About the Artist — Gene "Gwiz" Williams
Some artists draw celebrities. Gene Williams has drawn for them.
Over a career spanning four decades, Gene Williams ("Gwiz") has established himself as one of the most distinctive caricaturists and illustrators working in American pop culture. His sharp line work, expressive characters, and deep roots in music, comedy, and cinema have made him a go-to artist for fans who want more than a t-shirt — they want a piece of cultural history.
In the 1980s, Gene's work appeared in Starlog, Bananas, Scholastic, Video Games, and Rock Video Magazine, where his all-star "USA for Africa" caricature captured the era's biggest names in a single legendary illustration. Joan Jett's production company commissioned his caricature of Joan and the Blackhearts — and used it as their official Christmas card. Gilda Radner personally signed his caricature of her iconic SNL character Roseanne Roseannadanna. Jazz drumming legend Buddy Rich signed the original illustration Gene drew of him — a piece that now lives in the collection of the man himself.
These aren't fan tributes. They're documents of a working artist who moved in the world he illustrated.
Based in Queens, New York — the same Jamaica, Queens that gave the world funk, hip-hop, and some of the most creative people in American music history — Gene brings that neighborhood's energy and attitude to everything he creates. His work spans caricature portraiture, comic illustration, pop art, digital animation, and music video art direction, always grounded in the same love of great music, sharp humor, and authentic storytelling.
Today, Gene continues to create through his YouTube channel and this TeePublic shop, where every design carries a story. Whether it's a sketch of John Coltrane, a tribute to the comedic genius of Rodney Dangerfield, or an homage to the films of Quentin Tarantino, each piece is an original — illustrated by hand, rooted in genuine passion, and made to be worn proudly.
Original comic art, caricatures, illustrations and cartoons — by an artist who was actually there.
