Featured Artist: DaCosta Bayley

Introducing the one and only DaCosta Bayley! Dacosta and I have been internet friends for some time and I've always admired his drawing challenge March of Robots. For one, is there a better use of the month of March? Plus Robots?! Who doesn't love that. I will warn my American readers that DaCosta, without provocation, decided to change my spelling of the word favorite to favourite. I'm gonna let it slide this time brother. I'm only glad that I didn't include the word color in my interview, it may have been mangled into colour.  Anyway, if you're not much of a blog reader, skip down to the part where he's giving away a Sketch Wallet, a XENCELABS PEN TABLET, & more!

How did art play into your childhood?

I am an only child and a latchkey kid. Drawing was my go-to before and after homework. Saturday morning cartoons, a giant bowl of cereal and a stack of photocopier paper were my standards.

Did you have any artist family members or friends that helped you along this path?

Nope. Drawing was something that felt good to me. That was enough encouragement to keep me interested. I had a teacher in grade school who let me start an animation club, of which I was the only member. Haha.

When did you decide to pursue art as a career?

I wanted to be a graphic artist from the time I was in high school. I struggled to find my sweet spot until 2001 when I worked on a mascot character for a food company.

What kind of work do you do to get the bills paid?

I'm currently the Creative Director for North America at Xencelabs. We make tools for artists. I spend my days talking to artist about making art. When I’m not doing that, it’s heavy mix of family time and working on personal projects. Prints, stickers club and videos in the works for 2024.

Is there a story behind the name “Chocolate Soop"

A: Chocolate and Soup are two things I saw differently as a child than an adult. As a child, chocolate was my favourite treat, whether on holidays, birthdays or a simple trip to the store. It always brought a smile to my face. Soup was the thing that made me better when I was sick or warmed me when it was cold out.

When I "grew up", I learned that consuming quality chocolate had a mountain of health benefits, and Soup came as my comfort food and warmed my soul per se.

This is how I feel about character, animation and graphic design; they should make you feel warm inside and bring a smile to your face.

What is your homework space like? 

A: My studio is small but has almost everything I need. 3.6m (12 feet) Dark grey walls, mood lighting by Philips Hue and a custom neon 'ROBOTS' sign. I have two large bay windows, each with a black base and a rich walnut desktop. The 'East Bay' is my digital setup. Multiple monitors and Xencelabs Pen Display 24 connected to an M2 Ultra Mac Studio. For all intents and purposes, the 'South Bay' is the analogue station with many plants and a great view of English Bay. Great sunset! I'm doing a studio tour video very soon, so I'll hit you up with those pics soon.

When did you start March of Robots?

I started March of Robots back in 2013, but then it was called Botober. I was really just trying to create project to post on Instagram. I promote my Kickstarter for my artbook. When I realized how many ‘tobers’ drawing challenges there were I changed the name to March of Robots the following year.

How has it evolved over the years?

I think it’s been consistent over the years. Robots are very challenging to draw. Many find them an intimidating theme. It’s awesome to see newer artists approaching the subject. 

Where would you like to see it go from here?

I would like it to continue to grow and an inspire more stories and technology-themed works.

I find it ironic that March of Robots is a challenge for humans only. Are you worried that robots will start their own challenge called "March of Humans” and then not allow us to participate?

Haha! No, but that would be interesting.

What is your favourite robot(s) in pop culture (that you didn’t create)? Updated

Without a doubt, Astro Boy! I admire his drive to become the greatest version of himself. Astro always stands up for what's right, and I love his unwavering commitment to his dream of seeing humans and robots coexist peacefully. Second to that would be the droids from the Star Wars world, especially those seen in the animated series Rebels, Bad Batch, and Young Jedi Adventures. I enjoy the personalities they have. It would be super fun to create for those programs.

If time and money were no object, what project(s) would you work on?

I have a good handful of scripts for animated short films and inactive project I would start hiring for immediately.

How can people follow or support your work?

I post under @chocolatesoop most everywhere.

People can sign up for a my newsletter on my website is chocolatesoop.com and my new project blog will be at dacostabayley.com