We recently had the chance to connect with Brian Moore and have shared our conversation below.
Brian , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I feel like one of the biggest misconceptions about my business is that it’s easy because I’ve been a artist all of my life. I feel like most people feel that because I enjoy creating and its my passion that its not considered “work” when I’m working on commissions. It isn’t an easy business at all. When I’m working on a personal piece, I can work to MY satisfaction on my own schedule. It’s different when you have to complete artwork on a client’s timetable and to their satisfaction. Theres a level of anxiety when it comes to creating artwork for someone else.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brian Moore but I go by the art moniker “BMOESART”. My nickname most of my life has been “B-Moe” and my business is based on B-Moe’s Art (Bmoesart). My art medium is primarily graphite, charcoal and colored pencils. I have worked in acrylic paint from time to time but only sporadically. I’ve also branched off into being a tattoo artist for the past 5 years. I was born and raised in Flint, MI and enlisted in the Air Force after graduating high school. I served 21 years in the armed forces before retiring in 2016. After the military i enrolled in the Art Institute of San Francisco before transferring to the Art Institute of Atlanta in 2019. I currently reside in Georgia where Ive been actively creating artwork, both personal and commissions, as well as tattooing clients.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
There’s no question that the person that taught me the most about work is my late grandfather! He was one of the hardest working men I’ve ever met in my life. Not only was he hardworking but he was very well respected in his field of work as well as beyond that field. He instilled in my what it took to be a man. How to recognize and fulfill your responsibilities, and most importantly, an emphasis on providing for your family, mentally, physically and emotionally! He was my biggest fan and I will always revere him as the greatest man I’ve ever known!!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Theres been more than one time when I’ve considered giving up. Being an artist can really test your confidence sometimes. Especially nowadays when social media and public opinion are so prevalent in pop culture. I feel that one of the biggest mistakes we as artists make is judging the worth of our artwork thru social media likes and shares. So many strangers have access to my work and sometimes the criticism isnt constructive at all. There are internet trolls who’s entire self worth is based on making others feel bad about their looks, status, accomplishments, etc. It’s difficult to filter them out sometimes and I know there’s been times when Ive had a few trolls make me feel extremely self conscious about my artwork to the point of my questioning my talent and whether I wanted to continue or not. Thankfully, I’ve gotten to the point where I can block out the negativity and live happily in my art element!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I feel one of the biggest untruths about the art industry is that success is only measured in how much money an artist makes. Opportunity isn’t only monetary gain. I understand that as artists we put in many many hours, days, weeks, months and years of work on our craft and we deserve to be compensated for our work but sometimes opportunities don’t always equate to money. Ive had commissions where I couldve easily felt that I was underpaid but I didn’t look at it that way because those particular commissions led to more lucrative commissions. I feel that each artist should use their own discretion in accepting commissions that may not be lucrative and understand that some of these commissions may lead to alot better opportunities!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I am easily at my most peaceful when I hit a “zone” while creating! Sitting at my drafting table with musing playing loudly in the background (mostly 90s R&B or Jazz) and just losing myself in creating is such an amazing feeling. When you start to see your art piece come together exactly the way you want it to and lose yourself in time while working is a level of peace that I wish everyone could experience. There are times that I’ve worked on a piece and i’ve lost approx. 6-10hrs while working. Its a feeling that I wish I could experience with EVERY work of art I’m creating. No matter what I could be going through at the time in my life, none of it matters or bothers me when I’m in that “zone”. That is true peace for me!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmoesart/
