words by Marco Smith photo by Emily McCartney
It is often said that a cat has nine lives. We as human beings are fortunate enough to have one life. A life that can have many chapters. Where and when those chapters begin and end is all part of the journey. Whether it be in our personal or professional lives. Now whether you're successful in these stages is for another article. Angela Flournoy on the other hand has had the unique experience of living several different lives professionally. She's been able to navigate from industry to industry in a seamless attempt to push herself professionally in her various passions. And she's been successful in doing it each and every time. Now when I say successful I mean that she's been able to thrive and flourish in every new endeavor she's taken on. The Shreveport, Louisiana native took her talents all the way to New York. She was a television producer, worked for NBC and then worked for Al Roker's TV production company. She dabbled in other industries as well but then switched gears to graphic design which led to web design. Now she lives in Dallas and works as an Art Director, Web Designer and Developer. "You know the phrase: Jack of all trades, master of none? I don't really subscribe to that. I feel that you can be a master of all things that you love. As long as you put enough energy into them. I don't want to be limited to being great at just one thing." she says, And with that, you pretty much get an idea of what her frame of mind is. "I'm an all around creative. I don't want to think of myself just in one box. I've done just about everything you can think of that is creative. From television, to dabbling in photography, to now being a mobile designer."
IT: What led you to do what it is you do now or how did you get started?
AF: It started at a young age. I can remember in elementary school designing my own fashion collection, painting, and drawing. I've always been an artist so I knew in my career that I was going to do something creative.
What is your opinion of the arts scene here in Dallas?
Ahhh...it's interesting. You know I moved here from New York where you can find art everywhere. There is the underground scene and there is the mainstream and I was kind of surprised to see that exist in Dallas as well. You have this very organic, eclectic, underground scene and then you have the fine art mainstream. I've been here since 2007 and you can kind of see that merging and I see new artists and underground artists getting more shine and that makes me excited. Overall I'd love to see those worlds blend more.
photo by Emily McCartney
What were your early influences artistically?
It's funny because I started dancing when I was seven. I did ballet, modern dance, and tap. So from an early age it was Alvin Ailey and Judith Jamison. I was very much into the art of physical movement. Dorthy Dandridge too, I mean the list goes on. I find inspiration in every industry. In furniture and product design, I love Phillipe Starck and mid-century design. I love Ray and Charles Eames. I find inspiration in various industries.
What has been your experience being a female creative in your field. Positive or negative?
From a positive perspective I feel like I've met incredible women who have tried to help me further my career. I've never come across any pettiness. When I meet a woman in my field its positive and we try to elevate each other. On the other hand I'm in a very technical industry. I go between design and development which is a digital technology driven industry. So a lot of times I'm the only woman in the room and sometimes I'm talked over. I have to fight to be heard and that is challenging but that is something to where you just need to rise to the occasion.
photo by Emily McCartney
What gives you the most joy in doing what you do?
I always wanted to create something from scratch and in the other industries that I've been apart of whether it be television or film you're not really empowered with that creative control. But in digital technology it can somewhat me my concept completely and I get to create something from scratch. Then I get to make it real and that is exciting to me. Seeing something come to life that I've created with my own mind. That's incredibly rewarding.
What inspires you?
Just the world. I love being outdoors or walking in a park. Checking out downtown or a small neighborhood. Just the aesthetics of the world inspire me.
photo by Emily McCartney
What is it that you bring to the table artistically that is unique to you?
It's funny you say that because you know design is very competitive. I can't say that I'm the most creative designer out there but I know that I'm driven. Driven to keep perfecting my craft and get better at what I do. So I strive to be better every day
What's next?
Next for me is combining all of my skills into a service that I can provide to small businesses. I find that a lot of business owners don't know where to begin be when it comes to the creative side of their business. They have a clear definition of what their business is, but they don't know how to represent it visually. That's where I come in. From the brick and mortar to the digital space, I provide the overall creative direction for the brand
You can catch more of Angela and here work right here
No comments
Post a Comment