We’re looking forward to introducing you to Isaiah Holley. Check out our conversation below.
Isaiah, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Recently, I’ve been spending more time playing video games and reading comic books. These forms of media influence my artistic expression and often help me overcome creative blocks. When the weather is nice, I love taking my girlfriend on picnics where we do arts and crafts outdoors and watch some of our favorite series, such as Dragon Ball, Marvel’s Punisher, and Daredevil. I also have a close group of friends from middle and high school that I love spending time with. Whenever we get the chance, we play sports, have game nights, go out to eat, or watch movies together.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an artist. As a reference, when I was a child, I wasn’t the top pick for teams during recess, but when school group assignments required artistic attention to detail, I was the first choice among all my classmates. I always had the patience and perseverance needed to grow as a young artist, and I was blessed enough to have a family that provided me with the materials to create to my heart’s content.
Over the years, I’ve explored a wide range of art styles and mediums, but in this stage of my life, I’ve chosen to focus on digital art, using a comic style to portray a more expressive version of the world we live in. I draw inspiration from various forms of media—such as games, comics, shows, and music—to create artwork that resonates with and appeals to consumers of urban culture. I also enjoy incorporating real-world references that connect meaningfully to the main subject I’m illustrating, as they help me feel more connected to my work.
My brand focuses on pop culture, and my illustrations depict recognizable figures from our society, capturing their aura, persona, and alter egos. My designs are printed on stickers, posters, apparel, and, more recently, phone cases. I draw consistently—whether for practice or with the intention of creating a polished product—but over the past year, I’ve stepped back from social media engagement to disconnect. I’m now working on improving my social media presence and making my products more accessible by recording more video footage of my artistic process, adding voice-overs, and linking Shopify to all my social channels for a seamless shopping experience.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
After my freshman year at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, I began testing the waters for my small print and apparel business. My dad mentioned that in my hometown of Holly Springs, North Carolina, the Chamber of Commerce organized artisan markets during the summer. Soon after, I learned how to scan and prepare my original hand drawings for digital printing on both paper and fabric.
Inspired by the Marvel posters that hung on my bedroom walls as a child, I decided to print multiples of my original drawings on premium heavyweight paper to sell at the local market. After gathering essentials like easels, banners, a poster display bin, tables, and a tent, it was time to set up shop. At that stage of my life, my focus was on realism, and I mainly sold prints of my animal drawings. I stood out as a vendor because I actively drew at my booth, allowing people to watch my process as I created detailed 18×24-inch illustrations using nothing more than a simple Bic pen. I spoke with people of all ages and handed out my favorite pens to small children as encouragement. One day, when foot traffic had slowed, I kept my head down, focused on drawing. When I finally looked up, a huge crowd had gathered to watch me work and purchase my art. This 2017 experience confirmed that people were not only interested in purchasing my work and watching my process, but also in returning the following year, specifically to see me in person. I’ll never forget those moments—the support I receive, whether in person or online, means the world to me.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I started college at UNCP in 2016, and I often think back to my life on campus. I miss living just a short walk from the art department. Whenever I felt alone, needed feedback on a project, or required more space or materials, I could go to the studio to work and enjoy the warm company of my colleagues and professors.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My friends would say that they matter to me, along with my family and girlfriend. They also know I take my adult responsibilities seriously and value time management. I strive to live a balanced life—making time for the people and passions that matter, while also prioritizing self-care.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I strive to be remembered as someone who had the integrity to always do what is right, showed love to others, and was an unstoppable force in relentlessly pursuing his goals. I also hope my mindfulness is something people can learn from, as it shapes how I see the world and face challenges. I believe the mind should be a healthy and safe space.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://isaiahunc.wixsite.com/website
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistic_shadows_98/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiah-holley-842123164/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaiah.holley.98/
- Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/artisticshadows98
Personal Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/izaiah_holley/
