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Reflections on a decade
🕑 Added 2019-12-19 03:07:20 +0000 UTC
Holy hot pants!
Hello friends! The end of an era is near. My decade was filled with growth, art, and creativity. With any luck, I will soon enter the next! As we wrap up 2019, do you mind if I tell you a little more about myself? I'll try to include some fun photos to spice things up.
Brandon + Crotch Rocket.
When I dived headfirst into my thirties, I had a Champagne colored Kawasaki Ninja throbbing between my legs. His name was Roxas, and he terrified me! In the exciting way a roller coaster does. I identified as an artist, but I worked in a cubicle (and hated telling people that). I fixed hardware, software, and became really proficient at website design.
My art on a whiteboard during the time I worked for a corporation.
A drawing of an Angler Fish, one of my favorite creatures to make.
It became easy to hate phone calls, because I answered one for a living. Whenever I had time for myself, art was made. Previously I had given up writing music and playing in clubs, to focus on painting canvas.
I was also supporting family, and made the difficult decision to stop. Shortly after this, I separated from my partner Adam of 5 years. This was a mutual decision. It was time to figure out who I was, and to focus on my craft.
Brandon and Adam.
I didn't have my first gallery show until 2012, and that was only because someone mixed up me with another artist. When I pointed that out, they said they wanted to show me anyway.
Brandon at his first gallery show.
I was 32 at the time, and had no expectations of my art having any level of success. Everyone loved my drawings, but nobody wanted to pay for them. Then I painted a body when I was 33, and everything changed. It wasn't overnight though.
Brandon during his first runway show! Richard, Kye, and Tyler join him on stage.
Moments before Tyler got wacked in the face.
Of course it was caught on camera!
I did most of my early gigs for free. I performed at empty events, got taken advantage of, and learned a lot. I had a lot of successes too, and made great connections. I even did a few runways! Slowly things changed. Instead of being surrounded by carpeted walls with tiny windows, I was in a studio with my body art. Everywhere you look, an explosion of color. My art seemed to surprise people too. People wanted to become it.
Michael McDonald was an early muse.
I went on TV for the first time, won awards that I didn't expect (or ask for), and hustled like I never have before. I might of even found my purpose! Stranger things have happened.
Selene Soal and Tyler Monzingo in Seven Deadly Sins.
Music videos followed, books were released, movies were made, and suddenly I was touring the West Coast. Press was kind, and I created a Patreon, which changed my life.
Releasing the Gods and Monsters book.
Brandon McGill - Second self painting.
People began telling me I changed their life through my art. Gave them more confidence. As I grew, I helped others find their inner strength. I explored body positivity, including my own.
Charli Vark in Tarot as the Nine of Wands.
Then near the end of this weird decade, I met my equal, the incredible Best Tardy. During a road trip last year through the rocky mountains.
Best and Brandon during a show at Shaneland Arts.
Best helping me at Phoenix Pride 2019.
For the first time in years, I found someone who understood me, which is a rare gift, but also pushed me to be a better human. His creativity, his wit, and his candor led me to asking for his hand in marriage. We've certainly faced some adversity this year, but we always come out wiser and stronger afterward. In a lifetime where I've often been someone's catalyst, I've finally found mine, and it's extremely inspiring. He's also been my muse:
Best Tardy in Tarot.
So what's next? Currently I'm working on my Tarot series, but I also have other ideas for the future. I still really want to get into fashion, and dabbled with it during some of my events at Dillard's. They invite me back every year:
Christina Wawira - For Dillard's
I have an especially fun, edgy idea for a future project that might be a bit controversial. I don't want to spoil things, but I'd like for it to be my Mapplethorpe/Warhol moment. I've been sitting on the title for six months, but I don't want to distract myself from producing this deck.... so I'm limiting myself to just this.
Best curating art from another artist.
Before I go, I just want to say that I appreciate YOU. By supporting me on here, you help us both create. Best and I are flying to Texas on Sunday to spend time with his family during Christmas, and I'm feeling very loved and lucky. I haven't had something like this in a long time, and it's nice to feel welcomed. I hope you learned a little more about me, and I hope your holiday is just a bit brighter!
Love,
Brandon
This headline summarizes my career!
Comments
Chris
Wow, this is amazing. Your life is amazing. And I am so happy for you that things worked out so well.
Kyle Limb
I know you have made my decades brighter!
Inspiring, thoughtful and very well stated. A life gallery in a memo.
Another great story!
Noel Tiglao
One of these days, I’ll get to meet the person who paints these interesting things. Bravo Brandon.
David Nash
Yours is such an inspiring story!
