoons, I didn’t quite understand how I could find joy in making art for galleries for the rest of my life.

After my sophomore year of college, the pressure of building a career in art seemed less clear. After taking a class in the Comm Arts (TV, Radio, Film) department, I got excited about films and wondered if there could be a viable path for me there. At the time, I was making comic strips and learning a little more about animation, and then it clicked: animation was my medium of choice. During the summer of my junior year, I found my way into the scenic and animation department at PBS Wisconsin, giving me the exposure I needed to learn animation. After graduating, I worked for PBS full-time, learning animation and design on the side from YouTube videos and trying to replicate other animation studios’ work. I always felt like I was fighting an uphill battle trying to catch up to the standard of other artists in the same industry.

For the past two years, I’ve been working at BUCK Design, a studio littered with some of the industry’s top talent in animation and design. I have gained a level of validation working with such talented artists every day, but I can also say that I’ve found validation in myself and the intention behind what I’m trying to achieve in my own personal work. I want the world to know that my artwork is very inspired. Whether I am working on an animated short, publishing a graphic novel, doing a solo art show, or an immersive experience, as long as the subject matter is elevating someone else’s purpose or connecting people through conversations, honesty, and innovation, I am open

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I usually try to tailor my itinerary based on what the individual might like, but here we go. On Friday evening, I would take you to get dinner at Oceanaire for some premium seafood. Then, after dinner, I would take you over to Colony Square to enjoy some cocktails and conversation. We can walk over to the Establishment for a few more drinks and call it a night.

On Saturday morning, I would take you to Salty Donut for donuts and coffee. Then, we can head to the Beltline for a walk and some shopping at Ponce City Market. For lunch, we can enjoy Asian food at Wagamama and then walk over to the Interlock to hang out in the late afternoon and try a VR experience at Sandbox. Once that is over, we can have a few drinks at Holiday Bar in the Interlock. Saturday night, I would take you to MJQs club to dance all night. After MJQ, since it would be a late night of dancing, I suggest we go to Waffle House, not because I am a fan but because people often express curiosity about it, and it’s one of the only places open late.

On Sunday, I would take you to brunch at Toast on Lenox. We could then head to State Farm Arena for a basketball game or The Battery for a baseball game. Once we’re done, we can order my favorite wings from B&L Wings and chill at home to watch a movie or show.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to extend my appreciation to my mother and wife for creating a nurturing environment filled with love and unwavering support for me and my passions. My gratitude also goes out to the PEOPLE program (my college scholarship program at UW Madison) and all of the lifelong friendships I built along the way. I also want to thank Philip Ashby for providing me with my first job in animation at PBS Wisconsin; that experience has been pivotal in shaping my journey in this industry. Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my father, Rodney Lambright Sr., for imparting invaluable lessons on being a well-rounded person, a man of integrity, love, and the epitome of a great father.

Website: https://www.rodneylambright.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodgod38/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodney-lambright-ii-6aa985116/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rodgod38

Other: “Phantasma” : https://globalcomix.com/c/phantasma

Image Credits
Headshot by: Glowing Lotus Photos (https://www.instagram.com/glowinglotusphotos/)