We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brianna Grant. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brianna below.

Brianna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

From a young age, I’ve loved arts and crafts, constantly exploring new ways to express myself through art. Whether it be through painting, sketching, scrape booking. I find my joy in bringing my ideas to life. Even in those experiences I wasn’t aware of my creative ability. It wasn’t until my sophomore/junior year in college before I transferred to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University that I realized I wanted to pursue Graphic Design.

I was currently majoring in Health Care Administration, finished majority of my class credits to transfer to my four year university and I wasn’t happy or excited. Although, it’s a great profession to have – I knew it wasn’t for me. I wanted to be true to myself and really just show up! In those moments of crashing out, asking myself a million and one questions – the one thing that remained constant was my art. I was always drawing at work, painting on my walls in my room, listening to music, obsessing over films, paying attention to movie soundtracks/visuals, finding inspiration in the art of “noticing”. That’s when I finally realized the answers to my question : art, And it’s one of the best decisions I ever made.

Brianna, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Brianna Grant I am originally from Orlando, Florida. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Although, I have a degree in Graphic Design – I like to believe I am a jack of all trades. I like to challenge myself to avoid keeping myself in box. I’ve had the opportunity to work with the NBA, NBA G-League, Beats by Dre, and Pixar. I enjoy creating illustrations and working on projects that bring awareness storytelling and community. I want my art to be every where, on clothes, accessories, billboards, etc. I want my art to be a part of the story.

What honestly helped me get my foot in the door was the internships I was in post graduation. I applied too so many, one of them being HBCU in LA. HBCU in LA helped connect me with Pixar Animation Studios which allowed me to become an Art Intern. I was able to help work on an unreleased Pixar film and work under amazingly talented artist and animators. After Pixar, came Beats by Dre. I was welcomed into their Black Creators Program where I created wireless studio3 headphones for Apple Podcasters. In those experiences I tried to be a sponge a soak up all the knowledge, advice and network as much as possible! At that time it was hard not be in my head and not to be intimated. I always had to remind myself that the opportunity wouldn’t of presented itself if I wasn’t ready and just to make the art exist first, I can make it good later – it helps take the pressure off.

One project that I am most proud of is when I designed the Jersey’s for the NBA G-League Greensboro Swarms team for their HBCU Night. The theme of the project was aimed to honor the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities while bringing awareness to the importance of education and community upliftment. I had the opportunity to meet inspiring black creatives, sign the jersey I designed and make memories.

My creative approach – no matter the medium – is to seek out the story behind what I’ve been assigned or am interested in. I allow myself to create a puzzle of ideas that is supported by music, films, photography, memories, culture, etc. I then accept the challenge and give myself permission to explore and create work that is rooted in both nostalgia and culture that feels both passionate and familiar. I trust my work has given me the opportunity to impact people in several ways. I pay tribute to Historically Black Colleges, fashion, sports, and my Caribbean heritage, highlighting it’s cultural importance and wisdom. My message is one of inspiration, believing people can achieve anything they set their minds too.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

This may sound cliché, but post your content – it’s yours. Your work is something to be proud of, something you worked hard on day and night. If you want your work to be seen and if you want opportunities to come your way, the only way for those opportunities and experiences to connect is for you to be of service in helping align them. You never know who’s watching. Be consistent and intentional. Once you realize that you are your own brand, it’ll be easier to market yourself on your social platforms.

Don’t be afraid to post your work more than once. Your work deserves to be seen multiple times. It’s okay if you don’t get as many likes or views – 100 views are equivalent to 100 people showing up to your event. Life is all about perspective and how you choose to look at things. Also remember your content isn’t for every one – and that’s okay.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of what I do is knowing that ‘little me’ would be proud of the woman I am becoming. Seeing how far I’ve come and still showing up in rooms, projecting my voice, and doing what is important—doing what feels right—and being able to translate it into my art is the most rewarding part for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://briannagrantportfolio.com/
• Instagram: ms.briannaaa
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile