Meet Collyn Strother | Creative Director and Designer

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

Hi Collyn, what makes you happy? Why?
Starting my own business was always a natural decision, as far as the hustle goes. I come from a very hustle orientated family so driven that it can seem like an addiction, I can reflect on times when we would work 12 hour days either cutting grass or working for my Dad’s moving company. A lot of our drive was motivated by hard times and the cards we were dealt but the grind always was there.

When I graduated from Fayetteville State University, I couldn’t see myself working with the Geography degree I just spent all them years working for so I started freelancing graphic design which I taught myself in my free time. I started getting known for being the graphic guy and my business “hustle mind” kicked in. I thought to myself “If I can make money off my art then it wont feel like a job but more of a lifestyle” I underestimated what it takes to run a business at first, the paperwork, the customer service and all the free work I would end up doing to network.

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’m a Creative Director which I like to describe my art as design and direction. That could be directing a music video to designing a full 10 pieces streetwear rollout. Right now I’m focused on embracing the “streetwear aesthetic” from the clothes to telling the “urban” story because I think it doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of the underprivileged.

With our clothing brand Wise Mind Movement I’m able to do just that, through our clothes and community service we are able to tell a story that relates to most because its based on our own experiences or experiences that we feel connects with the people around us. Its easy to tell the story but to display it visually is another thing, that’s why I love the team behind the brand, Jose (the founder) and I brainstorm constantly to make sure we’re thorough with our messaging but still having fun with the create side of things. The brand is our bread and butter, the movement that’s going to be here even after we can’t design anymore and I’m proud to say I’m the Creative Director of it.

Becoming a Creative director/designer wasn’t easy and I’m still striving to sharpen my creative aesthetic so I can help others share their message as best as I can. Art itself is subjective and with so many different perspectives, its one of those things where “you don’t look for approval you just hope for appreciation” and I had to learn that early that your design or direction might not be for everyone’s liking. But with that being said, If you keep working to sharpen your creative skills someone will catch on, Good quality work cant be denied.

I spent the following years after college freelancing for different brands, most local and even dropping my own merch pieces and content. Having my friends and family model for me and all that good stuff until I built a consistent look that I felt was my aesthetic. In 2019, my work caught the eye of my local arts council, that had a position opening up as a Creative Manager that I really wanted because while freelancing I had been working 2 to 3 jobs to support my creative asperations. With the position at the Art Council I could be working as a full time creative and that was already a lifestyle I seen for myself.

At the same time I was already contracting with Wise Mind Movement, we had dropped a few collab pieces and our talks about leading the creative side of things became a constant topic. The flow of things with Jose and his wife Ash were always smooth, they were genuine in every approach and when it was time to pull campaigns in full effect I could ask for a more devote team, Jose would have all the emails, text and assets ready to go and would follow up to make sure I was on my P’s & Q’s

With my wide range of experiences and my appreciation of all the art is where I draw is where I draw my differences in my profession, I can connect with different people and although I come from the underground art scene I also understand the corporates setting which has helped me understand how to bridge the gap. I believe this is my calling at least to my community because both sides of the creative business world can help one another. You find the raw talent in the underground and show them how to perform within corporate settings and they are able to tell their story to the world and inspire others from the same circumstances to grow out their box.

That’s what Wise Mind does, we create clothes, give our talented friends jobs and tell our story through it all. And that just the tip of the iceberg.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Visiting Fayetteville, NC I don’t think you would get the full on city experience that you would receive at the bigger cities in North Carolina but we have some hidden gems that I would have to show you. First I would have to grab a coffee from a Rude Awakening, a local coffee spot that’s Downtown Fayetteville they are well known for being a staple in the downtown area. I then would visit the Art Center which is next door, the arts center is the home of the Arts Council. I worked for the organization for about 2 year as their creative manager. The Art Center is a host for tons of creative events like art exhibits and spoken word shows.

Downtown there a couple local eateries such as Bloom moon and Perriors which all have good food and conversation throughout the day but as we reach the later evening I would suggest one of our sports bars which are very common in the area due to the city being a military town.

If you’re interest in lounges or clubs for your night life I would suggest Halo, Anubis or Allure which are the cities favorite places so be ready to wait in life for a while.

I try not to visit to many of the night spots anymore just because I know what to expect already so the day life is where I experience the most of luxury time.

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 wouldn’t be where I’m at if it wasn’t for the people around me, they are my motivation and deserve a shout out. To my Mom, Dad and lil brother they installed the hustle in me, to all my Ville Friends that everyday remind me why I do what I do in creating. A special shoutout to the Wise Mind Family Jose and Ash and all the supporters of our clothing brand. I could go on and on on the “Thank You’s” because everyone is so vital in my process.

Website: www.wisemindmovement.com

Instagram: Personal: @wisemindcollyn Brand: @wisemindmovement

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/collynstrother

Twitter: Personal: @wisemindcollyn Brand: @WiseMindMovemnt

Image Credits
Adolfo Suarez, Photographer