Find Your Voice, Change Your Life #109 Illustrated Black History: Unveiling the Iconic and Unseen Voices of America
Today, I interview George McCalman who has always found solace in his art, which has served as a safe haven for him to freely express his thoughts and feelings. Against all odds, he rose. An African American in a white neighborhood, he defied discrimination. With creativity as his weapon, he forged his path to self-discovery.
McCalman is an artist and creative director based in San Francisco. He is known for his design studio, McCalman Co., which collaborates with a diverse range of cultural clients. George is also a columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, where he documents Bay Area culture in his observed and first-person columns. His first book, "Illustrated Black History: Honoring The Iconic and Unseen," was published in 2022.
George's journey has not been without its struggles, having experienced the challenges of finding his voice and identity as an artist. Growing up in Grenada and later moving to New York City, George had to navigate being a young boy in a new educational system and culture. However, his introspective nature, sensitivity, and keen observations of the world around him shaped his perspective and artistic talents.
With the influence of his mother and grandmother, George discovered his love for art and storytelling at a young age. Despite initially doubting his identity as an artist, he eventually embraced it and found his voice through the creation of meaningful illustrations. George's artistic journey has been marked by a pivotal moment in Mexico City, where he realized that he could merge his roles as an artist and art director. Since then, he has dedicated himself to both disciplines, continuing to explore and celebrate the stories and histories of marginalized voices in America through his art.
Join us as we delve into the world of George McCalman, witnessing the profound impact of his artistry, and discovering the resilience and determination that have propelled him on this extraordinary journey. Prepare to be captivated by his unique vision, as we explore how one individual's struggle can become an unyielding source of inspiration for us all.
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Educated as a fine art painter with a focus on philosophy, McCalman defines himself as an artist and creative director. In practice, that means he illustrates, designs, and writes about the complex concepts he explores in his work.
Other than being an artist, he is a creative director and Co-Principal of McCalman.Co. His background in the editorial world is a foundation of his storytelling, and his fine art practice has reframed his perspective on the importance of design. A culture columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, McCalman’s first book Illustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and the Unseen won the 2023 NAACP Award for Outstanding Literary Work as well as profound accolades by The New Yorker’s Hilton Als, NPR, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Fast Company and many others.
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Find George here:
https://www.mccalman.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-mccalman-7b705a5/
https://www.facebook.com/mccalman.co
https://www.instagram.com/george.mccalman/
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/illustrated-black-history-george-mccalman?variant=39981632782370
I’m Dr. Doreen Downing and I help people find their voice so they can speak without fear. Get the Free 7-Step Guide to Fearless Speaking https://www.doreen7steps.com.