As I scroll through my old logs of conversations, I dug up this old one with one of my convention buddies from the art scene. Back in 2016, I had a conversation with Markus Prime about what inspired him to produce is most recent book, B.R.U.H. We had a good conversation about representation, inspiration, and motivation. Markus has a very interesting style and approach to his work. That unique approach has garnered him thousands of followers and national acclaim. When Kobe Bryant passed away, Markus’s tribute went viral as people across the country participated in it to honor the “Greatest Laker’s” impact on the game of basketball.
How did you get started in art?
Markus Prime: “I have always done it as a hobby. Like in school and everything. Growing up, it just naturally came to me to draw this character as a black dude. You know, throw some elements that I identify with into those characters. 5 or 6 years ago, when I decided to do this professionally, I kind of turned into that. It wasn’t something I was [intentionally] thinking about doing. It just kind of happened. Over time I realized that that was what my mission was. I kept seeing a void in different comics and different cartoons, and it was kind frustrating to me that I wasn’t seeing us represented. Instead of complaining about it, I decided to take a role in changing it.”
How is it going against the grain?
Markus Prime: “I was not trying to be a trendsetter, but more trying to take responsibility for my complaints. I didn’t want to sit here and be like, “man, I don’t ever see no black people in this. Or how come there’s no black people in this?” So I said let me start drawing it, and make it real.
Did you find any barriers to pursuing your creative talents on a more serious level?
Markus Prime: “At first it was a little bit of me, but I have to say that the support of the internet is what allowed it to be what it is today. I wouldn’t have got here otherwise. If nobody sees it, it’s not going to do anything. Tumblr was a huge part of that. Spreading it like wild fire all over the internet and Facebook. Doing my renditions of flipping different superheroes. That really was a major factor. The internet and social media really played a major factor in getting that message out there. And then other artists that were also in the same mind set as me. I didn’t come up with that, I just had my own approach to it. There were other artists that were going in the same direction as me, and that really helped the movement. And has trickled down to Marvel comics and Netflix shows on TV. I’d say the internet is THE factor in that.”
Now that you found your voice, what is next?
Markus Prime: “I don’t know. It’s all up in the air. Just because I feel that I am so versed in so many different aspects. I don’t ever want to pigeon hold myself into doing one thing. So it’s just up in the air. I get bored easy. One minute, I might want to do animation, and the next minute I want to do comics, Then I’ll want to learn how to write movies. Or direct a television show. It’s just one of those things that I kind of go where the wind takes me. And I am always a fan of just learning the different aspects of art and the creative process. So who knows. That’s all I can really say about that.”
Why is it crucial to see prominent black figures in the arts as role models and heroes much like we see in the music and sports industries.
Markus Prime: “Sports and things, those are real life. You see these heroes and they are really doing these things. It makes it easier for that child to think that they can actually do it because they are seeing real examples of it. So, how can I tell a black child that there are black superheroes that exists, but I can only count three…or I can only show them a handful. And not even that. Just to fuel their imagination. If black kids can see that their imagination counts too, I think that has a huge impact because they can start to think about different jobs. They can aspire to be artists, animators, engineers, and different creators. I think it is important.”
You can read more about Markus and his journey on PaperMag, Vibe, Blavity, MIC, and Huffington Post. Markus has hit 2020 hard with his new webcomic “Oh Nah.” It is unique piece of work promoting sex positivity amongst marginal communities.
Hey, this is Steve. I played football at Oregon State University and University of Hawaii. Now I doodle cartoons and blow stuff up on camera. I also make webcomics too. Hopefully I can make this whole thing a full time gig so I can make the big bucks to pay for Medical School! (Fingers Crossed) If you would like more thought-provoking content or a quick laugh consider supporting me on Patreon, checking out my webseries Eyelnd Feevr, or checking out links to my other projects below:
Eyelnd Feevr Webseries | Stuck E Podcast | My Sports Blog | Medical School Journey |
Small Business Resource Blog | Black Superheroes Matter Blog | Artist Portfolio | DIY Arts Blog |