Today we’d like to introduce you to Ko Williams.
Ko, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sure, it’s a classic “Small City, Big Dreams” story. I grew up in Sumter, South Carolina, and headed to Florida for Full Sail University’s film program. College life threw some curveballs – I’ll admit, I fell into some bad habits and ended up getting withdrawn. It was a wake-up call, a time where I wasn’t sure what the future held.
That’s when music came in. My friend Chris Cline, who also went to Full Sail for music, reignited a passion for creativity. We dove headfirst into the music scene, even playing at the early days of Rolling Loud Festival. Being featured in magazines like The Source, Muzique, and BET Jams was incredible, but it all felt hollow after losing my mom, Janie Denise Rucker, in March 2021.
She had always pushed me to finish college. So, I made a promise to her that I wouldn’t let my dreams fade. It wasn’t easy. Today, I’m six months sober and back at Full Sail, on track to be the first graduate in my family, getting my Creative Writing degree in May 2025.
It’s been a journey, filled with challenges and triumphs. On top of school, my friend Null Romie and I launched Stain Glass Studios, and we’re gearing up to release our first graphic novel, “OverKnights,” later this year. Getting here took grit and determination, and I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. I may not be a superhero, but I feel like my story can inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles. The future is bright, and I’m excited to see what unfolds!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not smooth sailing. Kicking old habits is a battle, and this time around, I knew I had to do it for myself. Substance abuse recovery takes a lot of self-compassion and perseverance. Stepping away from social media this year was a big decision, but it helped me focus on my own journey and stop internalizing other people’s anxieties. For a long time, I struggled with letting go of negativity and self-doubt. It’s been a process learning to believe in myself and my abilities.
We’ve been impressed with Stain Glass Studios , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Stain Glass Studios, co-founded with my creative partner Null Romie, is a one-stop shop for bringing stories to life. We combine writing, animation, and filmmaking to craft engaging narratives. Our debut project is a graphic novel titled “OverKnights,” which I had the pleasure of writing. We’re already setting our sights on adapting it into an animated series next year!
What truly sets us apart is our focus on diversity and representation. We believe that the world of creativity and animation should reflect the richness of our world, with characters of all colors and backgrounds. We want our readers, viewers, and future fans to see themselves reflected in the stories we tell.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
This might surprise people who know me through Stain Glass Studios, but I’m actually quite the homebody! While I pour my creative energy into our projects, outside of that, I love spending quiet evenings reading or relaxing with a good movie. 2 season or more tv series preferably.
