Emily | Artist Spotlight

Happy Thursday loves!

Bringing back the Artist Spotlight feature today with my friend Emily! I met Emily earlier this year via instagram when I was traveling to Chicago and found myself in need of a makeup artist. We hit it off almost instantly and she is now my go-to MUA when I’m in Chi-Town :)

She has such a warm and genuine spirit and I thought she’d be a perfect fit for my Artist Spotlight feature! So I hope you enjoy getting to know Emily better!

What is your name?
Emily

Where are you located?
Chi-Town

What do you do?
I am a freelance makeup artist at Emily Wolf Makeup Artistry.

How long have you been a makeup artist?
I have dabbled in makeup for as long as i can remember, but I started my own business about 3 years ago.

How did you become interested in makeup and when did you know you wanted to make a career out of your passion?  
At a young age I always loved to paint and draw. Once I was old enough to appreciate makeup, I would experiment with the latest trends in makeup, fashion, and beauty. After graduating from college, I wanted to combine my passion for the arts with my business degree. This lead me to Makeup First School in downtown Chicago, where I received a certification in makeup.  From there I started my own business. Today, I am lucky enough to make people feel like the most beautiful versions of themselves on a daily basis! I feel truly blessed to be able to do something I love, and call it work.  

Who are some of your artistic influences?  
Some people that have inspired me creatively are Gwen Stefani, Mary Phillips, Kevin Aucoin, Ciara, Sophia Loren, Twiggy, Kate Moss, and Marilyn Monroe.

What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on so far?
My favorite project was a wedding where the bride had lost her mother very suddenly a few weeks prior to the wedding. She let me know with all the stress that she had been going through she didn’t think that anything would be able to lift her spirits on this special day. After I finished the brides makeup she looked in the mirror and began to tear up. A huge smile appeared on her face and she stated that she had never felt more beautiful in all her life, and gave me a huge hug. That moment is something I will never forget.  

What other types of creative work do you do?  
I am also an actress/model!  My biggest gig to date was a role on the first season of Chicago PD!  

What inspires you?  
I am inspired by strong, independent women. I am inspired by people who are not afraid to express themselves creatively. I am inspired by people who are not afraid to take chances in fashion and beauty. I am inspired by music!!!!!!!

What keeps you motivated?  
I am motivated by the people that I look up to. I strive to surround myself with people who have what I want.  

Any advice to fellow creatives (in your industry or otherwise)?  
Your work ethic is JUST as important as your skill level. If you want to succeed, be on time, be humble, be grateful, be nice, be reliable, be someone that makes others smile.

Any other fun tidbits we should know about you?  
I love to travel. In the past few months I’ve been to Vietnam. Cambodia, Thailand, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, New Orleans, and Saint Martin!

Where can we find you online?
website: www.emilywolfmua.com
instagram: @EmilyWolfMUA
facebook: Emily Wolf Makeup Artistry

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Emily a little better! Be sure to keep up with her on social media to check out more of her beautiful work! In the Chicago area? Definitely don’t hesitate to hit her up if you’re ever in need of an MUA!

-Danni

Andrea | Artist Spotlight

Happy Thursday beautiful people!

I’m a little later than I wanted to be with today’s post as I was traveling to Miami this morning for mentoring this weekend! Super excited about that, but even more excited at the moment to introduce you to super awesome designer and illustrator, Andrea!

I have been following Andrea’s work for YEARS, I believe I first stumbled across her blog while I was still doing admin work back in 2006/7 and I was hooked! Her use of colors, patterns, texture… I loved it all! We ended up connecting a couple years after when I photographed her blog’s 5 year anniversary party and have kept in touch since so I knew she’d be perfect for the Artist Spotlight feature.

I won’t spend the whole post rambling about how awesome she is though, you can see for yourself ;)

Meet Andrea!

What is your name?
Andrea Pippins

Where are you located?
Baltimore, MD

What do you do?
I am an artist with a background in graphic design. I currently teach courses in graphic design full-time at Maryland Institute College of Art.

How long have you been a designer/illustrator?
I’ve been designing for almost 13 years and doing illustration here and there for about 10 years.

How did you become interested in graphic design?
My interest in design was sparked by television and a movie. I was intrigued by Halle Berry’s character in Boomerang where she was an art director. In the film she was also an artist and an art teacher. When I saw “Angela” I was AMAZED (even though she wasn’t a real person). Before that character, I had never seen a person working in a career where they could be creative; let alone a woman of color! 

Around the same time I saw a Saturday morning segment (during cartoons) about a woman who was an art director at a magazine. Again, I was amazed because she was talking about drawing, and designing, and sharing how all that informed her work as an art director.  

Who/what are some of your creative influences?
Hand-painted barbershop signs from various countries throughout Africa. Photography from Malick Sidibé and Seydou Keïta, patterns, women of color, Brazil, 80s-90s hip hop styling, vintage black american ephemera, folk tales, black mythology, afrofuturism, the Black Arts Movement, and people who make things by hand. Libraries, museums, and markets always get my creative juices flowing.

What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on so far?
Hmmm, that’s hard because there are so many that I loved. But there is one illustration project I worked on last summer that I loved because I learned a lot about the given topic and learned a lot about myself as an artist and business woman. It challenged me creatively and professionally. That assignment really changed my perspective on who I am as an artist, a professional, an entrepreneur, and as a working woman. I think about that experience all the time because what I learned continues to influence the work I do and my decisions regarding the projects I take on. Sadly, I had to sign a non-disclosure agreement, so I can’t share any details. In addition, it was put on hold so I don’t know that it will ever see the light of day. 

A video posted by Andrea Pippins (@andreapippins) on Dec 29, 2014 at 5:50pm PST

What other types of creative work do you do?
I’ve been doing collage work and also experimenting with animating my artwork. I’ve also been wanting to do more writing lately — so looking to take a creative writing course. And of course teaching design is creative work I’m always doing.

What keeps you motivated? Lots of tea, and reading.

Any advice to fellow creatives (in your industry or otherwise)?
For budding artists, don’t be afraid to take risks with your ideas. Experiment and explore. Be excited, and immerse yourself in your work. For everyone, when you learn, teach. Whether it’s becoming a mentor, teaching a workshop, writing for a blog, or even just tweeting information, share what you know.

Any other fun tidbits we should know about you?
I really want to dance in the Brazilian carnival and I make a mean caipirinha (the national cocktail of Brazil). My mother is Brazilian, and I speak Portuguese. I’m addicted to Lemonheads candy and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. My middle name is Georgia, after Ray Charles’ “Georgia on My Mind.” and I love to sing.

Where can we find you online?
website: andreapippins.com
blog: flygirlblog.com 
instagram: @andreapippins
twitter: @flygirlblog

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Andrea better! Please be sure to keep up with all of her awesomeness everywhere on social media and check out her etsy for any prints she may have for sale!

‘Till next time!

-Danni

Sasha | Artist Spotlight

Since I’m hopping back in the blogging saddle this week, I needed to bring you a brand new creative talent for the latest Artist Spotlight feature :) I say “needed” because when you see how beautiful her work is, you’ll agree that you needed to be introduced to her brand of awesomeness lol.

This week I’m happy to introduce you guys to my good friend Sasha! She is one of my favorite photographers, such a sweet soul, and an absolutely beautiful friend. I just love how she captures light, greenery, and her favorite subjects- babies & bellies! So it was only fitting she be featured :)

So take a moment and enjoy Sasha’s beautiful words and imagery  ♥

What is your name?
Sasha :)

Where are you located?
Baton Rouge, Louisiana also servicing the New Orleans Metro area.

What do you do?
Essentially, I am a photographer. I take photos, capture images, etc. But I really do much more than that. By being a photographer I am able to allow people to see themselves in a timeless & special way by documenting them when they’re feeling their absolute best. Everyone deserves to be documented at their best, I’m grateful for the opportunity to do that.

How long have you been a photographer?
I have been documenting people for about 6 years now, professionally for 3.

How did you become interested in photography and when did you know you wanted to make a career out of your passion?
When my son was little, he’d move so fast. Really fast. My poor point and shoot camera just couldn’t keep up. So I asked for a DSLR for Christmas, and that was that. I never intended for this to be my career. In fact, I had been working in mental health the past 6 years and was dead set on being a social worker. Guess some things are divine and unavoidable. :)

Who are some of your artistic influences?
Where to start? There are so many progressive artist out there. I am most empowered by artists working in the community. Those who take the time to document everyday people who make our communities what they are. Gus Bennett, from New Orleans is a perfect example. He created the New Orleans People project where ordinary and extra ordinary folks can come and be photographed and have a chance to tell their story. That is very inspiring to me.

What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on so far?
Oh, I am so glad you asked! Currently, I am working on a project about individuals with Autism entitled “This is what Autism Looks Like.” It was inspired by my son, Gavin, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of two. It will depict images of him (and possibly others) who are living and thriving with Autism everyday.

What other types of creative work do you do?
I have started crafting and taking on a lot of DIY projects, thanks to photography. I love making my own props where I can and giving old pieces of furniture their life back.

What inspires you?
Every single day I am inspired by the movements that are happening in this country. Movements towards marriage equality, equal pay for equal work, reproductive justice and the movement toward life and liberty that truly serves all. After all, if people can’t put food on the table they sure aren’t seeking out professional photography services.

What keeps you motivated?
Thinking about where I was one year ago and the progress I have made in just that short period of time. It’s empowering to see my growth and to have others acknowledge it as well. Also, other artists. I love seeing what new & creative things other people in the industry are doing. It keeps me going.

Any advice to fellow creatives (in your industry or otherwise)? 
Never let a good sunset go to waste. :)

Any other fun tidbits we should know about you? 
Something that is important to me is to remain as unpretentious and amenable as possible. I always want to be in touch with my community and document and display those who represent it as best I can. It is important for me to have people who look like me properly documented and well represented in media. 

Where can we find you online?
Website: http://www.greentangerinephotography.com/
Instagram: @GreenTangerinePhoto
Facebook: Green Tangerine Photography
Twitter: @TangerinePhotos

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Sasha a little better! Please be sure to keep up with her on social media and if you’re in or around the Baton Rouge/NOLA area, please reach out to her for your portrait needs :)

‘Til next time,

-Danni

Joel | Artist Spotlight

Happy Wednesday!

I can’t believe this month is almost done! Well I mean I can, because February IS the shortest month, but still lol. 

So what’s on tap for today? A brand new Artist Spotlight! :D Today I want to introduce you guys to a talented writer and all around creative being, Joel! 

I began following Joel on twitter, early last year I believe, after seeing some of his beautifully inspiring tweets! I appreciated that he consistently had a positive tone and often had something upbuilding to say- and if you are on twitter, you know that that is not often the case lol. 

So rewind to a few months back- Joel made a trip down to DC for his photo session and interview and we had a great time! I will forever love linking up with fellow creatives who are passionate about what they do and will continue to share them with you :)

So without further ado, meet Joel!

What is your name?
My full name is Joel Daniels. I go by Joel. Some folks call me MaG (my old artist name). Some call me J, or Joey…I call myself blessed though.

Where are you located?
I am located in the birthplace of Hip-Hop: Bronx, NY. It’s where I was born and raised.

What do you do?
Well, that’s a tricky question. My daytime 9-5 is that of a Discharge Planner for a nonprofit organization in New York City. Formerly incarcerated individuals who suffer from psychiatric disorders are referred to my office following their release from jail. It’s my job to connect and link them to other services within their respective communities.

But, what I REALLY do is make art. I act, I write, I rap…art over everything.

How long have you been a writer?
I guess I’ve been a writer for as long as I knew what putting words together to form a thought on paper actually meant. I was writing poetry around the 2nd grade. I was freestyling in my mama’s bedroom at around the age of 5. I used to write for the sports section of my elementary school’s newspaper. I had a rhyme/poetry journal by the end of 5th grade. I’ve never known anything else but writing; anything else other than rhyming words together.

How did you become interested in writing and when did you know you wanted to make a career out of your passion?
I guess it started very early on when my mom made sure I had a book in my hands. I always loved words. I was ordering books from Scholastic since kindergarten. My mom would buy me comic books and such. There is so much beauty in language.

I can honestly say that writing as an actual career didn’t seem like an option until 2013 when I won the Bronx Council of the Arts BRIO grant in poetry. I felt like that gave me credentials, and solidified that I could actual make money off of something I’d do if I was sleeping in a cardboard box.

Rapping didn’t really become a career choice until after college when I came back from school and realized fully that theater and acting wasn’t where I wanted to be at the time, and decided to throw myself into the music scene – showcases, recording, collaborating, and learning the ropes of the business. The DIY process of the music industry taught me A LOT about myself.

Who are some of your influences/inspirations?
D’Angelo, Nas, Yasiin Bey, Jeffrey Wright, Paul Newman, Stevie Wonder, Kurt Cobain, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Toni Morisson, Junot Diaz, Sam Cooke, Gil Scott-Heron, Jay Z, Andre 3000…I’m just a big ass fan of art and lovers of art culture, also, those who can tell their stories through their mediums.

What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on so far?
By far it’s my latest musical release (that dropped January 10th 2015 aka my birthday. Shameless artist and birthday plug! Go me!!!), “songs for charles”. It serves as sort of an ode to my father, as well as a depiction of where I am in my life currently. I think that project best reflects my growth as an artist, a Black man, and a human being.

What other types of creative work do you do?
Well, I’ve done some voiceover and commercial work. I’ve also done some modeling. I emcee different events in NYC. I’ve been doing more public speaking at middle and high schools in 2014 about creativity and finding your voice through your creativity. Wrapped up shooting in a short film I was acting in; did some theater stuff at the NYU Gallatin School earlier in this year.  I just try and go where the art is.

What inspires you?
Life inspires me. Love inspires me. The world around me inspires me. Women inspire me. Other artists and their art inspire me. My mother inspires me. I’m in a constant search for inspiration wherever I may go, at all times. I try to keep my eyes open as much as I possibly can.

What keeps you motivated?
My purpose keeps me motivated. Knowing that I have a higher calling and that my source, which is love, is the catalyst for the all the art I attempt to create. My desire is to help create and shape a better, newer, world for ourselves and future generations. So that alone is enough to keep the blood pumping and juice flowing on a daily basis.

Any advice to fellow creatives (in your industry or otherwise)? 
Be patient with yourself and your craft. Trust yourself. If you don’t see what it is you want in the marketplace, create it. Don’t sit on your ideas, you’ll think of new ones. Fail often and repeatedly, learn from those failures, and move forward. Be honest with yourself about the intentions behind whatever it is you’re creating. And share your art. Anything created and not shared is still a hobby; some folks say if you’re not making money, then your art is your hobby. BS. If you’re TRYING to make money off of your art, it ain’t a hobby no more.

Any other fun tidbits we should know about you? 
Well, I love to read, and eat food. I really love me some naps. I like walking, A LOT. I meditate, I have a life coach, I shoot content for Beardbrand.com’s YouTube page and write for the Postbadbeard’s website. I’m also single, and like eating mangos.

Where can we find you online?
twitter: @JoelakaMaG
instagram: @JoelakaMaG
tumblr: thisismag.tumblr.com
music: mrmag.bandcamp.com

I hope you enjoyed getting to know Joel a little better! Please be sure to keep up with him on social media and go listen to his music- you will enjoy it :) I did! My slight contribution to Black History Month was doing an Artist Spotlight every week this month :) But I don’t want you to get used to this being a weekly feature lol. I will keep it regular, but it will end up being monthly or bi-monthly so stay tuned for the next talented creative next month!

Have a great Wednesday!

-Danni

Gina | Artist Spotlight

Good Thursday morning!

I hope this week has been good to you :) Today I have another super inspiring creative to share- wonderfully talented writer, Gina!

I linked up with Gina on instagram after someone I follow, posted her work and I’ve been hooked ever since! GG has such a warm and genuine spirit that truly transcends the realm of social media. Her writings made me feel like I knew her, so much that when we did finally meet in person, it was like chatting with an old friend :)

Her awesome hair can’t go without mention either, because it’s probably no secret that I love hair! Just not on my own head of course lol. GG and I had a great time together and her interview is one of my new faves!

So, without further ado, meet Gina!

What is your name?
I go by GG Renee online but most people call me Gina or GG.

Where are you located:  
DMV

What do you do?  
I’m an independent author and coach.  I help women explore their complexity and layers through writing.   I never would have guessed that my career would take such a drastic turn.  I worked in financial services for 12 years before I quit in 2013 to work for myself.  I’d started blogging in 2009 and that was where this journey started.  

How long have you been a writer?  
I started freelancing professionally in 2012.  My first paid gig was blogging for Carol’s Daughter’s natural hair blog.  I think that was when I started seriously considering what life would be like as a full-time writer.   But I struggled with believing in myself.  I compared myself to “real writers” and I didn’t think I was worthy of the title, even after I was getting paid to do it.  Eventually, I realized that I was letting fear and self-doubt stop me from doing what made me happy.  There was a shift in my mindset and since then - even when I was still working the 9 to 5 - I started identifying as a writer and when people asked me what I did, that is what I said.  I had to own it. Claim who I was and who I wanted to be.

How did you become interested in writing and when did you know you wanted to make a career out of your passion?
 I’ve always loved to write but I never took it seriously as a potential profession.  When I was younger, I wrote stories and plays. Long love notes, letters and poems.  I kept affirmations, quotes and scriptures posted up all around me everywhere all the time.  This was just what I did, and I didn’t think of it as a passion or calling.  My mother pushed me towards business and science and even though those things didn’t inspire me, I never considered that I could do anything else until my late twenties. As an adult, I lost touch with my imagination and I told myself that I wasn’t a creative person.  I reached a scary low point in my life and I went to see a therapist who encouraged me to start writing again.  Writing helped me find purpose in my struggles and I discovered a passion for leveraging my own problems to help others. Soon after, I started blogging and I found my sweet spot in helping women wake up from unsatisfying lives, fall in love with themselves again and live more creatively.  

Who are some of your influences/inspirations?  
My big sister inspires me as a woman, an entrepreneur and a constant source of support and love. My writing career has been strongly influenced by other writers who I have seen leverage blogging and social media to create their own path and build their dream careers.  Seeing others do this gave me courage to carve out my own space and create my own dream job too.  Creatively, I am inspired by so many.  I love the radical self-expression work of Akilah Richards.  The consciousness and desire work of Danielle Laporte.    The concise expansiveness of Nayyirah Waheed.    There are too many to name.  All in all, I feel most connected to creative non-fiction writers who delve deep into the hearts and minds of women.  

What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on so far?  
My first print book, The Beautiful Disruption.  It’s my favorite because it was my first and because it’s so raw and personal. It’s written in free verse, like a stream of consciousness. The book takes an intimate look at what is going on in the main character’s mind as she’s trying to make sense of a difficult situation and expand from it.  It’s part of my story and part of every woman’s story who has struggled with their past, with self-worth and speaking up for themselves.  It’s about that epic heartbreak, disappointment or rock bottom that triggers us to wake up.   Ultimately, I see myself with a platform of artful, introspective books that capture nuances of the feminine emotional experience.

What other types of creative work do you do?  
I create workbooks, e-books, guided journals, and online courses. I coach women one on one.  I make t-shirts. I’ve recently started cultivating a line of essential oil blends to help women naturally enhance their emotional health and well-being. This year, I will also be focusing on becoming a dance and fitness instructor.  Dance is another passion of mine that I neglected for many years and I want to incorporate into my livelihood.  

What inspires you?  
My children. Being around creative, self-possessed women. Seeing people follow their dreams. The old me, because she shows me how far I’ve come.  People who are not afraid to fully express themselves and be passionate.  My Aunt Mi-Mi because she is 79 years old and she’s an active mixed media artist and a healer and she doesn’t live with any limitations.

Photo by Aycee Brown Photography

What keeps you motivated?  
My children.  Mortality.  Wanting to suck as much life in and pour as much of myself out while I can.   The desire to wake women up who were like me, unhappy and unsatisfied and scared to figure out why.  My mom.  She has schizophrenia and went undiagnosed for years.  Warning signs were swept under the rug.   People didn’t talk about their emotional issues.  I want to be a part of changing that and encouraging women to value their mental, emotional, spiritual and creative health as much as their physical health.  I believe that what’s good for your mind and spirit is good for your body and vice versa.

Any advice to fellow creatives (in your industry or otherwise)?  
For other writers and/or bloggers who are struggling to find their niche in the landscape:  Keep writing.  Write everyday.  Challenge yourself.  Share your work.  Believe in it even when no one else does.  You have to read and write consistently to get better and you have to share your work consistently to develop a thicker skin and become more confident.  Don’t compare yourself.  Start each day fresh, no matter how wonderful or horrible the day before was.  Don’t be too affected by praise or criticism.  Strive for authenticity and personal growth, not perfection.

Any other fun tidbits we should know about you? 
My most important role is being a mama.  I live under the influence of three kids - 12, 9 and 4.  One boy, two girls. Their father and I are long-time partners, college sweethearts. I love music and I’m always dancing and wiggling.  I love big hair and natural beauty products and I could talk about both all day.  I live in t-shirts and jeans.  I’m an introvert and becoming more and more so, the older I get.  I’m social, but I need lots of alone time or I get cranky.  My favorite places are libraries and book stores, thrift shops, dance studios, beaches, cozy boutiques with handmade products, my friends’ living rooms and anywhere my kids can let loose and be free without breaking anything.  I love women’s circles, breaking bread with people, inspiring conversation, exchanging energy with vibrant souls.  I am endlessly curious about the complexity of women.  How strong we are.  How deep our love is.  How we hold the world together.  I write to help women remember how powerful they are.

Where can we find you online?
blog:  All the Many Layers
wwitter:  @ggreneewrites
instagram:   @ggreneewrites
facebook:  All the Many Layers

I hope you enjoyed getting to know GG a little better! These features are really one of my absolute favorites to do. There are so many awesomely talented and inspiring creatives out there so I am super happy that I get to meet and share the ones I know with you :) Please make sure you follow GG on social media at the links above and let her know how much you enjoyed her feature! -Danni