A "Secluded Artist" Finds Her People
Meet CAW Intern Amari Outlaw-Clark
(and her character Jackie “Strongwater” Nelson)
CAW Character Design Intern Amari Outlaw-Clark
Amari Outlaw-Clark is an intern in our Character Design program with FunPlus. She first came to our attention as a Youth Apprentice painting a mural for the lobby of Bronx Family Court. Amari graduated from Wadleigh Secondary School for Performing and Visual Arts in 2016 and is currently enrolled at Bronx Community College. We sat down with Amari to ask her about her experiences in our program, what she’s learned, her future plans, and what it’s like for a self-described “secluded artist” to find community online.
What made you decide to apply to the Character Design program and what are you hoping to get out of your experience?
My previous CAW Teaching Artist Valerie Hallier recommended that I apply. She remembered me expressing how much I wanted to venture into character design. I was nervous, because I’m so used to teaching myself art, but I was excited, because I knew I would have access to experiences and information that I wouldn’t have otherwise.
Tell us a few things about the character you are designing.
My character’s name is Jackie “Strongwater” Nelson. He is a 43-year-old fisherman who used to be a professional wrestler until he suffered a major arm injury. I created him early in the program and was able to develop him more and more with each session. For example, I was able to develop him further as I realized his personality more and more. He’s a big dude with a big heart. He has a love for the ocean but, most importantly, he loves his wife and children.
Jackie “Strongwater” Nelson, “a big dude with a big heart.” And a secret past.
What is the biggest thing you've learned in this program?
The biggest thing I learned from the program was the ability to tell a character's story with just their appearance. The way a character looks reveals so much about them – where they live, where they work, what they like to do. I realized the importance of visual communication and I wanted to expand on that the more I learned.
What has been your favorite assignment so far?
My favorite assignment so far has been the proportions assignment, in which we had to take one character and play with their body type. For example, how changing the length of a character’s legs and arms changes the essence of their design.
"My favorite assignment so far has been the proportions assignment, in which we had to take one character and play with their body type."
Early sketches. Amari drew inspiration from Mr. T from the “A Team,” Pixar’s Mr. Incredible and the title character from “Bob’s Burgers.”
How did you feel about the Q&A sessions with industry professionals?
I felt so lucky to be able to gain insights from successful artists who were part of the industry. The wisdom and knowledge they had to offer was inspiring and really motivated me to continue on my journey of becoming a character designer.
Tell us about your experience working on the mural for Family Court.
I was part of a group of Youth Apprentices who were commissioned by Bronx Family Court to create a mural for their lobby. It was titled “In Harmony’s Way,” and I presented it at the official unveiling. It was way out of my comfort zone as a “secluded artist.” I had to collaborate with both experienced and inexperienced artists, but it paid off in the long run and I was able to build skills I never knew I had before.
What was it like working with your Teaching Artist, Kristy McCarthy?
From day one, Kristy was this open, friendly, and relatable presence. She really did her best when it came to bringing myself and my fellow interns out of our shells. I was so impressed with her teaching style and the warm atmosphere she was able to create despite having to teach on an unconventional platform like Zoom meetings.
“Amari is such an incredible young artist! She’s been a joy to work with and I am consistently impressed by her maturity and her awesome character design. A retired wrestler who’s now a fisherman? I mean, c’mon! How cool is she?”
Facial Expression Exercise
In her own words…
Check out Amari’s artist statement on our Vimeo channel. All our Character Design interns will produced statements for their online portfolios. See all of them on our Character Design Web Magazine.
This Creative Art Works program was made possible, in part, by generous support from FunPlus.
This Creative Art Works program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.