Name & birthplace?
Kenneth Carr, Atlanta GA

What is your current or most recent project? 
 I have many projects lined up, so I’m always busy, friends call me the graphic guru from the dirty south. If I’m not drawing in my notebook tablet then I’m out in the hot streets of Atlanta shooting up cityscapes and subway stations for upcoming projects. My most current project is a 45 page picture book featuring the Plastic characters from my book “Impossible.”  Plastics are teenage beauty queens working as high fashion models in the busy streets of Atlanta. Anyone who loves fashion, photography, and silly story plots of disgruntled super models will love this book. Readers can purchase my book by visiting www.lulu.com/content/723516 or www.cafepress.com/kentopia for t-shirts and book bags.  My product line is for everybody, male, female, young, and old.  I get my inspiration and motivation from traveling, hanging out friends or just being around other creative people.  I am working on top secret stuff so watch out for more in 08.

What is your earliest memory of being a writer?
Ever since I was little I’ve always enjoyed drawing on walls and the hardwood floors. I was real messy when I was a little boy. When were you first published and under what circumstances?  “Impossible” is my first published book.

How do you identify and nurture ideas for new projects?
I read books, look at fashion magazines, and watch runway shows on the internet. I also get ideas from Japanese cartoons and by listening to R&B, hip-hop, and new school house/ techno music.

What authors/writers/performers have influenced your artistic style?  
Aaron McGruder of “The Boondocks,” there’s nothing that can really top his stuff and his accomplishments. He’s a big influence in my work.

What is the biggest misconception about you and/or your work?  
It’s not understood by all. When I was sending my work out to different publications I got a lot of negative feedback. A very popular music video channel wanted me to re-submit my work copyright free so I would lose ownership.  The music channel was looking for new writers and concept producers to work on a cartoon series. A highly successful African American women’s magazine said that my work was too ghetto fabulous.  Another well known nameless company told me my work was too black.  I’ve since stopped submitting work to publication companies.  I thought it would be better if I submitted my stuff to an art rep. That didn’t work out; one company wrote me back and said, “This kind of material promotes gang violence.  What kind of thoughts were going through your mind when you submitted these art files?” I remember being thrown out of the YMCA because the director didn’t like my portfolio. I was referred to the Y because they were looking for art prints to display in the lobby. The director said, “Mr. Carr these kids need to have on school uniforms and their pants need to be pulled up. They should be in school not hanging around in the subway station looking for trouble. I need you to pack up all your stuff and get out of my office.” Can you believe that? It’s been a rocky road for me. But it’s like every experience that I’ve encountered has been an adventure. I’m contemplating hiring a camera crew to follow me around Atlanta so everybody can see the craziness that I have to encounter on a daily basis when I’m presenting my art work to people.  Maybe then we all can get a good laugh!!

What advice would you give aspiring writers?
 A wise man once said, “…if you can’t be a part of the greatest you have to become the greatest yourself.”  Busta Rhymes. Follow his words.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Somewhere probably married hopefully with kids, with a mega corporate empire of children’s stationary and gifts. I might even be the next P Diddy.  I have a real good business sense for retail.

To purchase Ken’s book, t-shirt or book bag visit www.cafepress.com/kentopia or www.lulu.com/content/723516.