We had the good fortune of connecting with Brando and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brando, what do you want your legacy to be?
Ironically, as a creative who comes from a lineage of artists under the moniker of “Brando” I have yet to place value in the idea of a legacy. History is fascinating when compacted and read from a distance to see the real effects, but it’s hard to notice when you are contributing to history in the moment. Is it more selfish to want to be remembered after you’re gone or to not care because you won’t be around to receive the praise? I don’t create for anyone, but myself. That is not to say I am not grateful of the friends and fans I have that appreciate what I share with my world. So I don’t think I care to be remembered. I will enjoy the time I have with the people I care for and when it is over it will be over. The life of a fly is just as long as the life of a tortoise.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have been very fortunate to have as much success as I do as an artist because it is a difficult field to make money in. I started my design business at age 12 and have been able to be proficient in each creative method I attempt. Naturally, as a kid I would doodle and that quickly became my identity – an illustrator. My goals of becoming a Pixar animator then led me into graphic design. Being able to achieve my 10,000 hours at a young age gave me the opportunity to be creative without feeling the pressures of adulthood and so I have been able to be my own boss my entire life.

Over those developmental years I learned graphic design, automotive art, screen printing, photography, videography, painting and even coding. In college I dabbled in creating art for upcoming music artists who are now some of the most popular music acts in the world. Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles put me in a better position to continue art direction in the music industry. Through reputation and developing multiple record labels I became a top tier art director in music. I have made sure that I am the best hand for any project.

Because art is my life it has never felt like a job at any point and so I couldn’t describe any periods as difficult or easy. My advice for anyone seeking “success” in a creative field would be to not chase the money. You will be much more content creating what you love for less than becoming a servant for others for a higher pay. If you stay true to your art the admirers will follow and so the money.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have lived and traveled all over so I will say in Chicago the best thing to do is hang out on a stoop or rooftop as the sun is setting and inhale the mix of deep fried food and air coming from Lake Michigan. In New York I would take the J train into the city and walk down to Vanessa’s Dumpling House for a sesame pancake. Los Angeles is perfect almost every day so I like to cruise around in my 63 Chevy and wave to friends passing by like a bootleg version of Entourage.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My dad was always supportive of every genre of art I entered. In my youth he taught me his trades of airbrushing and pinstriping and brought me many clients to help me support myself financially and artistically.

Website: https://www.brandoarts.com

Instagram: @brando

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