RAYMOND ROLLINS
Houston, TX
2025-2026 Grant Anime and Animation Progression
Grant 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2023-2024
Scholarship 2021-2022
Raymond Rollins is a mixed-media artist currently exploring animation. His inspirations include nature, human expression, and emotions. “Mostly, what I create can be considered dark, to most, but each piece has both light and dark if one looks deep enough,” he reflects. “I've found countless joys and relief from removing chaotic thoughts and visions, from inside, to either canvas, digital art, sculpture, or even writing.” He emphasizes that his art practice is essential to both his physical and mental health. Although Rollins typically works as a painter and sculptor, he has illustrated comics and recently developed a strong interest in creating animated stories. “Anime, in particular, is highly expressive with powerfully emotional characters and stories overall.”
This grant will allow Rollins to connect with anime communities to learn firsthand about the storytelling artform. “Creating an animated story that explains and demonstrates the power of emotions, expressed positively and negatively can speak to everyone in different ways,” he explains. Cosplay, the art of dressing as characters at anime events, is also intriguing to Rollins, who plans to costume as one of his own characters while attending an anime convention in Houston, TX. He regularly wears clothing featuring his characters and designs, explaining, “It's my way of showing appreciation for my work, while also gauging the reactions of others.” He hopes to utilize the insights he gains from engaging with the community to create various animated stories that invite multiple audiences into his world.
Rollins has exhibited work in New Orleans and Houston. He has worked as an artist and designer for Bound 4 Glory Ministries, Kingdom Building Blocks, Gifted, Zeeda Much Love, and B4G Records.
Raymond Rollins first joined the YAYA Guild in 1995.
All works are copyright of the artist.