Meet Brandi Smart

Today we’re excited to be connecting with Brandi Smart again. If you haven’t already, we suggest you check out our prior conversation with them here.

Brandi, thanks for joining us again. Just to level set a bit for folks who may have missed our last interview together, can you briefly introduce yourself?
Thank you for having me back! I’m thrilled to reconnect. For those who are just joining us, I’m Brandi Smart, and I own Empire Arts Gallery, a supportive collective of women and LGBTQ+ tattooers and local artists. What sets us apart, I believe, is being a chill space for tattooing and also bridging the fine arts community, to celebrate and uplift artists on both sides of the community.

My journey as an owner to this point has been a challenge but one I enjoy. My colleagues and I share the same goals in what we want for this space and ourselves and have created the safe and supportive environment we envisioned. I have an indispensable manager and curator, along with amazing and thoughtful tattoo artists, and this allowed us to fully dedicate ourselves to our own creative work, our clients and continue to contribute to the vibrant Atlanta art scene.
Ultimately, I’m passionate about the crew and trust in their genuine enthusiasm for their work and most importantly supporting everyone around them. Truly women supporting women through action and trust, not just saying we’re a “safe space”. I’m excited to continue to watch everyone here at Empire thrive.

Great, so let’s jump into an update on what you have been up to since we last spoke. What can you share with us?
It’s been a whirlwind since we last spoke! So much has happened, and I’m excited to share some updates. One of the biggest things we’ve been working on is bolstering the gallery by creating more events such as more group shows, collaborations with other galleries, artist talks and community events.
I’m most excited about our first show of March this Saturday- guest curated by Elaine Stephenson- “Making Our Mark” to celebrating Atlanta Womxn artists. 75+ artists on this show, it blows me away that we can do this work in this space. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share this journey with everyone.
It’s definitely an ongoing evolution, and I think we’re all learning and growing every step of the way.

We also want to give folks a chance to get to know you a bit better so we’ve prepared a fun lightning round of questions. Ready?

Favorite Movie: Jaws

Favorite Book: I love Pale Blue Dot, everyone needs to read Sagan. I also love The Southern Reach Trilogy (Annihilation)

Favorite TV Show: At the moment I’m really looking forward to the new season of Andor.

Favorite Band or Artist: TOO MANY but probably Judas Priest or Neko Case

Sweet or Savory: Both

Mountains or Beach: only Siths deal in absolutes! I’m from Florida, I do love the beach but I do also love a good mountain with a stream.

Favorite Sport (to watch): Hockey

Favorite Sport (to play): Weightlifting

Did you play sports growing up (if so which ones): I was a runner since I was 12, cross country was my favorite, but I dabbled in everything at school- track, CC, soccer, basketball, softball- only running really stuck tbh

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up: Every little girl in Florida wanted to be a mermaid, marine biologist, or meteorologist. I still love meteorology.

French Fries or Onion Rings: Both!

Chuck Rhodes or Bobby Axelrod: Super Mario Bros.

Favorite Cartoon growing up: The old TOEI version of Hans Christian Anderson’s Little Mermaid, you should still watch it- amazing soundtrack!

Favorite Childhood movie: Still Jaws

Favorite Breakfast Food: ALL of them- I can have breakfast anytime.

Life is often about tough choices – can you talk to us about your thought process, strategy or philosophy when it comes to making difficult choices or tradeoffs.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that perseverance is key. It’s not always easy, but staying true to yourself and working hard really does make a difference. And just as important, you can’t do it alone. Surrounding yourself with good people and relying on them is essential. The “I can do it all myself” attitude just doesn’t work.

Finally, I’d emphasize the importance of accountability. Leadership doesn’t exempt anyone from constructive criticism; in fact, it makes it even more crucial.

Website: https://www.empireartsgallery.com/

Instagram: @empireartsgallery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empireartsgallery