We were lucky to catch up with Brittany Glover recently and have shared our conversation below.
Brittany, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I believe my resilience stems from the strong, supportive women who raised me—my mother and my grandmother. Growing up in a single-parent household, I watched my mom work tirelessly to provide for me while always encouraging my artistic journey from the very beginning. She saw something in me and made sure I had the freedom and confidence to explore it. Her unwavering belief in my talent taught me that hard work and passion can coexist, even in the face of challenges.
My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was another pillar of strength in my life. She transitioned in 2023, but her legacy of love and wisdom stays with me every day. She had a way of making me feel like I could conquer anything, and her faith in me still fuels my determination to this day. Both of these incredible women instilled in me a deep sense of purpose, reminding me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about embracing the journey, even when it’s difficult, and continuing to create despite life’s obstacles. My father was also an example, he was a track coach. I was surrounded by good soil!
As an artist and as a person, I channel their strength into my work. Whether I’m painting, designing, or collaborating with my partner on Creative Thoughts, I’m constantly reminded of their sacrifices and the values they taught me. They’ve shown me that resilience is rooted in love, community, and a commitment to living authentically, which is what I strive to honor in my life and art.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Brittany Glover, also known as Queen Picasso, and I’m a dynamic artist who initially trained as an architect before fully embracing my passion for visual arts. That blend of structure and creativity has shaped the way I approach art, allowing me to create work that merges precision with emotion. In 2014, my partner Ruben Bell and I co-founded Creative Thoughts, a platform where we bring our love for art to life and offer a wide range of creative services. Together, we’ve been dedicated to inspiring others and contributing impactful artwork to the Philadelphia community.
What excites me most about what I do is the ability to tell stories, evoke emotions, and spark conversations through my art. Whether it’s an abstract acrylic painting or a custom piece for a client, I see every project as an opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level. My work is heavily influenced by my architectural background, so I love playing with geometric forms, spatial composition, and the interplay of light and shadow. It’s a way for me to explore the balance between structure and fluidity, just like in life.
Creative Thoughts is more than just an art business; it’s a movement. We sell prints, apparel, accessories, and even provide creative services for other businesses and organizations. Each piece we create is intentional, and every sale helps fund new projects while giving back to our community. We also believe in uplifting others, so a big part of our mission is helping people tap into their own creativity and feel inspired to pursue their dreams.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding our reach through platforms like YouTube and podcasts, where we can share our journey, art tips, and motivational content with a global audience. I’m also working on interactive tools like creative workbooks and journals to help other artists keep their spark alive. Through it all, my goal is to keep creating, connecting, and leaving a legacy that celebrates the transformative power of art.
For anyone who wants to stay connected or explore our work, you can find us online at www.ctartshop.com or on Instagram at @ctd_philly and @queen_picasso. Art is life, and I’m grateful every day to share mine with the world.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities that shaped me as an artist and entrepreneur are resilience, vision, and curiosity. Each of these has played a pivotal role in helping me navigate challenges, embrace growth, and stay true to my purpose.
Resilience is at the core of everything I do. Growing up in a single-parent household and seeing my mom work tirelessly while still supporting my art taught me that setbacks don’t define you—how you rise from them does. For those starting out, my advice is to develop a strong sense of why you’re doing what you do. When your purpose is clear, it’s easier to push through tough times. Also, don’t be afraid of failure; every mistake is a lesson that helps you grow.
Vision has also been essential. From my background in architecture to co-founding Creative Thoughts, I’ve always had a sense of what I wanted to create, even if I didn’t know exactly how it would unfold. My advice? Start with the big picture—what do you want your work or life to stand for? Then break it down into smaller, actionable steps. Write down your goals and revisit them often. It’s okay if your vision evolves; the important thing is to stay open to possibilities while keeping your core values intact.
Finally, curiosity has fueled my creativity and kept me inspired. I’ve always been eager to explore new mediums, ideas, and ways of thinking. Whether it’s experimenting with acrylics, learning digital design, or drawing inspiration from architecture, curiosity has allowed me to grow as an artist. For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: stay curious. Read, watch, listen, and explore. Seek out inspiration everywhere—from nature and conversations to books and art shows. Keep a sketchbook or journal where you can capture ideas as they come to you.
Above all, remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Be patient with yourself, embrace the process, and never stop learning. Every step you take is building the foundation for your future success.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, I’m always looking to collaborate with like-minded individuals who genuinely care about uplifting artists and creating meaningful, impactful work. At Creative Thoughts, we’re passionate about building partnerships that go beyond aesthetics—we want to create projects that add real value to our community and supporters. Whether it’s through art, events, or innovative ideas, we believe in using creativity as a tool for connection and growth.
We’re especially interested in working with people who share our vision of empowering artists and inspiring others to pursue their creative passions. Whether you’re an artist, business owner, nonprofit, or creative professional, if you’re focused on creating quality and making a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you.
If you’re reading this and feel aligned with our mission, let’s connect! You can reach out through our website at www.ctartshop.com or message us on Instagram at @ctd_philly or @queen_picasso. Let’s create something amazing together!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ctartshop.com
- Instagram: @queen_picasso | @ctd_philly
- Twitter: @queen_picasso
Image Credits
@scarletnova_photography @skills_215_ @urbanshots21
