Influencer: Big Men Edition - Chris Grafton (Mufasabear)
People will always need to feel seen and appreciated. Representation in the media goes a long way towards fulfilling that need, especially for melinated, chubby men. Chris Grafton is a person that has made strides in uplifting people of color with his amazing pin-up art. Primarily showcasing large men of color, Chris truly has an eye for showing the world that black big boy kings can be sexy and desirable. Chris’ eye for color and attention to detail is incredible!
In this interview with Chris Grafton, he talks about knowing your worth as an artist, what the term "bear" means to him, and how his passion for art started.
My name is Christopher Grafton, also known as MufasaBear, and my art handle is “Cege” Born and raised in Detroit, MI
I Like to think that watching my Grandmother make lil doodles growing up was where my passion came from. I picked it up from her and held on to it, later growing up watching cartoons and the like. It evolved into sitting for hours trying to recreate what I saw. I love realism so I try to get as close as possible.
I attended College for Creative studies in Detroit for Illustration, I couldn’t finish due to personal and financial reasons, but kept my studies ongoing as that’s just what good artists do.
I want at first, people to feel that they are confronted by my art, I try to make it look into a person as they gaze upon my subjects. As of late I have been drawing pinups, husky and hirsute men whose eyes follow you around the room, I like that level of control even if it’s for a moment. Seeing people react to my work, in various ways (from confusion to lust) is my end goal.
It’s taken some time, effort, and logistics not to be used for my work. I've made many mistakes and given many pieces for less than their worth, but in retrospection I can only see those times as lessons. I do my own work and enjoy it, I like others to enjoy it as well (Mind you as any other art credit your artists) but when it comes to commissions I need the money up front and contracts written up so the commissioner feels safe in doing so it prevents little issues of legality,use etc also it keeps my name and rep in tact.
I am Blackity Black ass man of size and stature, I draw that, I am that…..Oh um, I Like to draw guys that look like me, guys I am attracted to, but, most importantly, I want guys that look like me to be represented in pinups. I wish to see more dark skinned men of color and size in art so this is my contribution.
No, I really have to say that any pressure that I experience comes from within, (it kinda tap dances on my anxiety a bit). I strive to be in competition with myself, in turn to be better than my current self and in my art. Another person’s art is their own, and where they are on their art journey is just that, I’m in my own lane and like where i'm going.
Hmm... Off the top of my head “Hyper Realistic Man Fantasy” and, at times, “Fantasy Realism.”
Well I usually start with a concept, or just some situation that I experienced. Depending on the medium, I use grids and quadrandants for traditional pieces and for digital I find my outlines using the envelope method (AJR). In all, I use references whether it’s photo or real life (I sometimes use myself or my bfs). From there I render my subjects based off studies I do often in my mind unless I need to draw it. After that it’s just studies in lighting, direction, and a lil color theory.
SO many actually, too many to count, but the first 3 to come to mind are Khehinde Wiley, Boris Vallejo, and Julie Bell. Thinking on this more I would go on to say Mshindo Kuumba, Alicia Donze, Jiraiya, Belasco, Gengoroh Tagame, and Seizoh Ebisubashi. These are just some whose work I admire so much.
I love to create, I love to draw. It’s nothing about creating that I don’t enjoy, (maybe when I don’t care for the concept). But art is one of the things I’m passionate about. Seeing how the body functions, how forms move... How light and shadow dance over the body, how some colors convey emotion… It’s so powerful.
If you are providing an artistic service (or any service) create a “Terms of Service” and make sure your clientele know what you are willing to do and not do. Find and know your current worth (it evolves with skill), hold your clientele to a contract, and don’t do favors unless what you get out of it is worth your time.
I have some things I still have in concept stages, but due to COVID19 are on hold, until I can work with others again. So for now I’m just accepting commissions. You can find me on twitter @BearMufasa and IG @mufasabear11.
Mufasa Bear Pin-Up Artwork
CeGe's Commission Prices! [Digital Pin-Ups]
You know you want some of this amazing artist's pin-up art for yourself.
It’s not great. It’s the sad story of coming out, and being kicked out… Nothing really to elaborate on. Old shit ya know?
I have a love/hate relationship with my body and skin, (psoriasis). I still try to look my best, but I have my good days and bad days. I work out, missing the gym because of COVID, but I'll be going back when this mess blows over.
TBH, I didn’t really know of the existence of it until pre-purge Tumblr. In depth, I had seen magazines and was on a few bear dating sites at the age of 23 but never really got into it. I found later it was like any other group at large, and had their own unique set of issues, but adopted the same bs from the groups we originally migrated from (cliques, cattiness, racism etc). I searched high but found some gems amongst the rocks and decided to find my own tribe in the community to even help create a group for guys with similar lived experiences.
Hmm to me the “Bear” moniker has changed over the years. But what it is to me now is someone who isn’t necessarily ashamed of his body(I prefer “Man of Size and Color”), but I digress. What bear is and has become is a talking point... Various perspectives and experiences, I invite new folks to find out what it means for them.
I've been to a few. Bear Pride Chicago was my first and only “Bear” run and it was an ok experience, but it showed me the divide in the bear community in terms of preference and sometimes just blatant racism. The event was its last run as it was at the same time as IML so the attendance was sparse, with even less POC. What was there was really for a specific demographic; one which I wasn't a part of. I wasn’t affirmed as a Black Man of Size until I attended “Big Boy Pride” in Florida, the fun the camaraderie, the brotherhood that I experienced was like none other. It was what helped me find the center of myself, and help me really find my tribe.
We in our ways affirm and show the upcoming males of size/big boys/and bearish youngsters that there is nothing wrong to embrace your size and enjoy life with confidence. That you as a person is worth love, to be honored, respected, and admired.
In my opinion, the very same traits that excluded us big men in the first place: groups and circles that have adopted toxic traits that use abuse and exclude people based on aesthetic, class, and ability. It’s just ass backwards.
Chris Grafton aka Mufasa Bear Gallery
these amazing images were shot by Chris "INPAQ" Sutton
Some state living comfortably working on a concept for a comic or graphic novel. I want to have a story where it’s centered around a polyamorus group of guys. It’s in the works (in my mind). Five years after that, I want it to go into becoming an animated cartoon.
Whew, hmm lemme think… The late Michael Clark Duncan, James Avery, Colton Dunn, Nonso Anozie, Mark Henry just name a few.
Have my Graphic novel adapted into a movie, visit Shinjuku Japan, and be able to live in a loft on top of a building that I own; filled with neighbors who are creatives.
Empathy in abundance
Food and Travel, new experiences and new flavors….
Empathy, Consideration for others, Loyalty, Truthfulness; although most can’t handle it.
Eh I'm fine where I'm at, lol I've tried to change things about myself but it wasn’t genuinely me,I ended up hating it and myself, never again.
Hmm, being with those I love,Having a picnic on a sunny day, on a hill or high place, eating tasty food, with the sun beaming on our faces just enjoying each other's company.
Special Thanks
I'd like to thank Chris Grafton, aka Mufasa Bear, for taking the time to do this interview with me. I'm ecstatic to have the chance to ask him some questions and gain some insight into his persona and actual life.
