Meet Bom5
Graphic/visual artist
Storytelling tip
If you’re stuck on an idea or feeling stressed about something, let it go for a while. Talk to your mentors, go look for inspiration. Then come back to it.
Q: When did you start doing visual art and graphic design?
A: Growing up in the Bronx in the 70s, I saw a lot of people doing graffiti. I always loved art, so graffiti was just the next step – I was about 12 years old when I started. I also had a mentor who helped me get into visual art. Grafitti also helped me get into graphic design.
Q: How has your past influenced your work as an artist?
A: Starting out as a graffiti artist in the Bronx, I had to really prove myself among all the other people who were doing this type of visual art. This environment helped me stay disciplined, motivated and focused. I learned to work hard and always strive to be my best.
Q: Describe some of your most interesting projects.
A: I visited some tribes in Zimbabwe and taught the kids dancing, painting and even some graffiti-style art. The kids didn’t have many art supplies, so I brought some with me to donate. We drew awesome art together.
I also used to do some murals for Coca-Cola.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
A: In today’s world, it’s hard to be innovative. With the internet and social media, it’s easy to look at the work of others and use that to inform your own art. My advice is to stay away from the internet and not look at what other people are doing. Instead, focus on yourself and your work.
Q: How do you think art can impact the world?
A: Art brings a lot of people together. It helps connect people. Everyone gets along through art – it is a peaceful form of communication.
