We’re looking forward to introducing you to Briana Avalos. Check out our conversation below.
Briana, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think in today’s day and age, everyone is struggling with something. And we’ve been conditioned to keep it to ourselves. I think a lot of us struggle with anxiety about the future. Whether in reference to family, careers, love, or just the world around us, there is a lot of uncertainty about what’s to come. Will our tireless endeavors succeed? Will we find the happiness we seek? Will the world end in a ball of fire? Who knows! And nobody is talking about it! Probably because anxiety and that kind of speculation is not exactly sexy. But seriously, if ya feel it, why aren’t you talking about it? It’s really lonely believing you are isolated in your fears and anxiety, when in reality, the person next to you might be feeling the same way. A struggle with a support system is surely a lighter load to bear.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Briana Avalos, and I am the artist behind Bad Hand Creative. I am a multidisciplinary artist, meaning I dabble in many creative mediums, including photography, design, and ceramics. The vast majority of my work surrounds the food & beverage industry, specifically in brewery settings. I have an affinity for all things delicious, so you can catch me photographing allllll the snacks and sips! My design services span across digital, social, and print medias – specializing in branding and editorial design. And last, but certainly not least, my creative exploration stretches to the earth, as I am a passionate “potter”, “ceramicist”, or whatever else they call us clay-playin’ folks. I make a little bit of everything, both hand-built and wheel-thrown; but I specialize in ceramic “gardening tools” or smoke-ware for my more 420 friendly audiences. But ya girl is a sucker for a nice bowl, so I do make a variety of ceramic pieces both for sale and personal use.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a kid, I always had it in my head that I had to pick ONE thing to do for work for the rest of my life. In retrospect, I feel like that kinda stressed me out haha! I took the prospect of “what I wanted to be when I grow up” very seriously, and like most kids, it changed a million times. But as I grew up and experienced life, one thing I have continued to value very highly is the autonomy to be able to switch gears with my life at any point. So I thought I had to pick ONE thing to do when I grow up? Jokes on younger me, because now I do so. many. things.
I no longer believe in doing the same thing, every day, for the rest of my life. I prefer a more fluid work life – a few days here, a few shifts there, free weekends 😉 I keep interested in my work because I get to do something different every day. Professors always preached finding a “niche”, but I’ve never been happier than I have doing ALL THE THINGS. Mix it up, y’all. All I’m sayin’.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I’d say “call mom” man. In all my highs and lows, the only thing I ever want to do is call my mom and talk to her about it. And since I can’t anymore, I really wish I had called more when I could. Call your mom. Tell her all the things, big and small. She wants to hear about it, more than anything. Even just for a minute, call and tell her she’s loved.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
If I asked my closest friends what they think really matters to me, I think they would say my creativity and my people. And the two go hand in hand, really. My creative endeavors have allowed me to meet and build the strongest of bonds with the most incredible people I’ve ever met in my life. Specifically, living in Savannah GA has enabled me to immerse myself in a creatively minded community, and I am eternally grateful for all the friendships, good times, and creative exploration.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope the story that people tell about me is bright, full of love, and creatively immortal. I hope they remember my love for them and for my work. I hope they remember that I’ve left a piece of me in everything I’ve ever created, and I hope the things I’ve created bring them joy. I hope I live forever in my work and in the minds of those who possess it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://badhandcreative.com
- Instagram: @badhandcreative_ / https://www.instagram.com/badhandcreative_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaavalos/
Image Credits
Elana Thimm
