Meet Bandy RAREBANDY

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bandy RAREBANDY. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bandy below.

Hi Bandy, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found purpose through traveling and being open to new experiences. I always joke and say that I’ve already lived about 30 different lives because I’ve taken time to really explore who I am through traveling, taking on new jobs, projects, and opportunities. Those opportunities typically get me out of my comfort zone and allow me grow by finding out more about myself. If there’s anything I want to do, I’ll do it just to see if it’s truly something I desire out of life. That’s how I found my way back to art. After so many ventures, when I came back to art, it felt different. It’s effortless. I don’t feel pressure to create and I enjoy that people love my work. It starts with me loving it more than anyone else ever could. Also traveling to so many different countries with the military allowed me to see exactly where both my art and I belonged in the world. It’s one thing to feel a sense of purpose at home but internationally is next level reassurance.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello readers! I’m an Artist and Designer, from Inkster, MI, currently based in Detroit, MI. I’m the creator of Bandyland, Rarie Panther and Friends and I utilize my characters and brand across a wide range of mediums to tell stories and advocate for different societal issues and injustices. Whats special about my work is that it toes the line of street, luxury, and it appeals to all ages. My characters are all original, and GLOVE FREE, which makes them some of the first characters created by a BIPOC to do so. They’re featured tastefully on products, children’s books and within art to be enjoyed by everyone.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that were most impactful on my journey are individualism, patience, and faith. Staying true to my own vision as a individual, even when seeking help and guidance was important because although people can help, they don’t know better you and they don’t see things the way you see it. You can’t sacrifice the vision, you have to make a way to meet in the middle or they have to squint and find a way to see things the way you do. It’s a reason they decided to work with you and it’s not because of what they bring to the table, it’s what they know your vision can do for all parties. Second is being patient and weathering whatever storms come your way. Some times things are up and great, some times they’re down and don’t feel great but that’s apart of the game. You have to understand that and continue creating and clocking into your craft to be ready for when the sun comes back out so you can shine brighter! Last is faith! It’s first but last in this because it’s the most important. No one believes in me more than me. No one believes more than me. I have all faith that it’s not a matter of “if” but “when”! The times coming. You’ve just got to keep creating freely with love.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! I’m looking for some collaborations and strategic partnerships with businesses/companies, programs, and schools to show the range that I have and they can reach out via email to jeremy@artevillage.com cc: rarebandy@gmail.com

Contact Info:

Image Credits
DariusYouDidThis, Dante Rionda (Completd Studios)

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