Today we’d like to introduce you to Xavier Payne.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m an 80’s baby; 90’s kid. I grew up always knowing that a career in the Arts was for me. My creativity was informed by movie posters and album covers, historic art, and comic books, but it wasn’t until about 2013 where I found a voice that has now become its own language.
The first big project I was contracted to do was for the late fashion designer Mychael Knight. I’m very grateful to him because I was still in art school, about to graduate, with no real plans besides “get a job.” From there, I continued to position myself as a Pop Art Illustrator online and in local galleries focusing on Black American perspectives.
Today I hope to express the story of the underdog and reinforce the confidence of the marginalized Black American. I’m here to disrupt the art world with stylish narratives.
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?
I consider myself privileged to a point, but I have had many frustrations and growing pains in aiming to be the kind of artist that impacts people in a positive way.
One of the toughest things is staying consistent and authentic in such a layered professional landscape. You feel so small; like you’re not making an impact on the kind of world you want to see. So much information pulls me all different ways all the time. But right now also feels like a time for reflection if you can.
Right now, I’m taking time internally to be proud of my past work over the last five years or so.
Please tell us more about your art.
Pop Art Illustrations. Artwork designed pull viewers in and tell stories.
Before the virus, I painted live at events and I was part of solo and group exhibitions. I work with different mediums, but most of my work is either acrylic, paper collages or digital prints.
Today, I sell art and apparel on xpayne.com. I am still painting and I’m doing monthly releases of new work.
I’m proud of all the celebrity acknowledgments and very inspiring projects I have been part of. I think that I am most proud of the fact that I get to be myself because my clients trust my skill and talent.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m lucky to have had parents that supported my interests as a kid.
I’m unlucky to have an awkward personality. It takes me a while to warm up to people and that’s not the best thing for business.
I’m lucky to have learned how to airbrush in art school. Schools don’t really teach it anymore.
I’m unlucky to have to work creatively among gentrified neighborhoods. As an artist, I feel like a pawn in a political game sometimes.
Contact Info:
- Website: xpayne.com
- Email: xpayne@xpayne.com
- Instagram: xpayneart
Image Credit:
Upreyl Mitchell
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