Marcel Glenn
Marcel Glenn’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing, culture, and a lifelong passion for creativity. Born to a Jamaican mother and an American father from Cleveland, he was surrounded by artistic and cultural influences from an early age. His father would sketch superheroes for him on demand, while his mother instilled a love of storytelling through Bible readings and discussions about Civil Rights leaders. The vibrant imagery of African and Jamaican art filled his childhood home, with a portrait of Bob Marley still hanging there today. This early exposure to visual storytelling and self-expression laid the foundation for his creative path.
Glenn pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design at The Ohio State University, minoring in Media Writing. His education was both rigorous and rewarding, challenging him to master creative software, animation, and design principles. The training he received prepared him for a career in corporate design, working with companies such as The J.M. Smucker Co., McGraw Hill Education, Cleveland State University, and RocNation. His time in the corporate world helped him refine his artistic voice, blending professional design techniques with his passion for highlighting Black culture and marginalized communities. He observed how Black people were often misrepresented or portrayed as monoliths in mainstream media and wanted to create artwork that empowered young people by allowing them to see themselves in a positive, dynamic light.
Glenn’s artistic style is heavily influenced by comic book aesthetics, Afrofuturism, and vibrant visual storytelling. He draws inspiration from various sources, whether it’s the way sunlight hits a tree during a run, a video game he plays, or an artist he admires like Pepe Larraz, Lucas Peinador, or Russell Dauterman. His work is a fusion of illustration, digital painting, and vector elements, incorporating bold color schemes and intricate details. One of his standout pieces, The Pride of Our Masks, was inspired by a poem by Paul Laurence Dunbar. The artwork, depicting a young Black man with dreadlocks in protest, won an award and was recognized among the top 10 artists in Cleveland, presented to him by Mayor Justin Bibb.
His creative process begins with brainstorming and sketching out ideas in a notebook before illustrating them digitally. Whether working from his iPad at home, outside, or even in an office setting, he remains constantly inspired by his surroundings. When facing creative blocks, he turns to design blogs, comic book websites, and visual platforms like Pinterest to reignite his imagination.
For Glenn, art is a means of representation and empowerment. His goal is for people to see themselves in his work, to connect with the details in a character’s face, hands, or eyes, and feel a deep emotional response. One of his most fulfilling experiences was exhibiting at the National Health Equity Conference and Red Space gallery, where he had the opportunity to witness people of all backgrounds engaging with and discussing his artwork. Seeing the impact of his work firsthand solidified his passion for creating meaningful, culturally resonant pieces.
Success, for him, is about staying true to his artistic voice and continuing to push boundaries. He envisions his work being displayed in museums and design studios, solidifying his legacy as an artist who captures the vibrancy and depth of Black culture. His personal life and heritage play a significant role in his art, from portraits of Caribbean figures to futuristic interpretations of Black identity. Whether depicting Bob Marley, a Black man with a robotic face, or a smiling Caribbean woman, each piece carries personal and cultural significance.
To aspiring artists and designers, Glenn emphasizes the importance of mentorship and real-world experience. Internships and networking with professionals can make all the difference in building a successful career. He advises young creatives to emulate the artists they admire, practice relentlessly, and collaborate with as many professionals as possible. His own aspirations include working with other talented artists and designers, and he’s open to collaborations that allow everyone involved to shine.
One of his recent projects was a tribute to Kendrick Lamar, inspired by the defacement of a mural honoring the musician in Compton. He felt compelled to transform that negative act into something positive, creating a new piece to celebrate both Lamar and the original mural artist, Mike Norice. He is also deeply committed to advocating for DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives in the creative industry, recognizing the opportunities such efforts have provided for Black artists and designers.
Reflecting on his journey, Glenn acknowledges that rejection and setbacks are part of the industry, but perseverance is key. He holds onto the wisdom passed down from his mother and figures like Sheryl Lee Ralph, who once said, “What is fi yuh, can’t be un fi yuh!”—meaning what is meant for you will always be yours. With this mindset, he continues to push forward, knowing that his artistic voice has a place in the world.
