Meet Bradley Burton | Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bradley Burton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bradley, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My perspective on risk is simple. I’ve seen many people hesitate on the fence of taking a risk to see what’s out there, while others avoid it and find peace with their choices. For me, risk is about stepping out in faith. You have a vision for your life and countless prayers or conversations with God, but without action, it’s meaningless.

I remember my biggest risk: taking an unpaid internship in Chicago, a city I had never visited and which didn’t have the best reputation. I went because I didn’t want to work in a nursing home when my passion was in graphic design. The experience was daunting, but it opened doors I never could have imagined. I learned valuable skills, met influential people, and ultimately paved the way for my career.

I’ve taken many risks, and I often tell people I don’t know if I could relive this life because every decision led to something impactful, whether good or bad. Each risk came with its own set of challenges and rewards, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of following my passion.

At the end of the day, I’m thankful for the family, friends, and great people who supported my dreams and never tried to talk me out of it. Their encouragement gave me the strength to take risks and embrace the unknown. Looking back, I realize that taking risks wasn’t just about career advancement—it was about personal growth and finding fulfillment in pursuing what truly mattered to me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since 2017, I’ve been creating original work, whether it’s graphics, logos, advertisements, or WNBA championship banners. I’ve been involved in many projects, and all my work is original, fast-paced, emotional, and of great quality. My hustler mentality and passion drive me to want the “win” more than the average creator. Need it back in a week? Bet. I’ll have it ready in three days without cutting corners. If you come to me, I’ll make sure you feel like a five-star recruit every time. Whether you’re a new business owner at a mom-and-pop shop or Sha’Carri Richardson, I will treat you with respect.

I’m a freelance designer first—that’s what paid the bills and kept food on the table. That hunger started in 2017 when I quit my dietary job of almost 10 years due to a situation at work, just two weeks before college graduation. I started hustling by creating and selling graduation announcements. I’d design the cards, sell them in packs of 27, and hand-deliver them as soon as they were printed. It was fast money and forced me to interact with a variety of people, helping me get comfortable marketing my business and pitching ideas in meetings.

After almost seven years in the industry, I know there aren’t many Black creatives. There were even fewer when I first started. I’m always trying to grow the community and make it easier for those who come after me. You have to speak with confidence and show that you belong. You don’t have to change who you are or your pronunciation; you just have to be confident and prove that you’re not just a diversity hire.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First and foremost, it’s Kansas, so I might have to persuade them to come. Haha.

If you’re in the mood to be around really chill folks, then Manhattan, Kansas, is the place to be. But we’ll most likely be in Kansas City. I haven’t spent much time there, but I’ve heard they have some great BBQ.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my family, especially my mom, Lori Wade.

She’s been supporting me since I could walk, and watching her let me find my own path as a man has been incredible. I appreciate her in ways she’ll never know.

Website: https://bradleyburtondesigns.com/

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