Professor Preview: Brian Ralph finds value in perspective

Written by Erin Scott-Williams, Photos by Erin Scott-Williams and Boe Parries

Professor Brian Ralph is well-known among the sequential art department, local Savannah skatepark and bookstores around the country. His three-part graphic novel series “Daybreak” was even turned into a Netflix Original series.

Coming from more of a traditional art background, Ralph said he originally wanted to be a painter. Comic books have been one of many artistic influences throughout Ralph’s life that helped shape his way to sequential art. Picking up many techniques, styles and inspirations over the years, Ralph finds great value in the different perspectives that can push his art. “I try to instill that in my students too, this blend of artistic influences — not just the art form that you’re in, but forcing yourself outside of that to look at other people’s work from a variety of different places,” Ralph said.

Music has become a big inspiration for his work, as Ralph tries to find ways to communicate the unique sounds of different genres in a visual way. 

Ralph said that being a professor helps him find new inspiration and approaches to his own work, but also gives him time to slow down and explore his artform more. “It’s humbling and exciting at the same time, where you’re working with these really talented young minds and everyone is really excited and so that kind of rubs off on me,” Ralph said.

Previously an illustration professor, Ralph said he was very excited to see SCAD’s interest and focus on sequential arts. Ralph has taught a range of classes from introduction to sequential art, material and techniques and visual storytelling. This variety has allowed him to see students progress from beginner to advanced levels. He has learned new digital ways of working and introduces traditional techniques. Ralph said one of his favorite parts of teaching is being able to write assignment prompts and see all the different approaches students take. Ralph said that it is something exciting and unanticipated that never gets old. 

Picking up skateboarding again was another factor that helped Ralph find a new and refreshed feeling to his work. “I took a break from skateboarding for a long time and when they built that skatepark I started going and it just rocked my world,” Ralph said. “This is what I needed and I don’t know how I let it slip out of my life.” Ralph said that the skateboarding community is something he enjoys because of the range of ages and different walks of life coming together to do the same thing. “The camaraderie that you share having done this sport or activity together is unbelievable,” Ralph said.

Ralph said that the invigorated feeling he gets from moving his body is not only a crucial part of his life but also his work and something he notices in some of his students and their work. “The way people who are involved in any sort of physical sport draw movement and the way they draw figures is always informed by their thing that they do,” Ralph said. 

A director came across Ralph’s “Daybreak” series and expressed interest in turning it into another medium. Ralph optioned him the rights to the book, and later received a call saying Netflix would be creating a series based on it. When Ralph asked to see them film an episode, he was surprised with his own part. “I had never done anything like that before, and I was surprised to somehow pull it off,” Ralph said. “Part of the thing about working with SCAD and working with other artists every day is that you start to trust other people. I think I was prepared for that phone call in a unique way by teaching and working with students at SCAD.” “Daybreak” is available now on Netflix.

From an illustrator to a storyteller, to a teacher, father and even actor, so many different and exciting experiences have shaped one of the many sequential art professors SCAD is so honored to have. With a passion for exploring art in so many different ways, Ralph continues to fuel his passion through teaching.