Seitu Hayden, a renowned artist and illustrator known for his graphic biographies of Malcolm X and Barack Obama, has had a diverse career that spanned the realms of publishing and advertising. Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Seitu’s journey led him to Chicago in 1971, where he made a significant impact on the art scene.
His passion for comic books was ignited by the mentorship of Richard Green, a Black cartoonist who inspired Seitu to pursue a career in art. Despite initially intending to attend the School of Visual Arts in New York, Seitu found himself in Chicago at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. This decision was influenced by the school’s connection to the Herman Crown Center at Roosevelt University, providing him with a place to live and a vibrant artistic community.
Seitu’s artistic journey in Chicago began with a comic strip called Waliku, which he created for the Daily Defender. This marked the start of his career in commercial illustration, working on ads for companies like Foote, Cone & Belding. Over the years, Seitu collaborated with various agencies, including J. Walter Thompson and Leo Burnett, showcasing his talent and versatility in the industry.
Despite his success in commercial art, Seitu never gave up on his dream of creating comic books. He worked on independent projects like Tales From the Heart, which caught the attention of Marvel Comics. This led to the publication of two graphic novels under Marvel’s Epic Comics imprint, bringing him closer to his comic book aspirations.
In addition to his commercial work, Seitu has explored various artistic endeavors, from creating a Spider-Man sticker book to storyboarding for educational shows. His passion for cartoons has remained a driving force throughout his career, inspiring him to continue pursuing creative projects.
Today, Seitu reflects on his artistic journey, acknowledging the changing landscape of illustration due to technological advancements. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, he remains dedicated to his craft, referring to himself humorously as an “art ho” who is always ready to draw for the right opportunity.
As Seitu looks to the future, he contemplates creating an autobiographical comic that captures the essence of his life and career in Chicago. His experiences in the art world have shaped his perspective on creativity and perseverance, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision.
Seitu Hayden’s story is a testament to the power of passion and resilience in the face of adversity. Through his art and storytelling, he continues to inspire aspiring artists and creators to pursue their dreams with unwavering dedication.
