I'm Apollo Umbra, a multimedia artist and writer who's practice has spanned theatre, games, interactive media, photography, comics, and more. This wide array of training came from my studies at Northwestern University, a place famous for its "yes, and" motto. This approach to creativity created a hub in my own practice where I aim to push the boundaries of visual and written art beyond traditional expectations.
I would however be amiss to give full credit of my creative approach to Northwestern. Growing up in the stunning natural landscape of Western North Carolina, I was influenced by a variety of art forms early in life. The sheer variety of creative practices, combined with my unique up-ringing in foster care, resulted in the development of an extremely individualized perspective of the world at an early age. From as early as kindergarten, I remember waiting in anticipation for art class each week, an excitement which followed me throughout grade school. Throughout my childhood I explored every aspect of art that I could in a rural school system. I took courses in drafting, interior design, textiles, theatre, traditional art, the adobe creative suit, and 3D modeling. With a design from my 3D modeling course in middle school I nabbed my first accolade, winning the Western North Carolina Habitat for Humanity Ornament Design Contest, a design that was sold to raise money for the organization. That said, the visual aspect of creativity was only one half of the spark burning within me. Parallel to my reputation as a visual artist, I gained a reputation as a lover of classical literature and history. These interests soon manifested into playwriting, which came in handy when I performed an original monologue and became one of 30 students selected to participate in NC Governor's School in theatre. Additionally, I went on to win the critics choice awards at the NC Thespian Festival for my costume designs and solo performance. Despite these accolades I struggled during this time of personal exploration, finding it especially difficult to connect with LGBTQ+ role models who were living a life I could relate to. Ultimately, after being admitted to fourteen universities across the country, I decided to go to Northwestern to study theatre.
My decision to go to Northwestern was largely rooted in their quarter system and the opportunity to pursue graduate-level courses in costume design, visual arts, game development, and experimental writing that would push me to explore multimedia art and collaborative projects in a new manner. During my time there I continuously pushed myself in new directions, I worked on over 25 theatrical productions, led the creative team of a fashion show, helped found a queer magazine, and worked as the Student Staff Development Manager of the university center. This varied experience truly cemented my project management skills and helped me hone my creative practice. Furthermore, I continued to pursue support and mentorship gaining accolades such as the Gilman Scholarship for studies in Greece, becoming a Gay Gaming Professional, publishing my first comic and game, and exhibiting my collections Conversations with Myself and Modern Reality - all in addition to my studies.
In my time studying at Northwestern I exploited all aspects of the school to their fullest. Attaching three modules (minors with senior thesis projects) to my degree took me to the far creative reaches of the university. My Game Design, Interactive Media, and Animation Module exposed me to adobe and affinity creative suites; game, animation, and comic production pipelines; and exhibition design for museums. My Theatrical Design Module exposed me to draping, drafting, assorted fabrication techniques, scene painting, construction, and makeup design as one of a few undergraduates within the graduate-level cohort. Finally, my Writing for Stage & Screen Module allowed me to explore writing for theatre, animation, series, and features. This approach gave me a uniquely varied insight into written and visual storytelling, an approach which blends mediums and challenges traditional expectations. Within my work I now focus on maintaining the power of these influences as I craft relatable and engaging works, stunning visuals and complex narratives that do not bore audiences but wow them with meaningful interaction, call attention to what's lost in the systems of our society, and provide a springboard for continuous innovation.
My current creative practice spans gallery work, applied arts, and contract work. At the moment I'm planning upcoming murals with the City of Chicago and a private client as well as designing and writing a magazine spread for Indie City Games. If you haven't gathered by now, I've always thrived in the adaptive environment of multiple creative and problem-solving ventures combining and swirling around one another, iterating and inspiring each other.
To reach out to me about potential opportunities or collaborations please use my email or contact form. For more information on my writing and art please visit the pages linked below.
Get to Know Me :)
"I believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast." ~Lewis Carroll
“A Jack of all trades is a master of none, though still often better than a master of one” ~Unknown
Jean Debuffet
Alberto Giacometti
Jean Tinguely
Iris Van Herpen
Christo and Jean Claude
Alexander Calder
Francesca Woodman
Bruce Goff
Chicago IL, USA
Arles, FR
Athens, GR
Candler NC, USA
The human mind
Milos, GR
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA
Ndebele Villages, SA
Any part of nature filled with sound
Rejected | Don Hertzfeldt
Mister Smile | Fran Krause
Super Powers | Noddard
More | Mark Osborne
In a Heartbeat | Beth David & Esteban Bravo
Pokémon Black/White/Black2/White2
Kingdom Rush Franchise
Vainglory (R.I.P.)
Her Story
Zoo Tycoon & Planet Zoo
9 Kings
Coraline | Henry Selick | Laika
Alice in Wonderland | Tim Burton | Disney
Interstellar | Christopher Nolan | Paramount
Alien | Ridley Scott | 20th Century
Pitch Perfect | Jason Moore | Universal
Courage the Cowardly Dog
Lost
The Good Place
Harley Quinn
Superstore
Disenchantment
Why Women Kill