American illustrator and graphic novelist Nate Powell is renowned for using images to tell compelling stories. He frequently explores difficult social topics in his writing, including mental health, civil rights, and individual hardships. His preference for narrative over portraiture is one of the most striking features of his work.

Powell's admission that he wasn't very good at portraying actual people brings to light a significant element of his artistic philosophy and creative process. He understands that it can be difficult to convey a person's essence visually, particularly when accuracy and emotional depth are desired. Powell has instead decided to focus on other facets of illustration where he is more at ease communicating his thoughts.

Imagine attempting to pour water into a cup that has holes in it; most of the liquid would just run out the bottom, though you might be able to get some in. In a way, this is comparable to Powell's approach to portraiture. He admits that when trying to depict actual people graphically, a lot of what he wants to convey may not be fully conveyed on paper.

Powell can express deeper ideas about society and personal experiences by focusing on narrative illustration and storytelling. Characters in his work frequently have compelling backstories that don't necessarily depend on exact likenesses. Instead of getting bogged down in technical details, this approach enables him to address delicate subjects with more impact and authenticity, bringing readers into the emotional center of his stories.

Because of his commitment to narrative illustration, Powell has established himself as a reputable voice in graphic literature. He uses his art to tell stories that audiences find compelling in addition to portraying people.