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

Brian, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I created a unique art style based on a fictitious people called the Bydee People. My mission is to use their philosophy to make our world a better place for all. To encourage good self-esteem in all. This is important to me because I believe when people feel good about themselves they interact better with others and consequently can live in harmony.

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.

I started painting in 1986 at the age of 33 years old. My goal was to find a way to share my thoughts and utilize my artistic skills. I was primarily interested in education, diversity, and inclusion. I produced original murals, books, prints, and t-shirts, addressing those subjects. Besides painting I am a motivational speaker, poet and writer.. Bydee means Bringing You Delightful Entertaining Experiences.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first tried to get my art shown in galleries in Austin, I was rejected. I was told then that my art was too colorful, and did not fit the Southwest motif. Consequently, I began showing my work in Restaurants. After a while, I opened my gallery which showed my artworks exclusively. Over the years I owned and operated Bydee Art Galleries since 1990.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I was once involved in a gallery having 5 of us partners. About a year later 3 left, and about 4 months after the 4th artist left. Since it was a multi-year lease in my name I had the responsibility of paying all the expenses. After consulting with my wife, I quit my regular job and operated the gallery full-time. Once I became focused on operating the business everything fell into place. The one thing I had going for me was the experience and knowledge I had acquired being around my dad who operated his own small business as a tailor when I was growing up in Trinidad.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bydee.com
• Instagram: linktr.ee/bydeeart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook/Bydeeman
• Twitter: bydee.com

Image Credits
Lynae Carroll Hakeem Adewumi Julian Joseph Winner Augie Agustin