Today we’d like to introduce you to Bria Monae.
Hi Bria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a self-taught artist born and raised in Baltimore, MD, currently residing in Raleigh, NC. I’ve always expressed myself creatively , whether that was through painting, drawing, or writing. My mom always reminds me of how my dad let me draw on the walls of our closets as a kid. She wasn’t happy but it definitely shows how things have came full circle.
I’ve always drawn and painted on and off as a kid. Once I began thinking of college art became something that didn’t seem “serious” enough to pursue. During my junior year, I took two art history classes and it mad me realize how much I missed creating. During that time I also realized that I didn’t want to pursue what I was getting my degree in. After graduating , I moved to Raleigh and began taking my artistry seriously since I was set on becoming a tattoo artist.
I started to build a drawing portfolio while working my 9-5 and I created a timeline on when I wanted to be able to quit. During that time I went to about 7 shops for an apprenticeship and I either got a no or the owner wasn’t available. I was a bit dramatic and cried a lot but after the last no I ended getting a manger position at a local art gallery. It wasn’t what I was looking for necessarily, but a friend told me that it was probably “what I needed” at the moment and he was right. At this job, I slowly began to share my art, create more, sell my work, and about a year later I started to tattoo consistently till this day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I use to think that if something didn’t come easy then I wasn’t meant to do it or I was no good. I later found that everything takes practice and sometimes the “challenges” end up helping you excel.
The mental load of creating consistently, maintaining a job, learning a new skill, and marketing myself on social media was something that I didn’t expect when I decided to take art seriously. I didn’t have a solution at that time and still don’t. I just kept going and found outlets that supported me throughout the way like prayer and leaning on loved ones. Having supportive friends and family helped whenever I felt discouraged or confused about what steps to take next.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I do a little bit of everything, well I try to at least. I draw, paint, write, and tattoo. I began with drawing and painting. After teaching myself about digital art I began tattooing. It has been the hardest medium to learn but it’s still been very fulfilling. I’m still in the beginning of my journey but I’m most proud of my consistency and determination.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is sitting with my grandmother and drawing and coloring. She would always say that she’s the one who taught me to color inside of the lines. I’m not sure how true that is but she would definitely be proud to see the things that I’ve created now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bmonaeartdesign.bigcartel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.monaeart/
Image Credits
@jaxofnorth @mont.pr @jasedatruth
