Painter Demar Douglas Waves A False Flag [With Exclusive Art]

DD: I have dedicated my entire life to the arts. My intro into the art world was my obsession with comics and animation at a young age. My mother at the time ran a very successful craft business, where I was assigned to paint detailed porcelain figurines to sell at craft shows. I recall a conversation when I was once discouraged from perusing art by an elementary school teacher who said that, "artist don't make money till they die."

My response was, "Can you please explain who draws all the animations and comic books, or who designs the cars and houses?" I will never forget her blank expression. She never said anything to me about art ever again. I felt victorious, vindicated, and validated.

Soon after, I aligned myself with the most talented kids in my class, and we formed NDA, the "New Drawing Crew." We created original artwork for our classmates to buy at lunchtime. While we built our mini Marvel-like universe, we created a line of original Black comics, something that we didn't see at the time.

Over the years as I continued to grow in skill and business savvy. My father, who was a very hard 9-5 worker and who had a side business installing sprinkler systems, pulled me aside, and he told me two things that forever changed my perception and trajectory in life. First, he told me that I should always set my goals high and shoot for the moon even if I miss ill be among the stars, but If I aim for the roof, I will never get off the ground. Next, he told me was about how it's great to have your passions and to chase after them, but it's always best to have a consistent job and create my dreams on the side because artists come a dime a dozen. I walked away from this heart to heart feeling inspired and like a caged bird. What a paradox, so on the one hand, I'm an eagle who can fly high, and the other hand should be shackled to an average job for stability.

I'm a pretty strong-willed human, so this convo pushed me in a way that I can only describe as becoming the best battle rapper in the world. I decided that I'm going to shine in all aspects of my artistry. I learned to become masterful in realism, too cartoonish and everything in between. I wasn't going to be a one-trick pony, nor only create in one style for my whole life. I became extremely versatile. To me, art is art; it's just how you apply it. Drawing Mickey Mouse or a realistic portrait of President Obama, it's exactly the same to me. This diversity has allowed me to freelance full-time in several fields, learning as I go.

BC: The work you've created for False Flag isn't your only foray into design and art; what other projects are you working on that might have made an impression?

DD: I recently finished illustrating an incredible children's book called I Love My Skin. It's about self-acceptance and having pride despite what others may think about you. I think it is important for young kids to learn to love themselves. I also illustrated an album cover for a famous NY rapper named Illa Ghee. I was in shock to see videos of it on the side of buildings in Times Square.

BC: How did you get involved with the False Flag project?

DD: The False Flag project was introduced to me by the amazing Hannibal Tabu shortly after meeting him on a podcast called Dad Is Not A Noun. I was illustrating a digital portrait of Prince to celebrate the release of his MPLS Sound book from Humanoids, and he really liked it. On the show, I said I'd like to collaborate, he was interested, and here we are.

DD: The Shop Steward is half swag, half amazing. He obviously is with the Union of the Snake; as you can see his belt, and gun holster is made of snakeskin. He is reminiscent of Nino Brown from New Jack City but has the charismatic charm of Negan from The Walking Dead.

DD: Yes, Damion was cast as Black Fury. The creative brief was very particular with the layout and design, so to reach out for a quick photoshoot was an awesome asset to have added to my arsenal. I feel like it gives a level of authenticity unrivaled by any other means.

DD: I was tasked with the unique opportunity to create Dani in a sexy but classy way, and depending on your perception of the story, a potential antagonistic portrayal. The fun challenge was to take reference from her IG and cast her into a fictional world

where "there are no sides" proved to be quite the conundrum.

DD: Issue four is a paradoxical battle to the death in a parallel reality where beauty and destruction meet at a four-way stop. Issue five is an amalgamation of the good, the bad, and military superiority!

BC: False Flag is listed as "season one." What can you tell us about the future of this story?

DD: The only thing I'm allowed to really say on the future is that when you strategically align all the dominoes' trajectory to an intersecting point, you can only expect things to fall apart. Just know that the tipping point has repercussions.

DD: My work can be found at DemarDouglas.com and on Instagram at @DemarDouglas.

DD: NO, THANK YOU. This is a dream come true, to even be on your radar.