Any partnerships or accolades he is proud of and wants to share?

I’ve been so amazingly blessed to be able to work with brands that have been a part of my childhood dreams. I’m the FIRST Black queer artist to have his own PopTart flavor “Neon Block Party” as well a special Edition Kellogg’s cereal “Rise & Kind” in collaboration with Glaad.

What does he hope to convey or achieve with his art?

A big part of why I make art is to cultivate a community, so through these amazing partnerships I've been able to pour back in both the black and brown queer communities to expand our mission, message to understanding of who we are and why we matter. It’s IMPORTANT.

Any challenges he has faced in this art journey?

I think one of my biggest hurdles was visibility, once I shattered that I felt like I was finally able to create an insight change. I’ve never stopped creating no matter how big the audience but I know that sometimes persistence can be challenging.

Any long or short-term goals to share?

In the long term — I’m developing a few animated series as well as expanding in toy design which has always been something I’m passionate about and I’m very excited to bring it all to life!

Tell us the inspiration of the Urban Decay art for this project.

The inspiration behind this project was friendship and community support. I think it’s so important to have people who you love unconditionally pour into you as you pour into them. I have a garden of friends and we are all growing so in this piece I wanted to reflect the joy in being unified and embracing everything that makes us different.

What do you hope is the impact of this project?

Music itself is something that brings us all together. I hope people see themselves in the layers of the artistry — unapologetically also so many amazing queer artists and allies are featured. I hope for it to resonate a sense of home and comfort for this ever growing community.

What does Pride Month mean to you?

Pride Month feels to me like a rejuvenation of community. Feeling seen and being heard unapologetically.

What part of New York did you grow up in? Any art schools and/or programs you attended or were involved in?

I’m originally from Washington DC, but I’ve been in NY since 2017 — I studied Advertising Design and Packaging at FIT NYC. In DC I was apart of Martha’s Table Teen Program, where I was mentored under Mr .Tim, Ms. Jessica and Mr. Ron.

Did you receive any scholarships or awards?

I won a few design competitions which were super fun!

Were there any artists that inspired you to pursue art?

There was a team of librarians who all inspired me to keep creating. Also artists like Hayao Miyazaki, Jim Henson and Bruce W. Smith are all amazing creatives who built out these insanely inspiring universes for the masses to being inspired to believe and to dream.

Did you have mentors and/or role models in your early career?

Yes! Two specifically Juan Carlos when I studied at Nick Animation Advertising and Devin Heatley when I was a designer at Martin Agency in Virginia.

What are your early memories of beauty? Do you have a memory/story of Urban Decay products?

My earliest memories of beauty was watching my grandmother apply foundation in her pompilot, a tiny little mirror I thought was pretty cool.

Who was your beauty role model?

My beauty role model through my teens, believe it or not, was John Legend. I feel like he has such nice skin. Also Broderick Hunter and Usher! Currently I my fave boy crushes in makeup are :

• Ponyyboy
• MacDaddy
• Ricardo Ron

How do you integrate beauty into your art?

A lot of my art is bright and colorful in nature. I love the MUA community and especially those who are innovative with color combinations so I definitely incorporate that into my work, especially the wing eye/eyeshadow looks.