Five questions with local graphic designer and CSU student Braelen Hill
You mentioned you're currently supporting yourself with art. Did you ever expect that to happen? How does the commercial aspect change what you do?
Using art as a means of providing some income is very rewarding, but I honestly never expected to when I was in school. People tend to be their own worst critic, and I was no exception to this. It wasn't until some of my work sold at an art sale CSU hosted that I felt more confident in the potential to sell more, although selling wasn't a means to an end.
Presently, the commercial aspects allow artists to uniquely market themselves in the digital age. For example, instead of just paintings and drawings, I also sell digital paintings which are easily replicated, framed and matted. Although I still paint and draw regularly, it is my digital work throughout the years that has been the most lucrative.
I was born in the '80s, and grew up with video games, comics and computers throughout my life. In addition to being an artist, I gravitate towards anything made by other artists that remind me of my childhood. Truth be told, it is the commercial aspect that sparked my early interests in art, and where my fondest memories come from. There was an interesting article
recently by William Deresiewicz about how the notion of the artist has been replaced by the creative entrepreneur, and how artists today have multiple artistic identities.
This is important in the world of graphic design, and understand that when you are able to make something that people want, and it is easily replicated, there is huge potential for growth.
What's the biggest difference between teaching art and making art?
Teaching art is inspiring others to appreciate different facets of art and culture. You must be knowledgeable enough to engage students and to convince them art is, in fact, important. Conversely, making art requires you to be able seek the inspiration, not only to make art, but to also learn about it intimately.
What inspires you in your work?
It honestly depends on what is being made. When drawing and/or painting with oil or acrylic, my interest is purely form and color. Common objects serve as great subject matter to draw from: their surfaces and textures in certain lights, or even their unique imperfections. Other times, it is maybe my mood or a particular feeling I was experiencing that I try to abstract into a subject.
For graphic design work, I find most of my inspiration from the subject being illustrated. Once you know what the design is being used for, where it'll be seen, and the people who will see it, creating multiple variations is more intuitive.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to finish my master's first and foremost, and possibly open my own design studio while that is pending. In the end, my goal is to eventually teach art in middle or high school.
What is the best-kept secret in the Chattahoochee Valley?
Thai House. Their spicy green chicken curry is heaven in a bowl. Dine in for the best experience.
Vital stats
Name: Braelen Hill
Age: 30
Job: Freelance graphic designer, Student
Hometown: Columbus
Current home: Columbus
Family: Michelle Hill, wife; Kia Hill, daughter; Tyler Hill, son
Education: Columbus State University, Hardaway High
Favorite book: "Sin City" series by Frank Miller
Favorite movie: "Back to the Future" and "Back to the Future II"
Favorite restaurant: Thai House
Favorite quote: "The most precious thing in life is its uncertainty." -- Yoshida Kenk
Best concert attended: Avenged Sevenfold
This story was originally published January 25, 2015 at 8:57 PM with the headline "Five questions with local graphic designer and CSU student Braelen Hill ."