We were lucky to catch up with Brianna Langford recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brianna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I first dipped my toes into art like any typical kid, scribbling away on paper. But the real spark for pursuing art professionally ignited when I fell head over heels for cartoons, anime, and video games during my middle school days. Shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender and games like Legend of Zelda had me hooked.

I have always had a passionate, obsessive personality. Instead of doodling whatever came to mind, most of the time, I found myself fixated on drawing my favorite characters repeatedly. Surprisingly, I had a knack for making my drawings look like the originals and it was the best way to learn from professionals.

Initially, my career aspirations leaned toward being a pediatric nurse. However, my passion for art took center stage. I took all the art classes, soaking up everything I could. It dawned on me – I wanted to be an artist full-time. That ambition then evolved into wanting to work as an illustrator for animation or video game companies.

So, it’s been a journey from random scribbles to wanting to leave my mark in the entertainment world.

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.

Realizing my passion for drawing and art, I decided to explore it professionally. I pursued my education at Webster University, obtaining a B.F.A. in Illustration with a minor in animation. During my later college years, I delved into digital art, which I found captivating, yet I continue to appreciate traditional mediums like paint and graphite.

As a young black woman in the art and entertainment community, I am devoted to establishing my presence and value. My artwork primarily centers around figures, faces, and characters, with a particular focus on portraying people of color, predominantly the black community. In my digital portraits, I strive to convey charm, intimacy, aesthetic appeal, and sometimes even a hint of the supernatural.

I want to instill a sense of comfort and familiarity in the people who interact with my art. I am also committed to capturing the essence of our generation and culture. Notably, my business is officially recognized as Bleu Alcove, with “Bleu” paying homage to my favorite color, and “Alcove” symbolizing the cozy and intimate nature inherent in my artistic expression.

After college, I started regularly picking up portrait commissions, Along with portraits of famous people or characters, I often commissioned portraits of other people’s families and relatives. Additionally, I sell prints of my illustrations online and at vendor events, making my work more accessible.

In essence, my goal is to continue expanding my portfolio, fostering meaningful connections with clients, and contributing a distinct viewpoint to the expansive artistic world.

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

Help Beat the Algorithm:

Fostering a thriving creative environment requires collective effort. We shouldn’t be afraid to actively engage with creatives online – liking, sharing, and commenting on art boosts visibility. Also, don’t limit sharing to personal preferences; consider sharing artwork that might resonate with others in your circle.

Preserve the Genuine Artistry:

In the realm of new technology like AI, it is important to remember and appreciate the unique skills and creativity that real artists bring to the table. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for human artists, we can see it as a complementary tool that can help enhance and inspire their work. When buying or printing art, we should consider the ethics of opting for AI-generated pieces over those created by real artists. Although it may seem like a cost-effective solution, it’s important to remember that AI art is simply a machine learning from the work of real artists.

Respect the Hustle:

Respecting artists and their commission rates is also important. Acknowledge that fair compensation reflects not only time but also the skill, creativity, and dedication artists invest in each piece. Avoid lowballing, recognizing that artists, like anyone, must make a living. There will always be art enthusiasts willing to invest in quality, so patience is key. Don’t undervalue the artistic process; rather, appreciate and support it when you’re ready to do so.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being an artist is incredibly rewarding as it allows me to connect deeply with individuals through my creations. Discovering how my art resonates with people, and exploring their emotions and unique perspectives, makes me happy. Unlike some artists, most times I approach my work without intention, motive, or emotion, but people find it regardless.

For example, my professor was the first to notice the personal and intimate feel of my art. I was drawn to creating portraits that felt like an invitation into the subject’s own space. Making eye contact with the viewer became a significant part of my artistic expression because it created an intimate connection between the two subjects. Also, recently, someone observed that my made-up characters reflect a bit of appearance and personality, adding a meaningful layer to it.

It’s fascinating when viewers extract meaning from my art beyond the initial intent. Hearing the stories attached to my pieces and witnessing the emotions they evoke adds depth to my creative journey. Each piece becomes a shared experience, a bridge between my world of creation and the diverse interpretations in the hearts and minds of those who engage with it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bleualcove.art/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bleukitsune.art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089839564564
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blangford98/
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bleualcove