Meet OG, The Artist Behind the Canvas
My Creative Journey: From Inspiration to Expansion
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The Beginning
My journey as an artist began with my dad teaching me how to draw as a kid. Art became my escape from bullying, where I was made to feel like my full lips, big eyes, and even my name were flaws. For years, I struggled with loving my reflection. That’s why I paint the way I do—to show Black women and girls the beauty in themselves that I once couldn’t see in myself. My art is a celebration of our features, our culture, and the power we hold.
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Inspired by Black Women
Every day, I’m inspired by the beauty, resilience, and creativity of Black women. From bold hairstyles to powerful expressions, there’s a unique energy that shines through in our everyday moments. My art captures these features that make us stand out—our full lips, textured hair, and the style we bring into the world. It’s about celebrating the unapologetic presence we have, making sure that beauty is recognized and appreciated.
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Growth & Creative Expansion
As my work has evolved, so has my focus. I’ve gone from putting my art on products to realigning with my core goal: getting my pieces into galleries and into the homes of serious collectors. While I’ve expanded into collaborations with brands and custom commissions, my heart remains in creating original art that tells the stories of Black women in the most authentic way.
Art Style & Techniques
My style is all about bold features, especially the eyes and lips. Those are the parts of us that tell the most story, and I love bringing them to life in a big way. I’ve always been drawn to how Disney characters exaggerate certain features, but for me, it’s about showing the beauty and strength of Black women. That’s what inspires me.
In my acrylic paintings, I focus on texture and color, making sure those features—our full lips, our textured hair, our deep skin tones—are front and center. I want people to see my work and feel the beauty in those features, especially the ones that often get overlooked.
When I switch to digital, it’s a different kind of flow. Sometimes I like to keep the lines clean, but other times I let the imperfections show. I think that’s important—everything doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful, and that’s a big part of what I want people to take away from my art.
Notable Creative Collaborations
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Book Cover: "May a Divine Awaken" by Michael Tinsley
I illustrated the main character, Marcus, a teen with vitiligo, for the cover of May a Divine Awaken. Working closely with the author, I designed and formatted the entire cover, capturing the essence of the story through dynamic visuals.
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T-Shirt Illustration: "Mona from Atlanta" for CAAB Customs
For CAAB Customs, I reimagined the Mona Lisa as if she were from Atlanta. With the city’s skyline behind her, “Mona” shows off her gold grills, intricate nails, bamboo earrings, and a kente cloth headscarf, framed in a vintage gold border.
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Brand Collaboration: "The F Him Co."
I collaborated with The F Him Co. to create a bold, empowering mascot for women reclaiming their power. The design—a hand with the middle finger up—features variations like vitiligo, henna tattoos, and diverse skin tones. This artwork has gone viral, appearing on journals, apparel, and more.
