So I did an illustration for an excellent article by Lex Pryor about the movie Do The Right Thing and it was published over at The Ringer.
And Spike Lee, the director of Do The Right Thing, saw the illustration and liked it enough that he decided to call me up and tell me so personally. On my phone. For like 10 minutes. The director of Do The Right Thing. Malcolm X. He Got Game. Clockers. 25th Hour. BlacKkKlansman. One of the most consequential filmmakers of the past few decades. The. Spike. Lee.
Then he bought the illustration.
Or anyway the drawings that are the foundation of any illustration that I do. They all start with pencil, then a watercolor brush with ink.
Then, if I’m doing my own personal work, I tend to use watercolors over the inks. Layers of watercolors.
But for professional work, I take the line work into photoshop and put everything together with digital colors. Then I… man. Spike Lee liked this illustration so much that he took the time to find my information and then called me and bought it. This is a different kind of high. I think I need to take a minute.
Cheers.
I just wish I still had that Angel doodle you did for me back when we were all stationed in Germany. I used to keep it in my bible. So proud of of you and your work.
Congrats my friend! Well earned respect.
Did you believe it was him right away or did you think you were being punked? What a very cool experience. Congrats.
You are so incredibly talented, and I am not surprised! Your work is beautiful! Never stop!
Congratulations, Nate the Great!!! Awesome talent and an Awesome person!
I mean, why not? Why wouldn’t Spike Lee call you? OF COURSE he called you! True artists recognize true artists. Well done, Nate.
Congratulations Nate!!!
Wow! What a talent. I still have the strawberry astronaut for that artshow. Love and Light that you’re making waves for the culture. Congratulations 🎉
I’m proud to be your #1 fan. This is well deserved recognition. Maybe I’ll go watch some old Spike Lee movies. All I’m seeing right now is old commercials with MJ. It’s gotta be the shoes… Maybe there is a Mars Blackmon illustration coming! By the way, you should have illustrated AND written that article instead of Lex Pryor. You’re as good a writer as illustrator.