The black man is faced with a lot of challenges which he has to battle from his color to his geographical background and experiences, but there have been a few who are breaking that notion and shattering ceilings and one of such people who are making a mark in Japan and in Technology is Arthell Isom who moved to Japan about 13 years ago from the United States to start his Own Anime studio with his twin brother Darnell who are co-founders of D’Art Shtajio, a 2-D animation studio located in Tokyo, Japan. The first major black-owned anime studio in the country, D’Art Shtajio was established in 2016 after the brothers teamed up with animator Henry Thurlow. Since then, the studio has been producing Japanese anime that merges with American culture.
Founded in 2016 by brothers, Arthell and Darnell Isom, D’ART Shtajio sought to revolutionize the Japanese anime industry by introducing Westernized elements of art and storytelling to the Japanese standard of animation.
The word Shtajio is a play on words in both English and Japanese to reflect our commitment towards building a strong foundation centered on our artists and clients. (Shtaji ga daiji): “The Foundation is Important” is the original phrase that we seek to build on while conveying that we are a (Sutajio): The Japanese word for Studio. Alternatively, we spell it Shtajio because of the kanji Shtaji which is used by the background artists here in Japan to mean – the underpainting, or foundation of art. Shtaji+Sutajio = Shtajio
Artell Isom started his career studying art history in San Francisco. He also attended art schools in Italy, and then Osaka. He became passionate about the visual backgrounds in anime, so he set out on his own as a freelance background animation artist. Isom worked as a background animator with animation studio Ogura Kobo on shows like Bleach, Black Butler, and Naruto. According to him, those years of experience helped him to make a mark in Japan, a country where only 5% of the labor force is reportedly non-Japanese. Using the traditional anime art style, D’ART Shtajio bridges the gap between Eastern and Western ideologies to create a truly unique and vibrant animation.
Some of the works of Artell Isom and brother are;
It Was A Good Day: Hustle And Motivate;
A quick summary of the project as seen on the YouTube channel:
“Our boy Diz just can’t seem to figure it out. He has a job interview on the same day that the Union Jordan IV’s release. Through a comedy of error’s he is on the brink of failing this job interview, when an interesting proposition is presented…a potential trade? Let’s see where his priorities are at? A truly urban sitcom; written and conceived by my man 50 grand Reggieknow and animated by Arthell Isom of D’ART Shtajio, in Tokyo. Through this short episode from the mind of Reggieknow’s “It Was A Good Day” series, we poke fun at our sneaker release while highlighting some important issues of today; namely, civil rights, criminal justice reform and systemic racism. All through lens of the trials and tribulations of trying to get a job while being of color. For this one we try and see the lighter side of things by laughing in order to keep from crying. And with no further adieu, meet Diz, Eamona, Khalil and Lavell. We now present “Hustle and Motivate”.
The Weeknd – Snowchild;
Official music video for The Weeknd “Snowchild”
It Was A Good Day: Hustle and Motivate;
A quick summary of the project as seen on the YouTube channel:
“Our boy Diz just can’t seem to figure it out. He has a job interview on the same day that the Union Jordan IV’s release. Through a comedy of error’s he is on the brink of failing this job interview, when an interesting proposition is presented…a potential trade? Let’s see where his priorities are at? A truly urban sitcom; written and conceived by my man 50 grand Reggieknow and animated by Arthell Isom of D’ART Shtajio, in Tokyo. Through this short episode from the mind of Reggieknow’s “It Was A Good Day” series, we poke fun at our sneaker release while highlighting some important issues of today; namely, civil rights, criminal justice reform and systemic racism. All through lens of the trials and tribulations of trying to get a job while being of color. For this one we try and see the lighter side of things by laughing in order to keep from crying. And with no further adieu, meet Diz, Eamona, Khalil and Lavell. We now present “Hustle and Motivate”.
INDIGO IGNITED;
Indigo Ignited is a post-apocalyptic dark fantasy anime that follows Kieran, the last of an extinct race, able to manipulate the flow of gravity in order to preserve a broken world at war. The Pilot Episode follows the story arc of the town of Annalise, ruled by a conniving Indigo hunter from the past; The Alderman. The Alderman bestows masks upon his townsfolk in order to control their thoughts and emotions, believing this to be the purest form of existence. Captured, Kieran is coerced into submitting his powers to sustain a dark utopia, ruled by a madman.
Tephlon Funk;
Tephlon Funk A series created by Stephane Metayer about a young girl from Queensbridge who’s life turns upside down. Heavily inspired by both Hip Hop & Anime, the words “Tephlon Funk” means to be strong and stand out. Stephane wanted to create an authentic story that takes place in New York City.
THINKIN MUSIC VIDEO;
Thinkin ft. Anuel AA, Bad Bunny, Future
D’ART Shtajio teamed up with Spiff TV to produce an anime Music Video – Thinkin ft. Anuel AA, Bad Bunny, Future. ‘Thinkin’ Directed by D’ART Shtajio CEO Arthell Isom and Spiff TV, the animated music video follows the story of ‘The Union’ recapping the crazy night they had before with things getting very out of hand.
XOGENASYS ANIME;
Directed by D’ART Shtajio, CEO Arthell Isom, The XOGENASYS Anime Pilot follows the story arc of Darius Smith, a troubled teen trying to overcome adversity while providing for his family. The debut of the XOGENASYS anime is the core mission statement for D’ART Shtajio, bridging diversity with anime as the medium to tell impactful stories for underrepresented communities in entertainment.
XOGENASYS, originally a comic series hosted by Creative Agency, Noir Caesar is created by NBA Player Johnny O’Bryant, drawn by Nikolas A. Draper-Ivey, and originally written by Tre McIntosh. The comic currently spans over four chapters and is available on the Noir Caesar website.
To name but a few of the numerous works under the D’ART SHTAJIO brand.
Learn more about Arthell Isom and the D’ART Shtajio in this video:
