My name is Derek Allen, a 34 year old Philly native who has always had a passion for creative writing. Growing up in the early 90’s, “The Uncanny X-Men” had a huge influence on me. I was intrigued by the various superheroes and villains who all had different powers and abilities. These inspirations along with my love for astrology, caused my imagination to run wild. Fueling me to create my own Earth based/cosmic hero named Akolyte. Konkret Comics was officially launched February 2019, alongside Jermael Lessey, and Onaji Rouse. Each with their own flagship heroes who alongside Akolyte exist in the Konkret Universe.
1.) You went from music to comics, which shows versatility. What made you say to yourself that you wanted to do art for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models? Fiction and/or nonfiction? What made you start Konkret Muzik and then venture out into Konkret Comics?
Well, I’ve always been a huge comic book fan. I used to be a cartoonist when I was younger. I was pretty good at it and at one point I even landed a free summer scholarship to The Moore College of Arts in Philadelphia, PA. Being a comic book creator was always a dream of mine. However, I didn’t realize that I could create comics myself until recently. My music was actually what led me to this path of being a published comic book creator. In 2018 I was hired to do a theme song for an independent comic titled “Dark Eagle” by Miles Sylas. Reading the script to understand the character and how I was going to deliver the song, and it was what inspired me to get back into comics. Up until that time I had no clue about the indie comic community. It blew my mind when I found out that they were people just like me, doing something that I thought was impossible. So I dove in. I studied the indie Comic scene for months. Learning the ends and outs. Coming from the music industry, I had a great concept of marketing and promotion so that helped a lot.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist in both music and comics, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then what separates you from other artists out there?
I wouldn’t compare myself to anyone, I believe art is unique and different in all forms. I will say that I grew up studying folks like Bruce Lee. I watched Tupac, I witnessed Puff Daddy build the dynasty of Bad Boy. Will Smith is also one of my biggest influences, being from the same city as me. His example changed my mentality. I would say I adopted their drive for success. The hunger to meet my goals and to keep going even when I feel like quitting. As another hometown hero Kobe Bryant would say, I have the mamba mentality. That’s what sets me apart from others.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on your style of art? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming an artist and entrepreneur?
Watching my mother battle lupus and my father needing a kidney has had a huge influence on me. Life is too short and you never know what obstacles are coming. So I live my life to the fullest and I put my fears and insecurities in the pages of Akolyte “ The Son of a Supreme.”
4.) How do you prepare yourself to create? What is your process of creating?
I have several ways I prepare. First I need to be completely relaxed and clear minded. I usually start the process with one of my favorite PS4 games. Or I watch some classic cartoons like X-men or the old Spider-Man cartoon. It puts me in the space to create and elaborate on my own story and how I could piece it together smoothly. Then I whip out my laptop and begin writing.
5.) Unfortunately the creative industry is full of talented individuals who more or less become the “starving artist” and don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What have you been doing to ensure that your business is seen and heard through all of the noise?
I promote and market strategically. Control the narrative and create a demand. Simple.
6.) Would you rather work for a big corporation or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? What makes one better than the other?
To remain independent is to remain free. The deal would need to be absolutely perfect for me to go the other way and sign with a major. I plan on being a major myself.
7.) Making a living through art is obviously a desire for most, if not, all artists, so is that something that you have been able to do? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your business?
I believe in my product so I invest in it. Konkret Comics is 100% self-funded. As well as the creators under Konkret Comics. We all invest in each other. As far as making money, we have a steady flow of sales streaming in which is awesome. The goal is to sell enough comics to produce the comics, which will lead into other things we plan to do.
8.) It looks like Akolyte is the flagship character of Konkret Comics. What made you come up with the character and what was that process like? How does he hold up against the likes of mainstream characters such as Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, etc.?
Akolyte is my personal flagship character yes, and he is part of the big 3 flagship characters that Konkret Comics publishes. The inspiration behind Akolyte was my father and myself. I’ve always wanted to be someone who could create change. Not only for this world but the Universe. I’m a huge fan of astrology and I’ve always wanted to go to the stars to discover new things. With Akolyte I am able to do that. I can do everything I’ve ever dreamed of in the storytelling of Akolyte.
9.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s economy if they’re not social media savvy? How do you think the internet and social media affected the creative industry and how artists are able to put their product out there?
I think everyone should have a strong presence online and in person. The benefits of social media is that you have the ability to connect with the world. Literally! Your reach is limitless.
10.) Artists who try to create art for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your art stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “water down” your brand?
That goes back to my point about remaining independent. You control the narrative. You don’t have to water anything down when you are the boss of your own creation.
11.) It seems that black entrepreneurs have to really fight to be seen and heard in a world that more or less doesn’t embrace black business. With that being said, what are some issues that you feel that black business owners face when it comes to gaining the momentum necessary to compete in a white-dominated capitalistic society?
I don’t think there are any issues. I believe it’s a mindset. The only time you face those types of issues is when you try to fit into a space you are not welcomed. We need to create our own space. We don’t need to be validated by a white dominated society to be deemed successful. That’s the mindset that many have. I am creating my own space with like-minded entrepreneurs. I will never try to fit in.
12.) If black entrepreneurship is one of many avenues to black economic empowerment, do you think we will see more black entrepreneurs coming on the scene? If so, what do you think it will take for black business to truly compete in a world that seems to be rapidly advancing?
As previously stated, we need our own space. We set the standards, we set the rules. There is so much raw talent in the black community right now. We could be a powerhouse over night if we all came together and moved as a community. At the end of the day, we just need to create our own space.
13.) What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in the arts, specifically music and comics?
Study the business of it before you dive in. Learn how to protect yourself. Take your time. Be humble and eager to learn.
14.) The music industry has changed drastically, to the point where artists are not able to sell music the way they used to. The superhero movie genre has taken off like never before but comic books as a medium is still somewhat frowned upon by people who are not fans. There are multiple ways of building a following, so what are some ways you build your following? How have you been able to attract the type of fans necessary to invest in your art?
Connecting with our audience on a personal level has been key. We don’t consider them fans. They are family, so we treat them as such. As long as you Keep it Konkret with us, we will keep it Konkret with you.
15.) Professionally, where do you see yourself and Konkret Comics 5 years from now?
100 times bigger than we are right now. We have goals that go beyond just comics. These books are laying the groundwork for our dreams to truly flourish. We are all just one moment away from our big break. It could be 5 minutes or 5 years from now. The goal is to be prepared for it.
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