Meet Makeda Parchman-Brown | Illustrator & Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Makeda Parchman-Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Makeda, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
I think the best book I ever read was “Bad Case of Stripes.” that is the most creative book I ever laid my eyes on. The one that probably reeled me into the world of Illustration and Literature. I was drawn into the colors; the shapes and storytelling and I wanted my art to be a reflection of the story I wanted to tell. Anyone can pick up a pencil and draw a picture but what is that picture conveying without an explanation? Does it make you think? Does it make feel? I want my art to stir the mind and the heart. I want people to be able to draw intellectual conclusions by gathering every detail of what they see, from what I created.

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 considered myself a cartoon artist. Cartoons have always provided a sense of comfort for me even now I still enjoy Saturday morning cartoons. I like to think my work gives a certain kind of nostalgia it reminds people a simpler time. I create from personal experiences and like to bring forth my talents when the world needs a different perspective. More recently I’ve been creating as just a form of release and practice, however I have bigger plans for 2022. I will never say this journey was or is easy. I am still trying to create a legacy through my art and stand out in world of talented creatives. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned thus far is its okay to say no and that all business is not good business. And I want the world to know that LMA Originals is a piece of Me, and I am ready to share that with the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would have to explore the city a little first because if anyone is coming to visit me it’s most likely My Best Friend and she’s a planner. She loves a good Itinerary and she’s also a creative herself. I would look for museums & places with a rich historical background to feed our minds. Local restaurants and small businesses would get all our support as far dining is concerned. She’s not a fan of BBQ/Seafood places and if I know her she’s already looked into where she’d like to eat. We’re little old ladies at heart so anywhere we can get souvenirs and takes aways. And probably wrap our visit up with a sunset & a view.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
KMOJ. My Family & Friends who supported me throughout the years. People, strangers on the internet who encouraged me and bought my prints & stickers. Those are the ones I have to thank in moments like this. I haven’t always been the best businesswoman I could be. I didn’t always make deadlines and meet expectations but there were people who still shared my post, referred their friends to me and even other businesses that reached out to collaborate with me. But my number one cheerleader and best customer has to be My Mom. Not only does she pay full price for the work she purchases but she also converted her front living room into a mini art gallery with most of my work. She has always encouraged me to create and given me tools and materials to be all that I can be.

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