Move in Silence: Ray Billingsley on Growing Up in Harlem, Creating Curtis & Surviving the Industry

Ray Billingsley has been drawing on a deadline since he was 12 years old. Curtis, the strip he dreamed up literally overnight in a rough Harlem apartment, has run in over 250 newspapers for more than 30 years, and in 2022, Ray became the first Black cartoonist to win the Reuben Award. J. Ack and Shadcore sit down with the legend for an hour-plus conversation covering everything from industry gatekeeping and the publisher who said "Blacks don't read" to why passion without discipline goes nowhere, and what's coming next, including a new animated project that will surprise everyone who thinks they know Ray Billingsley.Chapters/Timestamps:00:00 The Impact of Stereotypes in Publishing03:47 The Evolution of Characters and Writing Process05:15 Balancing Art and Education: A Young Prodigy08:34 The Role of Family in Shaping an Artist10:59 Portraying Father Figures: A Different Narrative12:54 Cultural Representation in Comics14:22 The Authentic Black Experience in Art17:13 Hip Hop's Influence on Art and Culture18:12 Challenges in Animation and Adaptation20:12 The Importance of Self-Publishing22:10 Influences and Pioneers in Comic Art24:38 Facing Industry Bias and Stereotypes27:01 The Birth of Curtis: A Personal Journey27:29 The Birth of Curtis: Inspiration and Dreams30:25 Creative Pressure: Thriving Under Deadlines34:43 Staying Relevant: Adapting Curtis to Modern Times39:29 Authenticity in Art: The Importance of Originality43:46 Engaging with Fans: The Value of Feedback45:42 Building Each Other Up: Community and Support50:59 Passion and Sacrifice: The Heart of SuccessConnect with Ray Billingsley: 🌐 Website: billingsleyart.com 📱 Facebook & Instagram: Search Ray Billingsley 📧 Email: [email protected] Come kick it with us at Conversations with a Creator