We recently connected with Britt Samuels Jr. and have shared our conversation below.
Britt, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
To keep my creativity alive, I often draw on my experience of being the only child in my household. Growing up, I had to rely on my imagination to entertain myself, which naturally sparked my creativity. I’ve carried that sense of wonder and curiosity with me into adulthood. I also make a point to stay curious, surround myself with inspiring people, and expose myself to new ideas and perspectives. Whether through art, nature, or everyday experiences, I find that keeping my mind open allows creativity to flow naturally.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a multifaceted creative journeying through life’s diverse landscapes. At the tender age of 12, I embarked on a photographic odyssey, capturing moments that would shape my artistic vision. After a stint in corporate America, I found himself drawn to the allure of television production, immersing myself in the dynamic world of visual storytelling for five enriching years. Yet, my thirst for creative autonomy led me to forge a new path, founding my own video marketing enterprise.
In 2017, my passion for photography blossomed into a full-fledged artistic pursuit. Since then, my works have graced the pages of 13 esteemed magazines worldwide, captivating audiences with my unique perspective. I’ve also been very fortunate to curate four compelling art exhibitions in Orange County.
I’ve been honored as a recipient of the Community Engagement Grant in 2021, clinching the prestigious Black & White Photography category at the esteemed LA Photography Awards in 2022 and more. But all would not be possible without the support of the Orange County community.
One of my most meaningful projects has been a collaboration with the largest hotel in Orange County, California with Hilton Anaheim. We started a series called “Canvas Conversations” and it’s a rotating exhibit with a new focus every one to two months. In June, the exhibit was titled ‘Juneteenth’ and featured works from local Orange County POC artists across the hotel. In August, we celebrated the creativity and innovation of the next generation of artists ages 13-18. Visitors at Hilton Anaheim expect a diverse array of artworks, ranging from paintings and sculptures to digital art and mixed media, reflecting the unique perspectives and boundless imaginations of these emerging talents. Moving into the fall, we currently have a ‘Dia de los Muertos’ exhibit up that beautifully captures the essence of the holiday through the lens of contemporary art.
This collaboration has been an incredibly meaningful project for me because it provides a unique platform to showcase the diverse talent of local artists from Orange County. This initiative aligns perfectly with my passion for supporting and promoting the arts within our community. By curating this collection, I am able to bring together artists of all ages and backgrounds, creating a rich tapestry that reflects the vibrant cultural landscape of our region.
This project also allows me to connect artists with a broader audience, offering them exposure and opportunities they might not have had otherwise. It’s deeply rewarding to see the excitement and pride on the faces of these artists as their work is displayed in such a prominent venue. The collaboration with Hilton Anaheim underscores the importance of art in enhancing our living and working environments, and it reaffirms my commitment to fostering artistic expression in our community.
The conversations about this collaboration began when Jason Abdullah from Hilton Anaheim reached out to the City of Orange Chamber of Commerce in search of a curator for a new art initiative. As a board member of the Chamber, I was immediately intrigued by the opportunity. The idea of curating a collection of local art for such a well-regarded establishment was both exciting and a perfect fit for my background and interests. I also founded the Orange Community Arts Guild (OCAG) in conjunction with the City of Orange Chamber of Commerce.
Jason and I had several discussions about the vision for the project and the potential impact it could have on the local art community. We shared a common goal of not only beautifying the Hilton Anaheim but also creating a platform that celebrates the creativity and talent of Orange County artists. This collaboration is meaningful to me because it bridges the gap between the corporate world and the artistic community, fostering a sense of unity and mutual support. It’s a project that highlights the importance of art in our daily lives and its ability to inspire and connect people.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were determination, consistency, and perseverance. Determination helped me stay focused on my goals, even when things were challenging. Consistency allowed me to show up every day, building momentum and habits that carried me forward. Perseverance helped me push through obstacles and setbacks, knowing that the road to success isn’t always smooth.
For those early in their journey, I would advise them to start by setting clear, achievable goals. Focus on building small, daily habits that support your growth. Stay consistent, even on the days when progress feels slow. And when challenges arise, lean on your determination and perseverance—those qualities will help you keep going when others might give up. Success is often about staying the course, so don’t be afraid to keep pushing forward.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking for local artists to collaborate with. If you’re a creative individual passionate about sharing your work, I encourage you to visit OCAG.org and register. I’m open to partnering on projects that promote local art and culture. Additionally, if you have any great ideas or unique concepts, I’m always excited to hear them—if my schedule allows, I’d love to collaborate! Feel free to reach out through the website, and let’s explore ways to create something meaningful together.
Contact Info:
- Website: ocag.org
- Instagram: @ocartsguild
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ORANGECOMMUNITYARTSGUILD
