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

Jane, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

“Bezvlel”, pronounced /beh-zuh-lel/, makes reference to a biblical artisan named *Bezalel. In Exodus 31:1-5, Bezalel is specifically chosen by God and God fills Bezalel with His Spirit in wisdom, skill, and expertise in all kinds of craftsmanship to design artistic works. “Bezvlel” represents creatives and the significance of their craft. Creativity isn’t a function of chance, it’s purposeful and impactful.

Jane, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I found myself in the world of design much like how Alice found herself in Wonderland. Although I had a knack for creativity as a child, I had my mind set on a career in STEM. As a Nigerian-American, I was encouraged to pursue a career of security and prestige. However, after a life-changing encounter, my motivations changed and my career path changed along with it. I have found there is so much prestige, honor, and fulfillment in pursuing God’s original design.

Bezvlel’s Designs is an art house that showcases authenticity through design. Our signature custom portraits capture the uniqueness of people in a way that highlights each individual’s essence and communicates the richness of their person beyond their physical features. Executed as minimalistic portraits brought to life with gradient-filled strokes, each portrait sends a message to its recipient that they are seen, valued, and celebrated. They’re the perfect way to celebrate your favorite people and commemorate your favorite memories: an amazing gift for any occasion.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

One mission driving my creative journey is my desire to see creatives discover what makes them essential. The year 2020 was a wake-up call for many reasons. One seemingly clear thing we learned during that time was what occupations are essential in reality and what occupations are not. Most occupations that qualify as creative are nonessential. Why do creatives exist? Have you ever wondered why God would purposefully create someone specifically skilled in caring for, designing, and arranging flowers? I have. I’ve also wondered why we have painters, YouTubers, nail techs, actors, and the list goes on.

Though not on the roster in matters of life and death, there is something innately necessary about creativity. There is specific impact creatives were made to have on their world. As a creative, the discovery and fulfillment of that impact is what drives my journey. Through Bezvlel’s Designs, I present opportunities, spaces, and tools for creatives of various disciplines and fields to grow in their craft and discover what makes them essential.

These words changed my life:
“See, I have specifically chosen Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze, and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, that he may work in all kinds of craftsmanship. And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you…” Exodus 31:2-6

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that the most effective part of my creative endeavors is how revolutionary my ideas are. As a creative, of course, I aim at producing memorable work. However, the pursuit of groundbreaking novelty often results in procrastination, creative block, and a rollercoaster experience for my audience. When it comes to building a brand, business, and scalability around my creativity, I’ve learned and am still learning to “place consistency over innovation.” I heard this at a conference called BLDRS a few years ago and it has stuck with me ever since. Consistency allows us to identify innovation as innovation and not just a good idea. Consistency provides a baseline.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bezvlelsdesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bezvlelsdesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BezvlelsDesigns/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bezvlelsdesigns
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbToOfZIZq_OjAqAj0z-wYQ

Image Credits

All artwork are original Bezvlel’s Designs commissions.