Brian Joseph shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Brian, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I felt true joy early this morning when my son sent me pictures of his twin baby girls, who are only 3 months old. Two original paintings I sent as gifts are shown in the photos. I have yet to meet these granddaughters, who live in another state. I want them to feel connected to me through my art.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brian Joseph, and I am also known as “Bydeeman.” Because 39 years ago, when I chose to be an artist, I created the fictitious Bydee People as my subjects. Hence, the stylized Bydee Art has become my brand. I am the only person in the world who paints and shares stories about the Bydee People.
Currently, I have arguably the largest mural in Austin. It is 30ft tall and 340ft wide. And it is titled “Celebrating Community.” I have recently been awarded the contract to design a “Mobility Lounge” that will be placed on the expansion of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA).
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My father taught me the most about work. He was a tailor and had his own Tailor Shop. When I was about 15 years old, he left our native country, Trinidad and Tobago, and went to America. I managed the Tailor shop with 8 employees for almost a year until he returned. My dad had trained me well to take on the responsibility. Although I couldn’t do any tailoring, I was taught to manage a business. Those experiences help me develop the skills and confidence to own and operate Bydee Art Gallery.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
When I was sad or scared as a child, what helped me the most was using my imagination to create a positive outcome.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is the real me. As I often tell my wife, family, and friends, “Anywhere I go… I come as me.” I know who I am, and I am comfortable being myself wherever I go.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I am doing what I was born to do. I had no interest in art until I decided to become an artist at the age of 33. A decision to control my own destiny led to a career choice that has endured for the past 39 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bydee.com
- Instagram: @brianalexisjoseph
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bydeeart
- Twitter: @bydeeartgallery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bydeeman
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/gg5b1VAEW0k?si=T3qFeMUpAy4eg48g https://youtu.be/Unea5Nkc51g?si=rufPeRGF5lf4SE2m
Image Credits
Julian Joseph
Will C
Lynae
