We had the good fortune of connecting with Ralph J. Gilliard NY 2020 Muse Silver Award Transportation Conceptual Design Artist and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ralph J. Gilliard, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I don’t believe in giving up its either do or die. I am autistic and the world is cold for autistics. I have always felt deep inside of myself I was here to do something bigger than myself. When I was a young man, I named myself RG Coldworld which is my alter-ego. when I feel compelled to do something, it is almost impossible to not do it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m savant autistic in conceptual design. Most people are born with all of their faculties. intact without interruption. I did not get diagnosed until 2019 and am a 52-year-old man. .I was always a loner and had a really traumatic childhood, being a black kid with an unknown disability and growing up in Denver. I don’t know what to tell you about my art. I have been into pulling apart, reconstructing, designing and futuristic concepts since I was six years old. It comes when it comes, there is no intellectual explanation for it. I overcame the challenges because my father and mother were supportive of me. My father was a local fixer upper of cars and jack of all trades. He had a garage full of things he tinkered with. I have learned to never give up, feel sorry for yourself or blame others for how life has turned out for you. I am not bound by my culture, but by the people who treat me with the same respect as I treat them. I want the world to know that I have something to offer. I have something to say, and something to give to the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Take them to eat Road trip hiking A good getaway Have a friendly conversation

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Osiris Munir, Osiris is an artist savant, veteran and diagnosed autistic, savant herself who cares about others. I needed that when we met. Because she has gone through so much and overcome so many adversities. She encourages and inspires me to not to give up and sees how talented I am and how much I can offer the world with my creative mind. Osiris put me in touch with Lea Anne, the Director for the Autism Center in Denver, Colorado. and TACT. I am so appreciative that these three people and other local human social services activist are working really heard to keep me encouraged and focused on my dream. To become a top recognized autistic Transportation and BeSpoke Product Designer. Like an Elon Musk, but better.

Website: www.isodopes.com

Instagram: RG Coldworld

Linkedin: rgcoldworld

Twitter: rg coldworld

Facebook: rg coldworld

Youtube: rg coldworld

Image Credits
Photo images Tom Talant Muse Silver Award Image provided by Muse NY

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