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

Hi Brianna, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My most meaningful project was working with Squidly Designs to create a custom mural for their storefront in 2021. Squidly Designs is a New Mexico-based art business created by artist Jennifer Hernandez. She began her business in 2017 and with the help of her husband, Kevin, Squidly Designs began to grow. They were selling at artists’ markets around Albuquerque, growing their brand, and expanding their product lines. Because of their exponential growth and dedicated support from the local community, they had the opportunity to open a brick-and-mortar Squidly Designs store in 2021!

They found the perfect location for their store, on Central Ave (formerly Route 66) which leads right into downtown Albuquerque. While they were planning, Jen reached out to me to create an eye-catching mural for their brand-new store. I was thrilled to partner with Jennifer, especially since both our art businesses are women-owned. We discussed and collaborated on ideas. We settled on a vibrant robot squid design, keeping in line with the store’s name. Now that the mural is complete, it is prominent on your route downtown and serves as a recognizable symbol for the Squidly Store!

This project was personally meaningful because it fostered a lasting friendship between Jen and me! We enjoyed game nights, going to trivia, dining out, and the delicious foods her husband (Kevin) and my then-bf (now fiancé, Morgan) cooked for us almost every day for a few months before Morgan and I moved back to GA. I also enjoyed collaborating with and helping another local artist. Since this project, I have worked with Jen on other projects for the Squidly Store including creating permanent window signs and branded merchandise for their 1 Year Anniversary.

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’m Brianna Gardocki a professional artist and muralist. I specialize in digital art, murals, and paintings. My work showcases vibrant color palettes, bold lines, and imaginative themes. I explore diverse subjects, drawing inspiration from music, films, pop culture, and extraordinary visual artists that fuel my creativity to design stylized and imaginative artworks.

My services include creating commissioned artwork, captivating murals, and branded merchandise. I have created murals for industry giants like Meta, Fireflower Craft Cannabis, and the vibrant Squidly Designs, to name a few. I’ve also crafted compelling posters for renowned companies such as Focus Features, New Mexico United, and various local band events.

I thrive on collaboration with my clients, viewing each project as a partnership between artist and visionary. When commissioned for a mural or illustration, I engage in thoughtful discussions with the client to bring their vision to life. I create designs that best represent their brand, ensuring maximum impact. My artistic style is defined by its vibrancy and allure, aimed at capturing the attention of passersby and customers. I strive to draw viewers in, enticing them to explore the spaces I’ve adorned and attend the events I’ve promoted.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I relocated from Georgia to New Mexico in 2019, marking the beginning of my art career and business. Thriving in New Mexico, I immersed myself in weekend pop-up events and mural projects. However, in 2023, my fiancé and I made the decision to return to Georgia, where much of our extended family resides across the East Coast – from Florida to New York.

While transitioning back to Georgia in August 2023 it felt like I was starting from scratch, but my past endeavors provided a solid foundation. Initially daunting, I quickly realized that my prior experiences in Albuquerque were invaluable, particularly in securing coveted spots in prestigious Atlanta art festivals like Chastain Park, Candler Park, and Little Five Points Halloween Festival. Yet, I soon discovered the differences between the markets and customer preferences in Albuquerque versus Atlanta. In Albuquerque, the focus leans towards functional art products and quick pop-up events. Contrastingly, in Atlanta events can span 2 to 3 days and original paintings reign supreme. Adapting to these variations, I’ve shifted my focus from creating products to creating paintings to meet the demands of Atlanta and Athens customers, embracing the opportunity to explore and evolve within these distinct artistic landscapes!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In a world where AI designs are created in minutes, times have never been more uncertain for artists and creatives. The ONLY option for society is to continue to support real art made by real humans. Creatives are the soul of society and without that, everything else breaks down. Consumers can support artists by buying from local and small businesses and artists. Companies can show their support for artists by hiring them to create amazing and unique art that highlights their products and brightens their walls, let’s face it we can tell when you are using AI anyway! AI was never meant to take creative jobs away completely, but merely a tool to make it easier and more efficient for creatives to continue to create. Let’s keep it that way!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.briannagardocki.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianna.gardocki/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briannagardockiart
• Other: https://www.briannagardockishop.com