Conversations with Brandon Brown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Brown

Brandon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Brandon Brown, born 1994, in Jeffersonville, IN, has been passionately practicing art since childhood. Raised by a single mother, he discovered drawing as a meaningful hobby to occupy his time. During high school (2008-2012), art classes such as ceramics, drawing, and painting became pivotal in his elective studies, standing alongside his athletic pursuits in wrestling and football. Exposure to various mediums during this time laid the foundation for his fine arts practice.
After graduating high school in 2012 with notable awards and exhibit appearances, Brandon attended Ball State University to study public speaking and speechwriting, with a minor in sociology. Although his art production slowed during these years, the internal conflict and personal development he experienced significantly influenced his artistic perspective.
In 2016, Brandon moved to Denver, Colorado, seeking a fresh outlook on life. Working in the service industry allowed him to continue creating art while building meaningful connections within a diverse community. In 2019, he joined the military, which lead to a significant shift in his life between 2019 and 2020. During 2021 and 2022, his artistic output was limited to simple portrait sketches, but he also learned the art of knitting, which fueled his growing interest in textile and pattern design.
After returning from deployment in 2022, Brandon worked for the government troubleshooting and repairing aviation equipment. He later transitioned to the private sector, collaborating with engineers to build communication and weapons systems for the aerospace and defense industry. These experiences, combined with a series of transformative events, led Brandon to realize his higher calling and pursue his art full-time.
As of 2024, Brandon is a full-time mixed media artist, the visionary founder of the Legacy Brand Guud Krma, and a passionate advocate for education and social advancement for minorities and marginalized communities. His art, uniquely inspired, captures his immediate perceptions and cultural ambiguity. Through a diverse array of mediums—including acrylic painting, watercolor and ink washes, block printing, graphic design, knitting, and textile and pattern design—Brandon seamlessly weaves the principles of perspective all while celebrating his unique cultural identity.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“No. For most of my life, I had spent a lot of time pursuing the things I thought were expected of me. You know, be an athlete, go to college, pursue a career building someone else’s dream. It made a lot of sense and even felt really good because that’s what most people in America are doing. Its just what life is in the US. It was all so reassuring. Eventually I got restless of the default american pursuit of happiness and decided to join the military. Most of my decision came from the desire for a challenge and change, student loan repayment, and pure curiosity. What inevitably happened, unknowingly at the time, was me sacrificing a very special part of myself; my creativity. I saw an opportunity to become great at something and kind of left my creativity behind. The nature of the military destroyed my creative power in the sense that I allowed myself to become the type of person that would follow orders and rarely ask why. I don’t know many artist like that so I am sure one can imagine that internal struggle.

Drawing and creating was all I had as a child, so to loose that felt like I accidentally deleted a pretty important master file off of my hard drive. Luckily, I was able to save some of myself in other places which allowed me to rediscover who i am. I am still doing that now.

I simply can not deny the people I met, and the things I learned during my time in service. Those experiences helped me forge a path to later go on and make more money than I ever had before. More money than most folks closest to me. And I didn’t mind the work.

It’s difficult to describe what exactly happend in the short period of time since working in the private sector and where I am now, but it felt like an angel in the night. My reality shifted rapidly very quickly.

So through a series of events, divine intuition and the executive decisions I made, I finally decided to take a leap of faith and pursue my own visions in this world. So no, it has not been a smooth journey.

I will share my final thoughts on this question by saying this: As difficult and challenging as this adventure has been, it has and always will be worth it and for several reason. Someone once said that something easily obtained is not worth having. I agree.
I decided to approach life with a growth mindset because I have a desire to know and do. Going about it this way helps me to not take it personal. Art is art, and when im done its all business. I want to share my unique perspectives, successess, and winning strategies when it comes to life. I am doing that through my art. So if that means I have to grind a little more or whatever, well then I welcome the rocky mountain. To have a purpose is a blessing.”

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a painter, graphic/textile/pattern designer, musician and producer.

I specialize in painting with water color and acrylic and tend to explore mixed media
I have a growing interest in how my art can be applied to fashion. And textiles

I am not a very proud person but I am very thankful for the forces that govern the things outside of my control.

What sets me apart from others is the same thing that separates us all…our individuality. I’m simply trying to find those resonate with my art.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are several ways people can get involved with my work.

“You can directly support me by first connecting with me on Instagram @bbrownart94. From there you can visit my website brandonbrownart.com if you would like to purchase an original or print of my art. I am also open to commissions and collaborations. I would love to work with other artists and musicians especially on any concept art.

You can also support by visiting guudkrma.com and checking out our legacy brand GUUD KRMA . Here is where you will find more of my graphic design and textile interest come to life. I highly recommend reading the about page.

You can also email me at bbrownart94@gmail.com or just DM on socials if you have more specific questions or inquires about what I do, where my interests lie, and how we can collaborate further. I have a growing presence on line and in the community as well, so if we cross paths don’t hesitate to say hello and we can connect that way as well!”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brandonbrownart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbrownart94?igsh=cGRhb294Zjk1NDRo