We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brandy Walker a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Brandy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My most meaningful project was designing for the NCrowd Fashion Show at Michigan State University. For this event, I created seven outfits, including my own, each featuring art pieces that addressed significant issues in the Black community.

The first piece, titled “The Standard,” depicted the expectations placed on African American men—to be leaders, protectors, and providers—and the common struggles to meet these standards. The second, “False Hope,” was inspired by Brenda Walker’s film “Naked,” highlighting issues like colorism, codependency, competition, and body image within the Black community. The third piece, “The Burdened Scale,” represented systemic racism against Black women. The design featured a balanced scale where the woman’s ropes were deliberately longer, symbolizing the additional challenges she faces while maintaining balance. The fourth piece, “C.R.O.W.N Act,” celebrated the law prohibiting workplace discrimination based on natural hair, emphasizing the beauty and value of authenticity. The fifth, “Inner Bloom,” symbolized the importance of mental health and self-care, illustrating how nurturing oneself leads to growth and flourishing. Finally, the sixth piece, “Don’t React,” confronted the issue of police brutality against African Americans. This powerful artwork featured sewn-shut lips in a pattern reading “Don’t React,” and ears covered with bandages listing the names of victims, representing the silencing and suffering endured.

Presenting these pieces to an audience of 180 attendees was especially meaningful because it brought awareness to these pressing issues and sparked conversations that could lead to proactive efforts in addressing them. Each art piece acted as a visual representation of struggles often left unspoken, creating a space for reflection and dialogue. By showcasing these messages through fashion, I aimed to inspire others to acknowledge these hardships and consider ways they could contribute to diminishing them. The collective engagement and emotional reactions from the audience demonstrated the power of art in fostering understanding and motivating action.

This project was deeply meaningful to me because it pushed my creativity and skill set to new levels. I had never designed clothing before, so I leaned on my network to learn from experienced designers, conducted extensive research on vendors, and poured over reference images to develop outfit ideas. Beyond the garments, I carefully planned how I wanted my models to present the pieces on the runway. This was all achieved while balancing numerous other commitments, making the experience both challenging and rewarding.

The NCrowd Fashion Show introduced me to incredible people, forged new friendships, and provided invaluable insight into the fashion industry. Most importantly, it taught me that my art can be more than freelance projects; it can convey powerful messages and spark meaningful conversations. This experience also reinforced the importance of prioritizing my business and demonstrated how much I can accomplish when I fully dedicate myself to my craft.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Brandy Walker, and I am the founder and artist behind Walker’s Art Studios, a one-stop shop for all artistic needs, including but not limited to graphic design, video editing, and children’s book illustrations. If you can think it, I can draw it. At Walker’s Art Studios, I focus on creating authentic art pieces and bringing out the creativity in each client to ensure I achieve the perfect end result. Also, providing the convenience of not having to find multiple artists for each project you have. I aspire to grow my business into an artist agency where I help artists find clients, gain experience, and get valuable training to advance their skills. As an artist that struggled finding clients, this is a goal that I hold close to my heart.

I have been an artist my whole life, but my journey into digital art began in February 2020. What started as creating pieces for fun on Instagram quickly gained traction. Word spread at my high school, and the yearbook director insisted I design the cover in September 2021. This opportunity led to another when the yearbook’s copywriter connected me with her friend, who needed a children’s book illustrator in October 2022. Although I had no prior experience, I embraced the challenge and illustrated three books for her. She was so impressed by my work that she encouraged me to start my own business and even invested in it. Now as of January 2025, I have illustrated 4 children’s books and completed over 35 freelance projects.

What sets me apart is the authenticity and depth I bring to every project. My art isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a lasting impact. I take pride in my ability to weave storytelling into each piece, ensuring that it’s not only visually compelling but also thought-provoking. My willingness to tackle complex and often uncomfortable topics has allowed me to build a brand that challenges norms and sparks meaningful dialogue.

The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that my work is deeply intentional. Every design and concept is crafted with a purpose: to inspire, empower, and connect. At Walker’s Art Studios, I’m not just creating art; I’m sharing stories and inviting others to be part of a movement. Whether you’re commissioning a piece, purchasing items featuring my artwork, or engaging with my work online, I want you to feel the passion and purpose that drive everything I create.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had known more about the entrepreneurship program at Michigan State University earlier in my college journey. During my first two years, I faced many hardships, and having an extra push to immerse myself in the community and explore the available resources could have significantly boosted my progress.

The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship offers several programs designed to build community and provide valuable knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs. One of their standout initiatives is the Venture Program, which helps students lay the foundation for their businesses. They offer resources such as funding, website design, and professional photography, enabling students to create and grow their ventures without bearing the financial burden themselves.

Overall, being aware of resources sooner rather than later is extremely important no matter what field you are in.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My end goal is to create an agency that employs skillful artists and provides them with freelance opportunities and exposure. Being an artist is extremely rewarding, but building a clientele is one of the biggest barriers in a creative journey. I want to offer services for animation, whether it’s for commercials or movies, and take on the role of creative director for my company.

Additionally, I want my agency to be a space where self-taught artists like myself can find training, mentorship, and community. Many self-taught artists feel like imposters in the creative world despite their talent, and I want to change that. By providing resources, guidance, and opportunities, I aim to empower artists to embrace their abilities and thrive in their craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.walkerartstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkersartstudios
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandywalker923/