Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brittany Hawkins . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Brittany thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

When it comes to the creative process and life in general you never stop learning. As I continue to grow and follow my path, I continue to learn more skills and my style adapts based on new experiences. Although I have my degree in visual arts and learned a lot in school, I’ve learned that honestly, trial and error is where I develop the most skills. Taking a risk to try something new even if I haven’t successfully mastered it, is where growth comes from. Although fear of failure can be a big obstacle to overcome, I’ve learned that risk taking is the most essential skill I can have. This perspective has allowed me to explore new design styles and programs, collaborate and learn from new creatives, and the courage to continue my learning through certifications and licenses. As creatives, we are never going to know everything in this ever changing field, and I’ve learned that is ok. What matters is knowing myself while honoring my passion for design and art while striving to always better myself in my craft.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a freelance design business, providing multiple services, ranging from graphics, illustration, photo media and visual art’s including drawing and painting. My passion for art stems from my experiences of being a black woman, working to showcase representation matters and creating spaces for other black female artists. Black Angel Creations is more than a business to me but a platform I created while in college to help me carry out this passion, in my own personal work and the community around me. Black Angel Creations is committed to providing both quality client services and expand the reach and importance of black art. I am proud that I am able to build quality relationships with my clients and help other young black entrepreneurs build up their business through my own passion and skill set.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

As an artist and designer there are always new products, programs or tips to support the art of creating. I recommend to anyone entering this field that no matter what stage or skill level you are, research is essential. Through my journey, I’ve learned working on my craft takes practice, patience and time. There are resources I was aware of but I wish I took more time to really research and try them out when starting my journey as a freelancer. So now I take the time to play around with new programs like Figma, or jam board and etc. and use trial and error, figuring out how things work. I have found that process continues to spark my creativity while adding valuable skills to build my craft. Also community is the biggest resource I wish I took advantage of earlier in my journey. Utilizing LinkedIn and joining local artist groups and really connecting with individuals with similar goals and interest are game changers, I recommend this for any creative. It helps give new perspectives, and experiences to motivate you personally in your own creative process.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

When being an entrepreneur adapting to change is inevitable, so unlearning the idea of perfection was difficult for me. There is never going to be a time where you feel completely ready and perfect in your personal business because there is always opportunity for growth. I am not saying there is anything wrong with striving for greatness and we should always strive for excellence in everything we do. I just had to learn that mistakes come with the territory of taking risk. The biggest lesson is how we pivot in those moments and adapt to failures. It is definitely easier said than done, and I am still learning and perfecting this skill in my own life. I have always been such a reflective person from childhood, and that can cause me to overthink, but sometimes taking risk requires faith that surpasses worry and doubt.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brittanyhawkins-portfolio.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackangelcreations/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-janee-hawkins

Image Credits
Photos of Black Angel Creations apparel ( female model, and male model) taken by Artes’ Productions LLC