In honor of Black History Month, Plaid seeks to uplift creatives and crafters to showcase the beauty, diversity, and culture of African Americans through creativity. Below are some of our outstanding artists and crafters from our Plaid Creators Ambassador Program.
Perris Mackey
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What inspires you to create?
Having financial freedom as a full time visual artist. Once I realized this was a possibility I never looked back in my pursuit.
I feel like there are several levels to the inspiration of creativity. There are some who may be inspired to create solely because their kids science project is due the next day lol. There are some who create just for fun. Possibly to de-stress from a long stressful week and then there are some who create because they are “All In”. No breaks. I would be the latter. This may sound stressful to some but if you love what you, which I do, it’s not really work.
Who inspires you?
There are a handful of artists and just people in life who I am a huge fan of and of course I would love to name all of them but if I’m being honest I would say that I am inspired by the ones who still believe in what I do and what I’m trying to accomplish. Whether that be my Mom, Granny, Aunts, Wife, In-laws, Kids, cousins, friends, those social media die hard friends who I’ve never met in real life yet lol, etc. Being 37 and still selling my artwork at local craft shows isn’t respected by many but at the end of the day I’m doing something that I genuinely love. Plus I made a promise to everyone who believed me only just a few years ago when I decided to go full time. I promised that I would make this time on earth mean something. In my art as well as my personal life. So much time has been sacrificed over the past few years that if I quit now it would all be for nothing. So in conclusion, it has to start with myself but what really drives me is the belief and encouragement I constantly receive from the people around me as well as those die hard social media friends that I have yet to meet lol.
What are your future goals for your art or craft?
I started pursuing art full time in 2015. A somewhat still fresh career. To mosts, I have had a successful art career so far and although I truly appreciate the support from everyone, I haven’t really accomplished much on paper. At least not yet. I’m sure mosts artists or at least some who pursue art full time can agree that there are more downs than ups in this entrepreneurial uphill climb. To be honest, I lose faith in myself as well as the objective . Imposter syndrome knows me personally lol. But I try not to sink into that place for too long. It’s self sabotaging so I’m constantly reminding myself what I’m capable of and what I want.
I currently don’t have goals for the future. I mean of course I would love to exhibit in a famous art museum. Who wouldn’t? Oh, and of course I would love to obtain that financial freedom but I don’t have a detailed road map on how to get there . I just take Eric Thomas the hip hop teachers’ advice and I put my head down and grind. Great opportunities have always presented themselves to me by this method so there’s no sense in breaking it now.
What is your favorite Plaid product to use in your art?
Mod Podge Matte. I originally used Mod Podge Gloss but later switched to Matte. I used to photograph my finished collages and would spend so much time on editing the shiny areas of my photograph. Switched to Matte and never had that problem again.
How long have you been using Plaid products in your art?
2015. So about 9 years. I may have used Plaid products prior to my discovery of Mod Podge but can not recall at this time.
What does being a Plaid Creator mean to you?
To me, Plaid is all about DIY and innovation. In the beginning of my career I had big visions with little money. Paint starts to add up once you start sourcing 20+ colors over and over. One thing that was free was my grandmother’s stash of recycled magazines and damaged comic books. When I realized I could source every color I needed without spending much money a lightbulb went off. Moving forward, I devoted all my time to honing my craft of collaging. Got pretty good with it over the years and now I’m attempting to create with other colored objects and materials while teaching others to do the same.
Khadijah Noir
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What inspires you to create?
Humanity, nature & life lessons.
Who inspires you?
The god within & My African indigenous ancestors, inspires me
What are your future goals for your art or craft?
My Art is Afrocentric base, my main goals is for humanity to look at it & see the universal beauty in it. I create art to learn, heal, inspire & motivate.
What is your favorite Plaid product to use in your art?
I have many favorites (lol) I I’ve been obsessed with the Sugar Metallic’s. I create a lot of Afro hair Art & the texture of sugar Metallics works so well.
How long have you been using Plaid products in your art?
I been creating hand painted earrings for 17 years. That’s is how long I been using Plaid products.
What does being a Plaid Creator mean to you?
For one, give Thanks for the opportunity to be a Plaid Creator. As I said earlier, I been creating art for 17 years. I been a Plaid Creator almost a year now. It has helped me dig deeper to create beautiful art, through the challenges, we as plaid creators do. To be honest, it came at a time in my life when I really needed focus, self love & motivation. Art is healing. Thanks Plaid!!!!
Danielle Boddie
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What inspires you to create?
I heavily inspired by video game and anime/cartoon art. A character with a really cool design just makes me want to bring it to life.
Who inspires you?
My close friends in the cosplay comunity. When i see them working hard, it makes me want to work hard. We keep eachother motivated.
What are your future goals for your art or craft?
My furture goals are to create more Monster Hunter armor. I just love the designs and i cant wait to get started on the next armor set.
What is your favorite Plaid product to use in your art?
My absolute favorte product is Plaid FX Armor Metallics collection. They work really well when im creating my foam armor and creat so much realism.
How long have you been using Plaid products in your art?
About 6 for cosplay, maybe longer.
What does being a Plaid Creator mean to you?
It means that I can share not only my projects and progress with other creators, but with more of the public. Showing that anyone can cosplay and anyone can build.
Tracy Davis
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What inspires you to create?
The feeling of happiness and contentment inspires me.
Who inspires you?
Other creatives are inspiring. Watching them create something beautiful from using different items.
What are your future goals for your art or craft?
I would love to be able to craft on a full-time basis. Creating my own mediums to use in crafting.
What is your favorite Plaid product to use in your art?
Mod Podge
How long have you been using Plaid products in your art?
More than 3 years.
What does being a Plaid Creator mean to you?
Showing others the mediums I use in my creations. Sharing tips and tricks I’ve learned as a creator.
Tevin Roberts
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What inspires you to create?
The joy of bringing my favorite characters and props to life gives me constant inspiration, especially when I get to test my skills
Who inspires you?
Between my mother and significant other, i constantly get support and ideas! Its always great showing off my work or asking them for help on specific things! They're always pushing me to do better with each project!
What are your future goals for your art or craft?
My goal is always to learn new techniques with each project!
What is your favorite Plaid product to use in your art?
Plaid FX paints and primer have always given me amazing results!
How long have you been using Plaid products in your art?
At least 4 years now!
What does being a Plaid Creator mean to you?
Being a Plaid Creator means you can be unique and inspiring while belonging to a community that shares these ideas. Uniqueness within inclusivity!