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

Brianna , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I am a self taught artist. I learned to draw, paint and create other hand crafts through independent studying. I loved to draw ever since I was a child and it turned into one of my purest forms of self expression. I grew up singing and dancing through extensive training which offered me the privilege of learning from all types of different people and performing on stages from The Kennedy Center to Show Time at the Apollo. The craft of visual art is all my own in a way and that is want makes it very personal to me. I continue to learn and grow as visual artist through different resources and I am just now in a position to begin taking classes and learning from others in a formal way.

Brianna , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a visual and performing artist, I conduct my business through my brand is Banana Peppers Art. My nick name is Banana Peppers, and so I decided to use it as my brand name as well. I started my business in 2016 and have worked ever since providing visual art services and art products. I provide everything from graphic design, to illustration commissions, brand collaborations as well as public art displays including murals. I created my business because as Black woman I wanted to create artwork that reflects me and my community. I create work that celebrates people and implores them to celebrate themselves. I create by a quote “Perhaps the mission of an artist is to interpret beauty to people—the beauty within themselves.” -Langston Hughes I truly want people to feel seen and that makes me so proud to hear that from people my age but also from young Black and Brown youth. I have had the privilege to work with brands including Netflix, Disney +, Walmart, Tumblr, Google, Instagram and more based on my artwork. I participate in juried art exhibits and various shows in the DMV area and beyond. My 9-5 job is not within the creative field but art and creativity are where my passion lies. I am constantly challenging myself to grow as an artist and find new ways to connect with others visually. I released my first coloring book this year and it’s called Empower Her it is affirmation coloring book that I made for young girls and women. Creating products like that are how I see my brand expanding. I want to create collectibles and other products that people can experience and participate in. I also sell prints of my artwork as well as original pieces. It feels great when people choose to buy my work, and essentially welcome me into their space.
Through my brand I also help educate and encourage the youth. I want people to feel inspired to express themselves and know that they art matters in whichever form they choose to create in.
Another piece of Banana Peppers Art is performance, I am a singer and a dancer. I write my own music and I also perform in a dance group called Capitol Movement. I see all of the create work that I create as an extension of me and therefore I do not limit my creative and my brand.
I hope that people feel invited to check out my work and if it resonates, I’d love them to connect with me.

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

My creative journey is like a tapestry woven with threads of passion, purpose, and a deep sense of community. At its heart, I dream of embracing the life of a full-time artist, immersing myself in the colors and rhythms of visual and performing arts. It’s not just about chasing recognition; it’s about finding joy in the act of creation and sharing that joy with others.

But my journey isn’t just about me. It’s about creating a warm, inviting space where fellow artists can feel seen, heard, and celebrated. I want to be a beacon of support, offering mentorship and encouragement to those who may be navigating similar paths in the artistic world.

And beyond the canvas or the stage, I feel a deep calling to give back to my community, particularly by empowering Black girls and women. I know firsthand the struggles and triumphs of being a Black artist, and I’m determined to use my platform to uplift others. Whether it’s through mentorship programs, workshops, or simply lending an ear to listen, I want to be a source of inspiration and strength for those who need it most.

So, yes, my creative journey is about pursuing my dreams, collaborating with incredible talents, and making a mark in the art world. But it’s also about something deeper—a commitment to leaving the world a little brighter, a little kinder, and a little more inclusive than I found it.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I often get asked about how I grew my audience on social media, and while I would love to be further along in that journey, I’m deeply grateful for the support and community I’ve built. My journey began in 2017 when I decided to share my work more consistently on social media platforms. From showcasing finished pieces to sharing process videos and fan art, I made sure to stay active and engaged, posting regularly.

One strategy that seemed to gain traction was tagging celebrities and relevant art pages in my posts, especially when sharing fan art. It was incredible to see how my work resonated, and I began receiving attention from unexpected sources. Icons like Michelle Obama, Taraji P. Henson, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jordan Peele, Blake Lively, and others engaged with my work, a surreal experience I never imagined.

I believe my audience has grown because of my intention to connect with people through my art. Sharing my creative process allows me to reveal a piece of myself, fostering genuine connections with my audience. It’s about more than just showcasing my work; it’s about sharing a piece of my heart and soul with the world.

During the pandemic and amidst the social unrest surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement, I felt compelled to create art that reflected on the idea of justice. Portraits of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and Ahmaud Arbery garnered significant attention when I shared them on my Instagram page. This led to an opportunity with the New York Public Theater, who displayed the pieces outside the theater, further amplifying my reach.

Despite the challenges of letting social media dictate my self-worth, I’ve learned to release that pressure and trust that my work will resonate with those who need it most. Ultimately, it’s about staying true to my passion for creating and sharing art that sparks meaningful conversations and connections.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bananapeppersart.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bpeppersart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-pippens/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Bananapeppersart

Image Credits
Photo #1 -Pat Ryan