Brionie Nelson

graphic designer

Brooklyn, NY

5 favorite musical artists of all time? 

• Tupac

• Michael Jackson

• Erykah Badu

• Bob Marley

• SZA

What inspires you? 

My style is influenced by my experiences with the knowledge and the appreciation of my culture and my coming of age and choosing how to represent this culture. I am inspired by abstract thoughts and not doing things conventionally because conventional is monotonous and lacks variety. I am inspired by inspirational people, thoughts and values that are created to uplift.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

I would tell my younger self to remain confident in myself and my abilities. To always have goals and to work towards completing and achieving those goals. I would ensure that my younger self understood the importance of seeking help and guidance when it is needed because you alone will not know all the answers. Lastly I would advise myself to stay focused, to always smile and push through times of hardship and never doubt myself.

What industry blogs/websites/podcasts do you enjoy?

I recently explored a blog that focused on creating a master plan for your life. These life goals were separated into short term and long term goals as usual but it was amazing to view another person's perspective on what goals they feel they should accomplish over their lifetime. Reviewing their goals definitely helped me with my process of producing goals I would like to see accomplished. I realized that goals are never too small or too large.

What do you think the future holds for people of color in creative industries?

The future of people of color in the creative industry is bright. I believe we are in or at least headed for a creative Renaissance in which artists of color are at the head of it. We are in a rebirth of black arts similar to the explosion of black arts that existed in the 1990s. More people are finding creative ways to expose the beauty of black culture and thought. Evidence of this is seen in the film industry for example with directors of colors like Jordan Peele, Issa Rae, Donald Glover and Lena Waithe. We are seeing change in animated films like ‘Hair Love’ which appreciates and places an emphasis on black hair and fathers, and in industries like fashion creatives like Rhianna and Virgil Abloh are taking over the designer scene.

What do you do?

I am a graphic designer and business student with a love for poetry, painting, film and music. I hope to become well rounded enough to use my skills in the film, media, music, or fashion industries where I can be a special effects or motion graphics designer or an apparel designer.

What is your dream job?

I am interested in being a creative director for the arts. I would love to be an apparel designer, motion graphics designer or film producer. I also would love an occupation that allows me to travel. I would just love my career to be art-related with a well rounded perspective of worldly matters.

What skill(s) would you develop if you had more time? 

I would like to develop my methods of expression and communication through mediums like art, writing, and music. Improvements in these fields would better how I am able to connect with my audience. I would like to create conversations both literally and figuratively that have meaningful impact.

What is the last thing you learned? 

The last thing I learned dealt with communication. A book titled “Everyone Communicates Few Connects” by John Maxwell examined ways to engage in meaningful conversations. I would like to create conversations which resonate with my audience. Key skills like finding common ground, and staying authentic were some methods that were highlighted.

What are you working on right now?

I am currently creating additional pieces to add to my hair series known as ‘The Culture Shop.’ The Culture Shop is a paper cut project which pays respect to the history of the Cornrow Hairstyle, mistakenly called “boxer braid” or “french braid.” This project examines issues of “Columbusing” and renaming of African hairstyles for popularity. It explores thoughts on hair and its importance as it relates to culture, and appropriation. It also includes some social commentary on how we use hair as a form of identity.

If you could talk to your favorite creative for an hour, who would it be? Why?

I definitely am interested in talking to Issa Rae. She definitely is the epitome of the black, awkward, female creative which are traits that I absolutely embody. It is inspiring to see someone of her stature have such influence in her industry. It would be interesting to know the challenges she overcame to reach the level of success she has right now. I am definitely looking forward to meeting her in the future.

What advice would you give to creatives of color looking to pursue their passion full-time?

The main pointers I would give black and brown creatives is to not doubt yourself and to stay consistent and focused. I encourage my fellow creatives to have a goal in mind and to create a plan in which you can meet those goals. Artists should connect with other artists or like-minded people to keep the movement afloat. I would say be open minded because there is a world of art to explore and to never be afraid or timid to show your work and look for opportunities. As a peer in the creative community, I am realizing the importance of making connections and not doubting myself. I am reminded that my creativity, thoughts and ways of expression matter and that there is a community of like minded individuals.

How do you keep your creative drip going? 

The process of how I stay creative usually includes me being influenced by an inspiring topic, person, place, thing. Keeping connected with the media on current or historical events aids in how I stay creative and is important in making more informative creative pieces. Examining other inspiring artist works are special in that you learn there are several ways to express the same idea that keeps me creative as well as reflecting on past experiences. Exploring nature and neighborhoods revitalizes my creative outlook as well.

Contact: nelsonbrionie@gmail.com

Check out her Instagram for more of her work!