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Sherwyn Terrance Anthony Williams is a children’s author, illustrator, graphic designer and visual artist who marries “creativity with commercialism and digital art” to create stories “for us by us”. His “exploration and curiosity”  helped him find his passion and bring joy to children, and their parents as he connects through his art. Here is this young creative’s story:

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My childhood was fun. I grew up around a massive family, which meant lots of entertainment. The elders in my family were incredibly wise and adventurous so a good story was always the highlight of my interactions with them. I think it is there that my love for storytelling began. I really value the time I spent with my grandmother as well. I saw her give her very last out of love for her grandchildren. While my parents were often off making a living, my extended family really adopted a village mentality and stepped in wherever necessary. Whether we were with my parents, my grandmother or aunts and uncles, we were always together. 

“A blur of experimentation”

As I look back on my younger years, I think they were all a blur of experimentation. I tried anything that allowed me to be creative.  I started as a photographer, and I took it very seriously. Those images opened many doors for me as a young guy finding his footing. I learned a lot and formed a great bond and network with many of the talents with whom I had the pleasure of working. They’ve stayed with me through my many creative transitions. Coming out of that chapter, I gained two close friends and together, we conceptualized many projects for magazines, websites and stores. When I began working at 17 years, I was able to invest in my passions. At that time,  I also kept busy and kept learning. I  am surprised at the focus and drive I had during those years. They really helped to sharpen my creative eye and vision.

I always knew art would play a part in whatever path I chose.  Naturally, I took up art in secondary school and was introduced to graphic design by a teacher some time after. The idea of marrying creativity with commercialism and digital art was enough to convince me. Since I had studied Fine Arts, digital illustration piqued my curiosity and my studies would then be focused on Graphic Design. In those years, I also taught myself illustrative techniques but it wasn’t until I began illustrating cartoony versions of my friends that I realised that I was actually doing something interesting. When the idea of authoring picture books came, it was a comfortable transition as I simply married my graphic design, illustration and sstory-telling interests to do it. It was the  result of exploration and curiosity.

“Books made by us, for us”

Many people have asked me “why do you focus on children’s books?” I wish I could say this was all part of an elaborate plan that I had but honestly, it found its way to me. I had dreamed of creating my own animated show here in Trinidad that will be unique to us. I often drew random doodles with ideas that were meant for this imaginary show and one day, while sitting at work, I doodled this curly haired little girl in a tutu. Years later, I would stumble upon that doodle and begin sketching scenes for the show I imagined for the character and it struck me, a picture book!

Representation is important for me and it often influences my process.My characters and stories are based on my own reality and experiences. I hope that if I could relate to them, then those like me hopefully could as well.  Recently, parents started expressing their satisfaction with the representation and cultural references found within the stories. I also discovered at a recent visit that teachers were using my book as part of their lesson plans. I never thought I would see the day where something I created would be used in a classroom! For me, it was simply just fun storytelling, but I acknowledge the importance of having books made by us, for us.  

“To witness the connection…is something special”

This may seem corny, but I love seeing the children’s reactions to my work. That has been really rewarding for me. When you create anything, you’re just excited to have created it but to witness a connection between that creation and anyone, is something special.

As an artist, you sometimes struggle with the idea of having to settle for “a desk job” that isn’t within the field you’re passionate about, just to survive. Things are changing and I believe that now, there’s greater respect for artists in the corporate world. We can also create our own opportunities and don’t have to focus solely on local opportunities. We can provide our services internationally and grow a brand for ourselves. This has been really enlightening for me.

“I appreciate the intention now”

My parents were very supportive of my love for art and I am really grateful for that as many other artists may not have been as fortunate. I was “lucky” enough to be trained in Fine Arts during the July-August vacation all throughout my secondary school life. Looking back, I wish I didn’t have to surrender all the free time but I certainly appreciate the intention now. I also appreciated Trinity College East (BATCE) because that environment really allowed the students to focus on their interests. Besides having a wide range of subjects, their extracurricular activities were numerous. I had the great pleasure of performing competitively at The Caribbean Secondary Schools’ Drama Festival. My group, brilliant teacher Mr Smart and I were one of the first to perform at NAPA. That was a very cool experience. 

All those years of training paired with my exposure to Graphic Design during the last few years of secondary school, really grounded me as a creative and I went on to pursue a degree in Graphic Design. Fine Arts and Graphic Design are the main foundations that really granted me a lot of room to explore other creative areas like illustration. However, opportunities, curiosity and exploration brought me to this unique blend of a career as an author-illustrator-graphic designer and visual artist.

“They  keep you grounded”

As an artist/creative, many things inspire me. When it comes to my art, almost everything is inspiration. I use a lot of real-life references during my creative process. Every character or line is inspired by something or someone I’ve come across in real life. A colour could inspire a mood or an entire story. Film and cinematography are also major inspirations for me. I really aspire to create cinematic-like illustrations and stories. I want it all to feel immersive like a movie. Every page.

My inspiration comes also from my family and the people I have around me. I’m really fortunate to be surrounded by encouraging, like-minded and equally ambitious individuals. It’s rewarding in so many ways because they manage to keep you grounded and often remind you of what you’re truly capable of.

In addition to those mentioned above, I look up to and receive inspiration from so many people! Genndy Tartakovsky is one of my favorite story-tellers ever. He works in film and television and his cinematic tropes and genius characterization blows my mind. I often look to his work when I feel stuck or in need of inspiration. Matthew A. Cherry, the author and director of Hair Love has also been a great inspiration for me. His screenplay Hair Love got picked up by Sony and the short film premiered in 2019. Such a pivotal moment in the fight for representation. Many of my colleagues and friends are local performers and do an amazing job to keep our culture relevant. From copywriting, commercial production, directing, modeling, make-up, theatre, music and dance! They all inspire me greatly. 

To the creative that may not have the support of their family, I’d say, find your tribe. We all have friends who are like family who may fill that void and provide the necessary support. You should also find individuals that are like you and are willing to share in your experiences. It takes time but it’s worth it. 

To that  teenager who may be a little confused right now about careers and the future, don’t be worried just be purposeful. Put pen to paper or fingers to keypad. Make a list of pros and cons. Create a map to the ideal career and if you can’t do that, then try doing some research. Don’t be afraid of the unknown or what other people deem as “impossible.” Stay focused and take it one step at a time.

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Sherwyn Terrance Anthony Williams is the author of The Adventures of Jada which can be sourced at most local bookstores or amazon.com. He is a former student of Western Boys’ and Rosary Boys RC Schools; Trinity College East (BATCE) and COSTAATT, all in Trinidad.