TAMANI McCOY

illustrator + photographer + nature enthusiast

WASHINGTON, D.C.

5 favorite musical artists of all time? 

I love music of all genres so this is hard but I would say:

1. Sade

2. Linkin Park

3. Janet Jackson

4. Utada Hikaru

5. Paramore

   
   

What inspires you? 

I have a short attention span so everything. I never grew out of my emo phase so definitely song lyrics I can visualize. I am currently do several mini watercolor illustrations based on Floetry’s song “Sunshine”, Ellie Goulding’s “Lights”, and Sarah Cothran’s “As the World Caves”. I am also a huge nerd. Folklore/mythology, anime, video games, and science all spend time as my muse's. I am also inspired by what I do not see. I daydream often about things like unknowns, and hypotheticals. What younger me would have wanted to see growing up also influences me.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Celebrate every win, even the seemingly insignificant ones. Others are not entitled to you, your space, or your attention, no is an answer. Your voice is just as important and you do not need to shrink yourself to make other’s comfortable. Not everyone needs a response but sometimes you gotta read people. Take more chances, you are greater then you think you are so put yourself out there.

What industry blogs/websites/podcasts do you enjoy?

I mainly use websites. I get frequent industry info through the Art Bound Initiative network. I also use Tongal, Creatively, C4E, and Artstation.

What do you think the future holds for people of color in creative industries?

I’m optimistic. Though companies and media are becoming more diverse it is still not fast enough in my opinion nor is it always done right. There are so many of us now and in the age of social media we are growing, connecting, telling our own stories and making places for ourselves and others like us. Our point view is not only needed but wanted. More people are demanding see themselves and others in what they consume and participate in. So the industry is definitely changing in our favor and for the better.

What is your dream job?

I want to have my own studio and gallery. If I had to give it a title I would say creative director. Ideally working for or by myself or with a small team. I want to help other artists who are just starting out, showcase amazing work, and be able to decide want companies I want to work with while still having time for personal creative endeavors. Ultimately something I can call my own. I want more than a job or even a career because I don’t see myself ever retiring from art. I love it too much so for me this is for life.

What skill(s) would you develop if you had more time? 

Definitely animation and UI design. While in college I also minored in biology and animal behavior so I have a strong interest in scientific illustration. I believe once I get better at using the adobe creative system this aspect of my portfolio will really stand out more.

What is the last thing you learned? 

In terms of life lessons I would say:

You pick your family. Being related does not entitle someone to a place in your life. Those that really care will show up for you regardless.

Career wise :

The creative industry uses linkedin a lot more than I thought especially compared to sites like Indeed. Sites like Working not Working and Talent Source are also heavily used.

What are you working on right now?

Mainly personal projects to continue building my portfolio. The smallest things lead to ideas for me, so I add it to my list of eventual drawings, paintings, photographs etc.

If you could talk to your favorite creative for an hour, who would it be? Why?

I would say Jacque A.(jacqueaye). While the concept black magical girls did not start with her she was one of the first creatives (that I saw) that made the idea into something concrete. She has a manga series, started a clothing line, a self care line and recently a podcast. She has always been very open about her mental health and how it influences what she does and why she does it. She used both her knowledge and her brand to create a safe space for woc but especially black women. For the girls that are cry babies, have anxiety, and like soft/cutesy things she is very relatable. Her being transparent about her emotions and personality in general, while also managing several successful businesses is something I admire and sympathize with.

What advice would you give to creatives of color looking to pursue their passion full-time?

Do not create work you are not happy with for the sake of making a bag or appeasing everyone. That crazy idea you have go for it. Those who get it will get it and those who don’t, well it wasn’t for them anyway. Study up on the business side of this industry. While it is important to make good art as a community we really need to understand contracts, copyrights, trademarks, taxes, and good business deals.

How do you keep your creative drip going? 

I stay curious and continue to learn. I step outside of my immediate interests often. Learning about new things leads to identifying new issues and challenges that could possible be solved via design.

Contact: tamani.r.m@gmail.com

Check out her portfolio for more of her work!