All Stories Matter - David F. Gakodi, Concept Artist and so much more Part II

Updated 2 days ago

I think you will be entertained and inspired by the second part of David's interview. Still in his early 20s, David has lived an abundant life flavored with loving parents, grandparents, a rich African foundation, a fierce independence influenced by his father and grandmother and a heaping spoonful of self-actualization inspired by caring teachers and professors. You’ll want to listen and share David’s story with those you love.

Chapters

Introduction to the Guest (00:00:20)
The host introduces the guest, David, and discusses the interest in his intriguing life story, which was recorded previously.

The host begins by expressing a strong interest in the intriguing details of the guest's life, leading to a recorded interview in the studio. The host is excited about bringing David back for another session due to the overwhelming interest and the need for more time to cover his story.
David's Background and Story (00:00:44)
David shares his background, highlighting his experiences growing up in various places and eventually settling in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

David recounts his upbringing in various locations, starting from Boise, Idaho, moving through the Atlanta metro area, and finally residing in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He also mentions spending time in New York with his grandmother, where he had the memorable experience of visiting the Sesame Street studio.
Grandmother's Influence and Legacy (00:02:00)
David talks about his grandmother's impressive life, her achievements, and the impact she had on him, including her career as a lawyer and author.

David describes his grandmother as a remarkable woman who achieved much in her lifetime. She was a lawyer, a prolific author, and a polyglot, knowing multiple languages including French. Her adventurous and pioneering spirit was a significant influence on David's outlook and aspirations.
Discovering Identity and Purpose (00:03:01)
David reflects on his lack of a fixed place and how it gave him time to think about his identity and what he wanted to become.

David shares that not being tied to a single place gave him the opportunity to reflect on his identity and purpose. Moving frequently meant encountering diverse people and experiences, which expanded his worldview. He realized the importance of having a purpose beyond mere existence.
Artistic Beginnings (00:04:00)
David shares how he discovered his passion for art during his school years, particularly when he had to repeat a grade.

During his time in school, David found himself bored and uninterested in the curriculum, having to repeat a grade. He turned to drawing and creating comic books, which sparked his interest in art. This period of artistic exploration laid the foundation for his future career aspirations.
Family Expectations and Career Choices (00:08:00)
David discusses the pressure of family expectations regarding career paths, particularly in the medical field, and his decision to pursue art.

David talks about the prevalent expectation in his family to pursue careers in stable fields like nursing or medicine. Despite the pressure, he chose to pursue his passion for art, even though it was met with skepticism. He shares how his mother, a nurse, questioned his decision but he remained determined.
Exploring Other Interests in High School (00:10:15)
In high school, David explored other interests like music and programming, which helped him solidify his passion for art.

During his high school years, David experimented with other interests such as playing in the band and learning programming. Although he enjoyed music and played percussion, he found programming frustrating. These experiences reaffirmed his desire to pursue a career in art.
Cultural Heritage and Reflection (00:14:00)
David reflects on his cultural heritage and the complex history of race and identity, including his family's Portuguese ancestry.

David delves into his family's history, discussing his light-skinned grandmother and the revelation of Portuguese ancestry. He shares insights into the complex history of race and identity, drawing parallels with the broader African diaspora and the historical context of slavery.
Historical Context and Personal Growth (00:20:30)
David discusses the importance of understanding historical context in shaping personal identity and growth.

David emphasizes the significance of historical context when evaluating the past, particularly in relation to race and identity. He talks about the book 'Kindred' by Octavia Butler and how it resonates with his own experiences. The discussion highlights the complex interplay of history, identity, and personal development.
Rediscovering Art (00:28:40)
The speaker discusses how they returned to drawing and art during high school and COVID, finding joy in creative expression.

The speaker talks about how they initially lost interest in their previous pursuits and rediscovered a passion for drawing and art. They mention how a gift from their art teacher in high school sparked their interest again, and how the onset of COVID and having more free time allowed them to delve deeper into digital painting and creative projects.
Choosing a University (00:29:05)
The speaker reflects on their decision-making process regarding which university to attend, ultimately choosing Michigan State University for its specific program.

The speaker discusses their considerations when choosing a university. They explain how they were not particularly excited about Western and were evaluating options like Michigan and Michigan State. Ultimately, they decided on Michigan State University because it offered a program in games and interactive media, which was not available at Michigan.
Adapting to College Life (00:30:34)
The speaker describes their experience adapting to college life at Michigan State University, highlighting cultural adjustments and diversity challenges.

The speaker shares their experience of moving to East Lansing for college and the cultural adjustments they had to make. They describe how Michigan State University was a much larger and more diverse environment compared to their high school, Kalamazoo Central, which had a majority black student body. The transition involved navigating predominantly white spaces and dealing with microaggressions.
Influential Professors (00:32:09)
Influential professors at Michigan State University shaped the speaker's understanding of art and design through philosophical and practical lessons.

The speaker mentions two notable professors, Ricardo Giran and Andrew Dennis, who significantly influenced their education. Ricardo Giran, a Brazilian concept artist, taught the importance of philosophical thinking in art, while Andrew Dennis focused on practical skills in animation and 3D modeling. The speaker emphasizes the value of these classes in shaping their understanding of art as both a creative and technical discipline.
Triple A S Classes Impact (00:36:34)
Triple A S classes on African and African American studies provided the speaker with profound insights into black history and culture.

The speaker describes how taking African and African American Studies (Triple A S) classes at Michigan State University enriched their understanding of black history and cultural contributions. They highlight the influential teaching of Dr. Struthers, who helped them appreciate the impact of black artists and thinkers in various fields, including science fiction.
Concept Art Explained (00:41:46)
The speaker explains the role of a concept artist, who designs visual elements during pre-production for films and games.

The speaker provides a detailed explanation of what a concept artist does. They describe how concept artists work during the pre-production phase of a project, creating visual designs based on the director's or designer's ideas. These designs help visualize characters, environments, and other elements before the final production begins.
Career Aspirations and Inspirations (00:48:52)
The speaker shares their aspirations to solve problems through art and draws inspiration from artists like Basquiat.

The speaker talks about their future goals of using art to solve problems and connect with people. They express admiration for artists like Basquiat, who communicated powerful messages through their work. They aspire to create art that represents different cultures and speaks to universal themes.
AI's Impact on Art (00:54:29)
The speaker discusses the potential impact of AI on art, emphasizing the importance of human connection and purpose in creative work.

The speaker reflects on how AI might influence the art world. They argue that while AI can generate aesthetically pleasing images, it lacks the human ability to convey purpose, emotion, and connection. They believe that art's true value lies in its ability to communicate human experiences and that people will continue to seek art created by humans for its depth and meaning.
The Soulless Art Debate (00:57:14)
Discussion on the perception of some art as lacking soul and spirit, sparking a debate about the essence of true art.

The conversation begins with a discussion about certain forms of art being perceived as having no soul or spirit. This leads to a debate about what makes art truly valuable and whether an artist's work can stand up to artificial intelligence.
Purposeful Creation (00:57:39)
Exploration of the importance of creating art with meaning and purpose, emphasizing the value of having a unique voice.

The speakers discuss the idea that art should be created with purpose and meaning. They emphasize the importance of having one's own voice and ideas, which can resonate with others and make the artwork meaningful.
Essence of Characters (00:58:16)
A character's soul and backstory are vital to their essence, creating a deeper connection with the audience.

The discussion turns to the importance of characters having a soul and backstory. Even characters like Mario, known through generations, have an essence that connects with people on a deeper level, making them memorable and impactful.
The Podcast Encounter (00:58:46)
A chance meeting leads to a podcast invitation, showcasing the spontaneity of genuine human connections.

One speaker recounts how a chance encounter at the KIA led to an invitation to join a podcast. This story highlights the organic nature of human interactions and how meaningful connections can form unexpectedly.
Heartfelt Goodbye (00:59:20)
The conversation concludes with expressions of gratitude and mutual appreciation, underscoring the depth of the discussion.

As the podcast episode wraps up, the speakers express deep gratitude and appreciation for each other. They reflect on the meaningful and spiritual nature of their conversation, acknowledging the profound connection they have shared during the discussion.