Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiana “Vi” Ware.
Born in Lithonia, GA, Vi has always had a passion for art, one she shares with her tight-knit family. Her grandmother, Brenda Ware, nurtured Vi’s talent by teaching her the art of calligraphy at a young age. After her grandmother succumbed to a battle with Pancreatic Cancer in 2014, Vi renamed her business from 2Ware4u to BeWare Designs to continue her legacy and remember to always stay true to her expression through art.
Vi is an Atlanta-based graphic artist, musician, and poet. Starting her business at 15, Kiana began painting t-shirts for friends and peers in middle school. As a Pre-Architecture major, she studied Art History and learned the technical advantages of tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop in creating digital artwork. From there, she declared her major as Construction Management and has studied while working ever since.
She has expanded her repertoire over the years providing customers with custom graphics on clothing, digital logos, commissioned artwork, illustrations, home decor, and even furniture and footwear. Vi believes success is the impact you have on others and the impression you leave behind when you’re no longer present. Her mission in life is to leave the world with as much of her essence and die truly empty of the gifts she’s been given.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey to success has been a plethora of winds and turns, heartbreaks and growing pains. My biggest struggle has been and continues to be the battle between financially maintaining and following my passion. For years I’ve pursued my art part-time, while my career has always flourished making other people money. Dropping out of school several times due to loss in the family, divorce, or just finances in general have all contributed to my eventful path. I’m blessed to say through each obstacle, my faith has never waivered, and the Lord has always seen me through my darkest hour. I am a firm believer in trusting signs, and I’ve been feeling that it’s time to pursue my art full-time. I quit my job, and I’m in Week 2 of making the hard changes we all fear as artists. I’m thankful for my journey and I know there are many more obstacles to come. My most recent collaboration is an anthology book as a co-author with a best-selling author. I can’t release all the details yet, but it will definitely be worth the read.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is a full-service graphic design company. I specialize in mixed media commissioned artwork and custom pieces to include canvas paintings, custom logos, murals, custom furniture, and designer shoes and/or clothing. As an owner, I am most proud of my perseverance as a freehand artist, and no matter how tedious the process, I pride myself in knowing no order is the same. I strive to give each customer their own unique experience and I think that is the true art of creating something worth cherishing. There is something about having a painting or furniture piece that catches your guests’ eyes when they walk into your home. Knowing that it is custom and original gives the client an extended sense of creating that the artist experiences. It’s authentic, has a story, and is 100% custom. Someone can order a print or a similar original, but no one will ever own that piece but you. Not many artists can say that.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a lot like I am now, ambitious as ever and tenaciously motivated. I did everything I could get into and wanted to master it well enough to be the best. I modeled, twirled baton, studied Martial Arts, ran track, played softball, and was in band and JROTC. I used to idolize Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, singing and dancing everywhere I went. I was really into music; writing music, listening to music, playing music. I was a poet, always making cards with my poems for birthdays and holidays or competing in the school’s competitions. I was an artist. I loved learning about the Renaissance and how people used to thrive off learning trade skills within the community. Needless to say, with all of my interest I always had a crowd of friends. I loved being the center of attention and got used to entertaining everywhere I went. Sometimes that would get me in trouble in the classroom, but I was smart so I got away with it…too smart for my own good at times! Some would say I was all over the place and needed to pick one thing to be good at. I would laugh and just learn another trick or trade to add to my bag. I loved being a Renaissance woman. And to an extent, I pride myself in it to this day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bewaredesigns.com
- Phone: 770-655-8767
- Email: info@bewaredesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiviziion/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealbewaredesigns
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bewarereal
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