Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian “beee” Bello.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was curious about art at an early age, tracing illustrations out of magazines and comic books. I took random art classes to fine tune what I thought I needed to know. All the while I was deep into the Hip Hop culture, more specifically, bboying/breaking. Oddly enough, dancing inadvertently lead me to my first professional career, graphic design, which was taught at a location where I was practicing spinning on my head with my friends. I found myself standing out from most other graphic designers since most did not have any type of illustration background. Over the years I have been eager to learn new techniques as well as study web design while trying my best to work on my first love—drawing.
Please tell us about your art.
I tend to focus on obscure 80s cartoons. No reason, other than that was the era I connected most with. Also, it makes me happy when I hear reactions like, “OOHH YEAH!!! I remember that cartoon!!” It’s like bringing up the memory of a loved one that had been forgotten.
A few years back, I started something called #FreeBeeeFriday where I would leave an original piece of artwork, drawn on a 5″x7″ piece of cardboard, somewhere in the city (wherever I may be). I was inspired by the whole #ArtDrop movement started several years back, and just decided to do it weekly instead of waiting a whole year. My main goal was to get people out of their house while introducing them to new places. I will never make a duplicate of a #FreeBeeeFriday so that the finder will have an absolutely one of a kind piece. Other than California, I have left pieces in Virginia, Italy, Amsterdam, and Chicago, to name a few.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
YIKES!! The answer to this question is tricky. I’ve seen some people struggle with their craft and others prosper and travel around the world. I’ve asked this same question to many of my peers and have heard different answers. Each person is different, so what may work for some may not work for me, and vice versa. That being said, the best advice I could give is don’t give up. Set a goal and work backwards to see what will get you there. Try new things that’s related to your craft, in my case art and illustration— whether it’s going to sketchbook sessions and drink and draws at local cafes or pubs, participating in contests, setting up a booth at conventions, checking out art galleries, etc. Ask questions. If you truly love and believe in what you do, there are people that will recognize that and hire you. This does not mean to sit around and wait for that opportunity. There was a point where I had four jobs and tried to fit drawing in between.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have been to a few Art Shows and Exhibitions. Most recently I participated in an event called Secret Walls, where they choose 6 random artists, put them into two teams and have us battle each other on a white wall with only black paint—no pencils/sketching allowed. I try to post on my Instagram (@inna2nd) as much as I can, and I also put some of my art on shirts which can be purchased at inna2nd.threadless.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.inna2nd.com
- Instagram: @inna2nd
- Facebook: @inna2nd
- Twitter: @inna2nd
Image Credit:
Gordon Shumway aka ALF is property of NBC, Bobby the barbarian of Dungeons and Dragons is property of Marvel and CBS, Groot of Guardians of the Galaxy is property of Marvel.
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
