For visual artist and designer Jade Purple Brown committing herself to her career has never been an issue. “I remember when I was around six years old I created my own business cards with ‘Future Artist’ as the job title,” she laughs. “I guess I always kind of knew that I wanted to make a living creating.”
That early foresight paid off. Today the New York-based artist is known for her vibrant aesthetic, creating playful work that often depicts women as its central protagonists. It’s a conscious decision by the artist who uses her work to fight against stereotypes and show that strength and femininity are not mutually exclusive. “All of the characters I draw have such a strong sense of individuality,” she says. “That’s exactly how I want women to be portrayed but also to feel when they view my art.”
“Especially when it comes to Black women,” she continues. “The design industry has for too long been white and male, so I hope that doing my thing can serve as inspiration to show other Black women that they can do whatever they want.”
"If people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives aren’t brought into the forefront the industry will become stagnant."