The first time I heard of illustrator/artist Kadir Nelson was in a Sports Illustrated article highlighting the popular We Are The Ship about the Negro Leagues. I immediately went to the book store and flipped through a copy. I was truly amazed by the images Nelson created...so unique, detailed, and emotionally charged that it almost gives you chills.
Another book illustrated by Nelson that I recently found at my library is called Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson. Again, Nelson amazes me with his brilliant pictures. I don't think I could ever aspire to create images like he...his style is completely different from mine and he obviously focuses more on ultra-realism rather than the cartoony stuff I do. So I can only look his work in amazement.
One thing I can learn from him is passion. His passion for African-American culture and its role in sports history shines through each character and scene he creates. Every page evokes a deep emotion. Every page is stunning.
I like to focus on humor and "goofiness" in my work...but if I ever take on a project that is serious in nature...I hope that my work is enfused with a rivaling passion/emotion. For now, I can only admire.








