A Future in Freelancing: RaiZ Arts lecture at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh- Allegheny

RaiZArts gives a lecture to aspiring and current illustrators at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh- Northside.

Libraries serve as a sanctuary for people of all walks to life.

Whether someone needs access to Wi-Fi and a printer, or kids seek a place to socialize beyond school hours, visitors of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh are sure to encounter an environment that welcomes all.

Tuesday evening, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh- Allegheny hosted RaiZArts, AKA Raymont Youngblood, a professional illustrator, comic artist, and educator. RaiZArts gave an engaging lecture about how to maximize one's efforts as a freelancing artist and create a network of supportive peers and clients.

Youngblood has been on the comic scene for quite some time. His creative endeavors first began at just four years old drawing Naoto Ohshima's character, "Sonic the Hedgehog". Since then, Youngblood has not been afraid to dream big.

In 2021, Youngblood became a full time creative. His leap of faith provided various opportunities to work with big names such as Leonard Robinson (Insecure, Wild N’ Out), TeaMarrr (Insecure, Atlantic Records), RDCWorld1 (YouTube, HBO Max). He also collaborated with Yona Harvey, a Pittsburgh Marvel Writer and Poet, on "Something in the Water", which was a part of the Horror Anthology, “Dead Beats Anthology”.

Commission work done by RaiZArts, featuring HBO's "Insecure" characters Issa Dee (center), Lawrence Walker (top left), Nathan Campbell (top right), Daniel King (bottom left), and Condola Hayes (bottom right).

RaiZArts also teaches classes to grade-school students around the Pittsburgh area to deepen their understanding of the illustration process. No matter where one starts in their creative journey, RaiZArts believes it's never too late to begin. "It's not easy. You know, it is a lot of work but it's work that we are all capable of, if it's something that truly is going to bring value in our lives."

Illustration of an anime character done by a workshop participant.

Freelancing is attractive to artists for many reasons, one being that artists aren't under the scrutiny of publishers. Artists and illustrators have more autonomy and freedom in decision making, as opposed to working for a publisher who may be more rigid or demanding. To RaiZArts, freelancing means "Being able to draw my story my way without editors or publishers kind of breathing down my neck about what can stick inside a story, what can't, especially by characters that I've known literally half my life."

RaiZArts explains how to make the most of your beginnings as a freelancing artist.

During his lecture, RaiZArts stressed the importance of maintaining a digital presence, reputation, and being consistent in your practice. Most importantly, he emphasized practicing in moderation and recognizing when one needs to take a step back from their work.

To build community, artists may start by putting their name and work onto social platforms, where fans can put a face to the name. Knowing how to build, maintain, and communicate with an audience is crucial, and eventually, persistence pays off. "...figuring out who your tribe is, is important because they're gonna help build you up as your climbing up. And they're going to help keep you steady whenever things are seeming to fall apart. 
You know, the amount of encouragement that I get from my followers and people just like know me for my work. It, It's a feeling like none other. … Just having people to celebrate those victories and challenges with you is really, really special."

Various comics and books from RaiZArts' hard-to-find manga collection.

The evening concluded with a live drawing demo and presentation of RaiZArts' rare manga collection. "My favorite Twilight Angel drawing, which is my comic is probably page 7 from chapter 4. My favorite cover is definitely Chapter 4 cover as well. So, I think it's one of those things that, um, I'm going to just keep liking my stuff as I get further and further along."

To see more of RaiZArts' work, follow him on socials @RaiZArts and visit his website: RaiZArts – Imagination Elevated.