As technology advances, innovative artists and tech experts are using these tools in creative storytelling. Meet Steven Christian, the medical school student that uses the technology of augmented reality to share Black experiences and educate others.
When connecting with Steven, this writer was prompted to scan a QR code on his shirt. Within seconds, the characters printed on the fabric began to move, allowing an animation to play on the phone screen, perfectly overlaying the shirt’s design. “This is augmented reality,” he said.
As one of the first creators to integrate augmented reality (AR) into the comic book industry, Christian is redefining how narratives are experienced. His work blends technology, art, and cultural identity, pushing the boundaries of traditional media.
A former Division I football player, his athletic career was cut short by injuries, leading him to channel his energy into art and technology. His platform, “Stuck On An Eyeland,” became a foundation for his work, where AR, comics, and animation merge to create immersive experiences.
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Christian’s “Invent the Future” AR Mural brings public art to life, allowing viewers to unlock hidden animations and narratives through their smartphones. His “Flossin Augmented Reality Magazine” reimagines print media, integrating digital elements that engage readers beyond the page.
Through projects like “The Blackesthetizer,” which fuses history and Afrofuturism, and “Yung Funey,” which helps comedians transition their work into digital formats, Christian is proving that AR isn’t confined to a single medium—it’s a tool for storytelling across disciplines.
Steven Christian’s groundbreaking work in augmented reality (AR) storytelling has earned him significant recognition. In August 2020, he received the Black Realities Grant for his project “Eyelnd Feevr,” which amplifies Black narratives through AR.
His insights and journey from athlete to artist were featured on the “Revision Path” podcast in January 2021, where he discussed his mission to make Black stories more accessible. His work has also been showcased in major exhibitions, including the Black Lives Matter Artist Grant exhibit at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University, where his AR comic panels explored themes of Black identity, resistance, and resilience.
The Wall Street Journal has acknowledged his innovation in AR storytelling, and he has showcased his work at major conventions like LA Comic Con and Rose City Comic Con. Whether he’s presenting at industry panels or exhibiting in artist alleys, Christian continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital storytelling, proving that the future of comics and animation is interactive.
Beyond his own creations, Christian is committed to empowering other Black and Brown artists. Through online courses, he teaches AR storytelling, digital design, and animation, ensuring underrepresented creators have access to the skills and tools they need to thrive in the digital space. By bridging the gap between technology and cultural expression, he is fostering a new generation of innovators who will shape the future of storytelling.
“I want to have a larger community of immersive storytellers and creators that realise technology, not despite the advances but as a benefit of those advances… are able to explore ideas in a way that is culturally relevant,” Christian commented.
Balancing his creative work with the demands of medical school and neuroscience studies, Christian finds solace in his art. “Making augmented reality comics is ironically how I take a break and destress from my med school studies,” he shares.
As one of the first Black innovators in AR storytelling, Steven Christian is making history. His work is more than just technological advancement—it’s a movement ensuring that Black voices are not just part of the future of storytelling but are leading it.
To learn more, visit @Iltopia, @stuckonaneyelnd on Instagram or the websites stuckonaneyeland.com and iltopiastudios.com.
