BLUE WAVERLY-WAHOME

ART DIRECTOR (Fashion, media & social)

BROOKLYN, NY

5 favorite musical artists of all time? 

1. Sade

2. Frank Ocean

3. Cleo Sol

4. Anita Baker

5. Gucci Mane

What inspires you? 

Everything I love and enjoy. My favorite movies, my family’s culture and heritage, song lyrics from my most well-recited jams. In a way, I inspire me because I’m always curious or joking about where we can take something or how we can build off of what we have to be better, funnier, weirder.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Being yourself is probably the most valuable thing you could do, as simple and as basic as it may seem; especially as a creative. There’s no need to sell yourself when you are valuable. Do yourself the favor and follow your curiosity, continue being fearless and slightly rebellious, and know you will always have what you need.

What industry blogs/websites/podcasts do you enjoy?

Google, TFBG, The Pyschology of Your 20s.

(I’m taking recommendations for podcasts, by the way.)

I’m taking recommendations for podcasts, by the way.

What do you think the future holds for people of color in creative industries?

I’m not sure, I’d have to see more of us in there to contemplate potential impacts and outcomes. I do believe we will see that.

What is your dream job?

As a fashion director, I’d concept visuals for a magazine where I carefully consider the designers [and their pieces]; styling; promotional impact; and the underlying message included in the work produced.

To combine being the person with vision and ideas (Art Direction) in the spaces of fashion and media is my continued promiseland in work. This can look so many ways, even like my life currently! I welcome all opportunities to exist in that space.

What skill(s) would you develop if you had more time? 

I love animation, and would love to develop my skills at a more climactic rate in 3D. I primarily use Blender at this time, but have interest in Cinema 4D. As I am an editorial and print magazine enthusiast, I would love to develop my skills in film & photography to better understand how to speak to the visuals I want to see executed.

What is the last thing you learned? 

In Kenya, we have a vocabulary exclusively meant for conversation with tourists. My family speaks Swahili, among other languages, and as a first-generation American I am still learning my ethnic language from afar. I learn new things about linguistics and language weekly.

I’m also reading a book named Creativity: The Psychology of Discovery and Invention. I always find it interesting when people scientifically research what feels like a natural phenomenon. Right now I’m gaining perspective on the merging of action and awareness within the creative process. With Psychology having been the bulk of concentration in my academic career, I still like to nerd out every now and then.

What are you working on right now?

I recently finished a freelance Social-First design and concepting job for Afrofuture, and Fashion Directing for a New York founded streetwear brand’s commercial. I am now working on a freelance design job for a well-known Hip Hop musician’s annual philanthropy event.

If you could talk to your favorite creative for an hour, who would it be? Why?

I talk to God all the time. He’s my favorite Creator because His designs are so intricate and intentional. Whenever I pay close attention to nature, I’m amazed by the systems for sustainability and perseverance that exist within each piece; even something as common as a leaf. Like, how meta? Otherwise, I’d pick artist Wangechi Mutu, photographer Gordon Parks, or Creative Director Corey Stokes (because his career encapsulates many of my dreams and ambitions).

What advice would you give to creatives of color looking to pursue their passion full-time?

Don’t give up, don’t stop doing your thing. It’ll land in the right place and time at some point, or at the very least, the right person (or people) will take notice. Someone is always paying attention. Do whatever you have to do to stay focused, and consistent; even if that doesn’t look like full-time for now. Lastly, ask for what you want!

How do you keep your creative drip going? 

Play. I live at the intersection of play and impact.

Creativity has always been about the “What if” and the “Why not?” for me. Continuing to do things that stem from those two questions whenever time and opportunity present themselves nurtures my sense of creativity.

Knowing that when I try something, the only goal is to see if it can happen at that point. Once it does, we can stop there… or a new goal is available: determining how to make it visible or impactful for others to experience. Ultimately though, having fun is my biggest source of fuel.

Contact: bybluewaverly@gmail.com

Check out Blue's portfolio at www.bluewaverly.com for more of her work!

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