Meet the Creator: Karalang

Our next creator in the MTC series uses his magical touch to create inspiring pop art pieces in a Disney art style. You’ve probably seen some of his work floating around your timeline from time to time, and never took. the time to dive into his world. Meet the Creator, Karalang.

What is your real name if you don’t mind me asking?

My real name is Karalang, I think it’s a very uncommon name but it originates from Gambia. It was my grandfather’s name. I’m not sure what the exact meaning is, but i think it had something to do with “person of wisdom”, teacher or something like that.

Where did you get the name Disney Prince from?

A lot of people think that @disneyprince came from my art style but it was completely random. I took the username on instagram when it was available. I just think it’s easy to remember and people can find me easier online, that’s how my client for “Mad at Disney” found me actually. So it worked out with my art style I guess.

How long have you been an artist?

I think I’ve always been an artist. I remember growing up dressing up as a power ranger and creating weapons, nunchucks and swords out of paper, decorating my toys with paint, drawing my favorite characters, roleplaying, etc. I also did theatre as a kid. All this creative stuff I was doing in my free time got me into youtube tutorials and then I slowly began creating my own youtube videos. I did art in school but I think I got like an E in my GCSES. I did YouTube with the intention of making a career out of it and that’s how I started with graphic design 4 years ago. 2 years later I started drawing and the rest is history.

What are some of your favorite subjects to draw?

Anime and Music, any anime or music that I’m listening to at the time, that’s what I draw. I also create moodboards and save a lot of images that I like. I have a whole catalog of books, images, screenshots and pictures that I later use in my work.

Do you feel like there is a lack of representation in the cartoon/animation industry?

Definitely, we need more black everything.

Who are some of your favorite black artists?

My favorite black artists are Rammellzee and Basquiat. Other amazing artists I want to mention are Sean Williams, Blu Boy, Andre O’Shea and there’re so many other amazing black artists. Those 5 really stand out to me.

Looking from the outside in, what do you think America can do different to deal with the COVID-19 crisis?

Just WEAR A MASK, honestly.

What is your advice for the next generation of young black creatives?

There are great black creatives, artists, painters, directors, writers out there and they are examples of what you could be. Growing up in a small Spanish city, I never knew there were black creatives like that. So, be so great that you’re an example to black kids around the world as well as the US.