Meet Brooklyn Jones | Art Director

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

Hi Brooklyn, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Springfield, MA, also known as the 413. Being raised in Springfield, I was always surrounded by a small, supportive community. From a very early age, I was in every extracurricular activity you can think of. The church choir, dance, and sports, including track and cheer. My community presented me with opportunities to explore different things and truly find myself throughout those journeys. Growing up in the church, St. John’s Congregational Church, I always knew the importance of having faith in my life. With my community mostly coming from church, I had many people who prayed for me and taught me the importance of having God at the center of my life. I met some of my best friends in church and was able to try different crafts like singing, dancing, and being on the audiovisual team. I take so much pride in being from Springfield; we have such many amazing talents coming out of here. We are the birthplace of basketball and have a wealth of black history. Springfield made me into the bubbly, passionate, and creative person I am today because I was always able to express myself without fear. Springfield was where I found my love for art through fashion, photography, and art direction. My family and friends helped me stay motivated and encouraged me along each step of the way to become the person I am today. I wouldn’t change that for the world!

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.
I began my career in art direction when I first applied to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to study advertising and branding. I didn’t know much about the advertising world; all I knew was that I wanted to work in fashion or beauty. Now I just want to be able to bring brands to life through bold storytelling. Growing up, I was heavily inspired by America’s Next Top Model and the creative direction that was done in those shoots. I knew I wanted to be in that world, coming up with those amazing themes for fashion shoots. I can proudly say I’m an art director who specializes in storytelling that feels honest, human, and visually bold, bringing ideas to life across campaigns, branding, and social, always with a strong point of view and a deep understanding of culture. Whether I’m leading a shoot, building out a visual system, or shaping a concept from scratch, I make sure the work not only looks good, but connects and communicates with real intention. This journey wasn’t always easy because I didn’t always know what came with being an art director. I was nervous at first, but my growth in this field has been inspiring. From coming to SCAD not knowing much about advertising to now being an award-winning Art Director. I am so proud of myself for working through the challenges. Some lessons I learned along the way are to never give up and to have fun when creating campaigns. While work is serious, it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun, crazy, and bold. I want the world to know that I am excited for whatever opportunity is next for me and eager to see how I can contribute to this creative world. As I approach graduation next year, I want to say thank you to my professors and advisors who took the time to help me learn and grow in my art. At SCAD, I learned to express my ideas and take inspiration from everything in life: family, friends, and my personal experience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Moving to Atlanta three years ago, I was able to be fully immersed in the energy and culture here, and I love showing my friends around and bringing them to my favorite places. First of all, I am a huge foodie, so we would have to stop at my favorite Thai restaurant, TukTuk, for fried rice and chicken satay paired with Thai tea and mango sticky rice for dessert. I love going to Ponce City Market to look around the shops, especially local stores in Citizen Supply like Everythang Dope for some 80s or 90s vintage finds. Next, we would head to LaRayia’s Bodega, an Afro-Latina-owned vegan shop, to get a Midnight Matcha. The best matcha you could ever have! I would also take my friends to the Beltline for a walk and a tour of some cool shops and restaurants in Atlanta. As a thrifter, we would also head to Nello Vintage, a black owned vintage shop in Midtown, to pick up some unique pieces. At the end of the night, we would go to Kitchen Master for dinner, which is located about 40 minutes from the city, but those chicken dumplings are worth the drive. Lastly, we would go dancing at Rock Steady to end the night with good music and vibes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out my support system, my family and friends. Especially my parents, the ones who help me continually pursue and achieve my dreams and goals I’ve set for myself. They have been with me through every pivot and helped me so much on this journey. My mom and dad are the main people I call every day and run ideas by. I appreciate their advice, feedback, and love so much.

I want to shout out to my siblings and cousins who have been my main inspiration in life. I grew up being surrounded by so many talented and creative people, which made me realize I was also a Creative at an early age. From planning photoshoots around my mema’s neighborhood to watching my cousin make cartoons and record music. This environment made me feel inspired, seen, and excited for my future. My siblings always reminded me to focus on my studies and build my path towards success. Having such smart and goal-driven role models helped carve the person I am today.

I want to shout out “BRD”, my lovely best friends Rae and Devine. They have always encouraged me to take risks and get out of my comfort zone. My chosen sisters who will be my creative partners for life. I wouldn’t be here without their encouragement, kind words, and boldness.

Lastly, I owe my success and passion to God. The main source in my life and the reason I keep creating. He gave me this passion and helps me sustain it and learn every day. I wouldn’t be here without my relationship with him.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.sinclairjones/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooklyn-sinclair/

Image Credits
Azalea Cox