We were lucky to catch up with Brandon L recently and have shared our conversation below.
Brandon, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
For me, I keep creativity alive by approaching everything in life like a painting. At first, it is daunting to look at a blank canvas. The possibilities are endless. I can paint the fruit medley on my table, or get outside and do some plein air painting. Whatever the subject matter may be, it is necessary to have a mastery of the basic painting elements as they dictate the success of a piece. The four elements are wet on dry layering, sketching, color mixing, and caring for your brushes. These skills are essential in my approach to painting, and are metaphorically transferable into keeping the imagination alive.
In the wet on dry method of painting, it requires that each layer is dried before setting down a new layer. This creates a solid foundation for finer details to stand out against vast swaths of colors or related color hues. Next time you are at a museum, take a look at the works from the masters. Their control between layers of paint—abstract or technical—is a sought after skill that shows confidence in their understanding of composition. The concept of layering can inspire our own innovation. By layering knowledge and skill upon one another in a methodical manner, the patterns between each “layer” connect through repetition, thus sparking originality through persistence. Think of a dancer connecting different styles of dance into a display of movement mastery. The styles may come from different regions of the world, but many share the basic dance principles, and therefore a dancer can connect those styles together to form a beautiful dance composition. For me, the creativity found between the layers when using wet on dry methods is similar to the creativity found between the layers of everyday knowledge and skills.
A sketch is a rough, unfinished drawing. To sketch, it often requires you to observe your surroundings and to reproduce it. Usually, the surroundings are always shifting and you have to focus on one aspect at a time. The requirement to quickly register your surroundings for your drawing is an act of artistry as elements move, and thus requires insightful memorization of the environment. Imagine drawing a tree on a windy day. It would be a lot easier to wait until the wind subsides, but drawing an active tree is far more interesting than drawing a static one. Start by sketching in the anatomy of the tree, then shape out the branches, and finally form the leaves, all the while memorizing the tree’s basic appearance in its active state. This exercise, when done in the right environment, yields a unique sketch that is different from most tree drawings. Insightful memorization is not limited to sketching, as it can also be found in sculpting, writing, and sewing. I find that sketching is the best method to utilize this memorization skill, and combined with the awareness of space, it allows me to have deeper memories and keep my creativity afloat.
Color mixing is the act of making colors based on the primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. Mix one with another and you have a completely new color. I use the analogy of mixing colors to that of emotions. Mix anger with sorrow and you get chaos, but mix happiness with joy and you get laughter. The amount of “colors” you mix together matters, as the result is a completely new “color.”
The act of caring for your brushes is similar to that of caring for yourself. I care for my brushes in the same manner that I care for my mental and physical state. Before going out into the world, I always make sure that I am ready for what’s to come. When I am not completely centered, it is likely due to a lack of preparation. In that case, maybe I didn’t properly shower, resulting in messy hair, which obscures my view of the world. So to better prepare, I will be sure to shower fully, and that way I can see what’s ahead of me. The same sentiment can be applied to preparing for a painting. Properly cleaning your brushes will allow straighter lines, and therefore a better idea of how the piece will turn out.
A good life is a life filled with creativity. Nowadays, with mobile devices, artificial intelligence, and the monotony of work, the inspiration to do something original can be easily diminished. To avoid this, I approach everything in life like a painting. My opinions of what constitutes a successful painting may be different from others, but as long as one takes the principles of their choosing and implements them into their own life, then it can lead to keeping the creative juices flowing.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Before I opened Always Lucky Studio, I created art under the moniker INKSAP. This was due to much of my work being unsanctioned, as the pieces were displayed outdoors on buildings, bus stops, and in/around public spaces. My involvement in that world plus that of contemporary art and art production lead me to have the skills to print and build gallery walls. That period was roughly between 2015 – 2019. Then in 2020, I directed my focus into a single studio: hence Always Lucky Studio.
The name Always Lucky Studio came from finding luck in most of the things that I do. I believe that my ability to go into a flow state grants me deep focus towards my task, resulting in experiences of enjoyment, creativity and luck!
Always Lucky Studio has been a rewarding studio project. It has taught me to enjoy what I do in life, and it has helped a lot of artists and business owners in their creative journey. We have worked with universities, marketing agencies, and artists big and small. As we continue to grow, we plan on improving our methods and developing more products and services that continue to suit our client’s needs. This year, we have new prospects that we are excited about. I can’t share what that is just yet, but it will be helpful for our mobile gallery walls. Stay tuned!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The most important thing that I have learned from my journey is knowing what you are good at and telling the world that that is what you will do. Where I am now, has a lot to do with this practice. The habitual practices that one may use to paint, I translate into my journey. My intentions have always been devoted to the arts, especially visual paintings. Although I am not a painter in the conventional sense, I am a painter when it comes to coursing out my progression.
There have been instances when I would question my intentions. Most of which came from familial opinions to pursue a more conventional career. I was brought up to not question the opinions of my elders. I believe it was part of our culture and it was frustrating, especially since I didn’t see it as an issue. Now at almost 30 years of age, I have taught myself to skillfully ignore external opinions and overcome familial challenges. I still have moments of doubt, but I do my best to remind myself of where I came from and where I currently am.
I am more resilient and more at peace when telling myself and the world that I am going to pursue what I am good at. Some days I may tell the world something different than from the usual. Regardless, as long as my day to day intentions are in line with my goals, then I can become a better person in the process.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
First, I would like to recognize my wife, Allison, for being my number one source of wisdom, love, and success. We are always dreaming together and bettering each other for a fulfilling life. I can accomplish more with her by my side.
Second, my friend Rolland. He has always inspired me to be myself, and he has been a consistent source of laughter. He always knows how to charm and keep going even when it gets difficult.
Lastly, I would like to name a few people here: Bryce, Mom, Dan, Theresa, Grandma, and Linda.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alwaysluckystudio.com
- Instagram: @alwaysluckystudio
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/always-lucky-studio-los-angeles
Image Credits
Images are Always Lucky Studio
