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

Hi Brian, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Ever since I was a child I’ve always been in an artistic household, literally drawing everything I would see. Having a fascination with magazines and articles as I got older, it peaked the “how did they do that?” in my curiosity. I grew fond of murals and urban culture which is found a lot in Atlanta, but but my early introduction to hip hop and r&b certainly set the tone. Entering into college , I slowly had moved from creating art on a two dimensional plane, to soon enough a digital plane. Finally saving to buy my first camera at 19, the rest is history thus far.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The journey has certainly not been easy, being a very shy,self conscious, introverted person initially, it was hard to reach out and ask for people willing to practice with. I had to learn the importance of a portfolio, how to engage with others in public, be more open, and create a comforting environment. One thing I have learned, is that its ok to make mistakes, will every shoot you have be a “million dollar ” shoot? No, but that doesn’t mean you only invest 10¢, invest in your craft and it’ll return back 10 fold. What I’d want the world to know about my brand and my story is that if there’s a will there’s a way. One no just means there’s a potential yes along the way,and ANYBODY can pursue what they believe in. I want everyone I work with to have the faith in me that I’ll make sure they see themselves in a totally different light then they once did prior to meeting me, from self confidence,to joy, to comfortable,etc. As the saying goes,”when you look good, you feel good,and when you feel good, you do great!”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d say ponce city market, from the various restaurants down below for whatever pallete you may have, to the rooftop above for a sunset view. If you enjoy scenery, the belt line is a great place to walk along from one side of the city to the next, which can connect you as far as the vast field of Piedmont park,to the famous Krog Street graffiti tunnel!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d first like to give a shout-out to God for keeping me humble and grounded on this journey. Certainly I would like to give a shout-out to my older sister Shiterria for being the first creative influence in my life, and showing me there’s a different way to view the world than how everyone else does. Last but not least, my amazing life partner Daisja who as a creative herself has pushed me and supported me even in the moments where found myself stuck. The support of the two of them always pushing me to see me beyond my own view is what helps me to continue pursuing today.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/b.gov_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Twitter: https://twitter.com/binra1538?t=BGvJTUykj3QVs8B2HF3rUg&s=09

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