Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Hawkins.
Brittany, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I created Black Angel Creations to highlight the importance of Black female artists and Black women in general. I have always been a minority in the artistic field and was told this would not be a “real” career field for me to be successful in. Additionally, I have always felt Black women, through media and art history, have not been shown in a light of respect that we truly deserve. Our stories – our human experience – are often not told or misrepresented. I wanted to create a platform to do what I love which is to create art while simultaneously promoting the dignity, strength, and beauty of black women. I wanted to use my art to tell our stories in a way that was reflective of our dimensions of beauty and joy.
I have chosen the angel as a symbol because the Bible tells us that they represent high ethical and moral standards and are highly intelligent. This a prospective that the media and art world historically has refused to depict Black people in. There is an African proverb that says, “until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter.” It is critical that creatives continue to rewrite our own stories and identities for what they really are.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest obstacles I have faced have been the emotional roller coaster that comes with trying to start a freelance business. There is a lot of planning, long nights, and behind the scenes work that entrepreneurs may not be aware of. It is a learning process to better understand business models, brand development and marketing avenues. But, thinking about the friends and family that support me keeps my mind focused on my goals and gives me motivation to keep evolving as a business owner and keep creating impactful work.
Black Angel Creations – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Black Angel Creations is a freelance design company where we specialize in making your creative dreams come true through custom graphics, visual arts (including drawing, painting and sculpture), photography, media and much more. I believe creativity takes courage and I use that to never be afraid to take on new creative challenges. I enjoy having my own unique style that is a mixture of realism and a bold graphic nature. I highlight the beauty of Black people in all shades, colors, and shapes and take pride in being a black-owned business. Being able to have effective communication, flexibility and adapting to customer needs allows me to deliver the best satisfaction and products to my clients.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
A lot of people may define success based on materialistic and numeric values, but for me, success is much more personal. I have learned to set short-term and long-term goals that keep me focused on the bigger picture – using my art to live out the purpose God has for my life. I have learned that being successful financially will mean nothing if it is not rooted in a strong foundation of one’s passion, purpose and self-awareness. I am striving every day to find myself and becoming a better woman mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually and ensure that growth is reflected in my art. If I can continue to grow, continue to tell authentic stories filled with purpose, then I will achieve success.
Pricing:
- Custom designs, media, graphics and commissioned works are calculated by a supply fee plus a labor charge at an hourly rate. Shipping in the US is available, rates and shipping cost will be applied to purchase.
Contact Info:
- Email: blackangelcreation@gmail.com
- Instagram: @blackangelcreations
Image Credit:
Black Angel Creations
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