Today we’d like to introduce you to Nigel Henry.
Hi Nigel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my journey as an artist at the age of three. My earliest introduction to drawing came from a daycare provider who had three children, all a few years older than me. Naturally, I gravitated toward her oldest son, Michael, and his siblings, who were all passionate about anime and video games. They were also talented artists, and it was through them that I was first introduced to the world of anime, with shows like Rurouni Kenshin, Yu Yu Hakusho, Dragon Ball Z, and Inuyasha sparking my imagination. Inspired by their talent, I quickly took up drawing and have been doing so ever since.
As I moved into grade school, my focus shifted more toward sports—basketball, baseball, and track became my main passions, and art became more of a hobby. I would doodle on my classwork and homework, sometimes to the frustration of my teachers, who would refuse to grade my assignments because of it. While I never considered art as a profession in my younger years, basketball was my main priority, and I didn’t see a future in drawing at the time.
However, during my freshman year of college, I reconnected with my passion for art, thanks to my best friend, Q. At that time, I was majoring in Sports Science and Physical Therapy at North Carolina A&T, a path I chose more out of expectation than personal desire. It seemed like the right thing to do, and I didn’t want to fall behind when all of my friends were heading off to college. After three years at A&T, I transferred to Full Sail University to pursue a degree in Computer Animation, with dreams of creating my own animated films. Unfortunately, the financial burden of tuition became too much, and after one year, I had to drop out, leaving me uncertain about my future.
For nearly ten years, I worked various jobs, lived life, paid bills, played basketball, edited videos, and spent my free time drawing. Despite the time I spent on creative pursuits, I lacked direction and struggled with a feeling of unfulfillment. It wasn’t until I reached a point of frustration with my daily grind that I decided to revisit my true passion—art. Slowly but surely, I began dedicating more time to drawing and recording my progress on personal projects, which allowed me to develop a small but supportive following on social media.
It was through this process that I realized I wanted to take my art seriously and make a living from it. Though I’m still on that journey, I’ve made significant progress both as an individual and as an artist. Through these experiences, especially after working with children throughout my life, I’ve come to recognize my desire to use my God-given talents to inspire the next generation of artists and dreamers. I want to foster a sense of unity within the community, bringing people together through the universal language of art.
I’ve often encountered surprise when people learn of my love for anime and my ability to draw, especially given the assumptions others make based on my skin color. I want to challenge those perceptions and remind people that it’s not about what we look like, but about the messages we choose to share and the beliefs we hold. We all have far more in common than we might think, and I truly believe that art has the power to break down barriers and bring us closer together.
As I continue to grow as an artist, I’m motivated by the belief that my work can inspire and connect people, encouraging others to pursue their own passions—just as I have pursued mine. Art is a powerful tool for unity, and I am grateful to be part of this incredible creative community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey to becoming an artist has been far from smooth, but looking back, I can honestly say that I am truly grateful for every step of the way. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and that God places obstacles in our lives for us to grow, even when those lessons take longer to learn than we expect.
Throughout my path, I’ve faced intense struggles with self-doubt. There were times when I didn’t believe my art was good enough, and I compared myself constantly to other artists I admired. I felt like I lacked certain skills and knowledge, which made me question whether I could ever truly make it as an artist. Those feelings of inadequacy often weighed heavy on me, and it took time to realize that every artist has their own journey and timeline.
I’ve also dealt with the distractions of everyday life, which often kept me from utilizing my skills as effectively as I could have. Life as a struggling artist can be incredibly difficult—especially when you’re not making enough to support yourself comfortably. There were periods where I barely had enough money to get by, and I’ve even experienced homelessness in a sense. While I never slept on the streets or in my car, I didn’t have a space of my own. Many nights were spent sleeping on friends’ couches, and I’m forever grateful to those who opened their homes to me during that time.
Along with financial struggles, the lack of recognition, especially through social media, took a toll on my confidence. I often felt like I wasn’t being seen or appreciated for the work I was putting in, which only fueled my self-doubt. There were moments when I thought my efforts were in vain, and it was a hard pill to swallow.
On top of that, relationships, particularly with girls, became a distraction. I spent a lot of time searching for external validation, hoping someone would love me in a way that would make me feel worthy. This search, however, led to unnecessary turmoil in my life, pulling me away from my true purpose.
Despite these challenges, I’ve come to understand that nothing was ever too big for me to handle. In those dark moments, it felt like life was falling apart, but now, looking back, I realize that God was always alongside me, guiding me through every struggle. In the moment, it was hard to see it, but now that I’ve grown, I know that nothing I went through was as insurmountable as it seemed.
Today, I look at my journey with gratitude. Each struggle, each obstacle, has shaped me into the artist I am now. The road hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every lesson learned, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m stronger, more focused, and more aware of the value of perseverance. Through it all, I’ve learned to trust the process and to appreciate the small victories that come with growth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At this stage in my journey, I’m balancing a regular job while still pursuing my passion for art. By day, I work in a warehouse cleaning, but on my days off, I have the privilege of teaching art classes through a program called DYAD with HISD schools. This allows me to work with elementary and middle school students, which is something I truly enjoy. Although my schedule is hectic, I make it a priority to continue creating art and spreading my name, with the hope that, in time, and through God’s will, I’ll be able to focus solely on my art and leave behind the traditional jobs I currently hold.
I specialize in creating digital and traditional art, drawing inspiration from anime, manga, and video games. My ultimate goal is to use my art to inspire and connect with others, especially children. Having grown up in a single-parent household, I understand the challenges that can come with lack of support. Although my parents separated when I was in eighth grade, I’ve always maintained a relationship with my father. Now, as an adult, I recognize the value of support systems and want to provide that same sense of encouragement for others, particularly kids.
When I was younger, I dreamt of fame, wealth, and a life of luxury, but over the years, my focus has shifted. Now, what truly matters to me is serving others through my art. I want to create a manga or anime series that not only reflects my passions but also inspires others to chase their dreams—no matter their age, background, or circumstances. Art has the power to break down barriers and connect people, and I hope my work can be a source of motivation for others to follow their passions and never give up.
The thing I am most proud of is the work I do with children. Seeing their faces light up when I talk to them about things they love, whether it’s anime, video games, or something else, is incredibly rewarding. At 30 years old, I still know everything about Pokémon—who’s your favorite, by the way?—and being able to connect with kids on that level is something I cherish deeply. I understand the importance of keeping that inner child alive, especially in a world that can sometimes dismiss creative passions.
I know what it’s like to have a teacher or mentor dismiss your dreams, and I never want the kids I work with to feel that way. I want them to know that, even if no one else believes in them, I do. They have the power to achieve anything, and I’ll be there to support them, guiding them to believe in themselves and follow their own unique paths.
What sets me apart as an artist is my desire to not only create but to serve. I don’t just want my art to be appreciated; I want it to inspire change, to uplift those around me, and to be a reminder that no matter your circumstances, you can achieve your dreams if you stay focused and dedicated. My art is a reflection of my journey—one of struggle, growth, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I’ve always had a strong sense of curiosity and a natural inclination to lead. My mom often tells the story of how, even before I was born, I would gesture with my hands in the womb as if I were directing a symphony. It’s funny to think about now, but I feel like that’s still somewhat relevant to my life today. There’s a part of me that’s always been drawn to creating and directing, whether it’s in my artwork or how I navigate through life.
As a child, I was adventurous, disciplined, and outgoing. My mom would describe me as a natural-born leader, always taking charge in situations. I was the kid who didn’t shy away from speaking up, often talking a lot in school, but I always made sure to get my work done. I grew up in a diverse county in Maryland, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. Being surrounded by so many different cultures and ethnicities helped shape who I am today. I got along with everyone, and that ability to connect with people from all walks of life has stayed with me throughout my life.
Growing up, I looked up to Will Smith, especially his role in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, so naturally, I found myself adopting some of his charisma and humor. I was a bit of a class clown, always ready to crack a joke, but I balanced it out with responsibility. When the school bell rang, I’d be out the door in a flash, ready to be outdoors with my friends. Whether it was riding bikes, playing basketball at the park until the streetlights came on, or just being a kid, those moments were everything.
My neighborhood was full of kids, and we all got along like family. We’d migrate from one house to another, bringing snacks, video games, and plenty of energy. We’d race on scooters, play Beyblades, dive into Pokémon, explore the woods, build forts, and sled together in the winter. Those were the days I’ll never forget. The joy of childhood in its simplest form—no worries, just adventure and fun.
Looking back, I realize that time spent playing outside with friends, the bonds we formed, and the carefree moments were the best days of my life. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about my childhood. I hold onto those memories and remind myself to never lose sight of that sense of wonder and joy, even as life becomes more complex.
Pricing:
- All pricing for my services are negotiable. These services include mural art, and traditional or digital poster or canvases.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nigelchamploo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nigelchamploo/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nigelchamploo
