Who is "KOA" ? (TGF INTERVIEW)
We recently got the chance to learn more about Photographer/videographer KOA
We GOt some insight on her up and coming projects. Be on the look out for her own animated series titled "Social Just-Us"
Tell us a little about yourself, what is you name? Where are you from ?
My name is Tatyana Williams a.k.a KOA, I was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI
What are your favorite pieces of work ?
My favorite piece of work would have to be anything created in the 80's and 90's by African Americans. I believe it had such a powerful statement and message about unity and education in the black community and that's something I appreciate. A favorite piece of my own work would have to be the album that I'm working on right now, the past year has been honestly the toughest for me and I'm going through a transformation that I never thought I would meet and to me it's beautiful.
Describe your creative process?
I need complete silence. Eyes closed. And good vibes. I'm very much into energy and the ambiance of space and if it's not right then I can't be the best I could be thats why I surround myself with like-minded people and positive energy.
What do you like about TGF?
I like how different it is from other things that I have seen come out of Milwaukee so far. I've never seen a platform like this so close to home and I think it's great cause it's something that is beneficial to everyone of all flocks of life. We need something like TGF that is well known that can expose underground artists all over and expose young people to great things.
What got you into creating an animated series?
It was kind of something that was handed to me. I had appeared on Slick Living TV a couple years ago and someone who followed me contacted me on snapchat and told me they wanted to create a Superhero animated series with an all black cast and wanted to base one of them off of me and wanted me to Produce it as well and, learning to become an opportunist, I said yes and now here I am.
Who are some of your artistic inspirations?
I get my inspiration mostly from music and film, I find that visual art is what drives me. Influencers such as Michael Jackson, Spike Lee, Kurt Hugo Schneider, Sydney Poitier, TLC, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar and most recently Kehlani, SZA would have to be where I would base my style from.
Do you have any tips for those looking to get into photography/videography/animation?
Always say "Yes". Growing up I was a very shy person and still am, and I think it prohibited me from being able to network and get to where I needed to be because I was always so shy. So my advice is if someone comes up to you and ask you to be apart of something and it seems right for you then just say "yes" and see where the world takes you.