182 - Discover Your Passion with Blake Pierre (Artist, Educator, & Entrepreneur)

Join us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The DMV Business Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Otto Sevilla⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ as we feature Blake Pierre, a talented mixed media artist. He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and later moved to the DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area at the age of 10. Growing up in a small town with limited exposure to art, Blake discovered his passion for drawing and anime as a child. He also developed a strong interest in martial arts, earning a black belt in taekwondo at a young age.
Blake's family moved to the DMV area when his father secured a better job in DC. This exposure to a new culture and community had a significant impact on Blake's life. He attended Glen Park High School and later transferred to McDonough High School in Charles County, where he graduated. During his high school years, Blake was a football player, but an injury forced him to miss his senior season. This setback led him to take an art class, which ultimately sparked his interest in the creative field.
After high school, Blake attended Grambling State University in Louisiana, where he began to take his art more seriously. Following graduation, he moved back to the DMV area and started his art career as a mixed media artist. Blake's inspiration and encouragement from a black art gallery owner led him to start painting as a hobby. He later majored in psychology at Grambling State University, but two remarkable art pieces convinced him to reconsider and pursue a career in art.
Blake went on to complete a post-baccalaureate program at the School of Art Institute of Chicago and later earned an Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. He spent about four years making a living as a full-time artist in Chicago, working part-time jobs to supplement his income while focusing on his craft. Ultimately, Blake returned to DC, where he started teaching at the prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts.
Blake's journey highlights the importance of:
1. Following one's passion - Blake's passion for art was sparked by an injury and a chance art class, demonstrating that it's never too late to discover and pursue one's creative interests.
2. Taking calculated risks - Blake's decision to switch his major in college and pursue a career in art showcases the value of taking calculated risks to achieve one's goals.
3. Continuous learning and development - Blake's commitment to further education and professional development at the School of Art Institute of Chicago and Duke Ellington School of the Arts demonstrates the importance of ongoing learning and growth in any artistic field.
4. Embracing inspiration and support - Blake's encounters with encouraging individuals, such as the art gallery owner, illustrate the impact that mentors and role models can have on one's creative journey.
By examining Blake Pierre's story, you can gain valuable insights into the journey of a mixed media artist, highlighting the importance of following one's passion, taking calculated risks, continuous learning, and embracing inspiration and support.

This episode is brought to you by: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SEVI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The first commercial real estate company committed to the four C’s: Commercial Real Estate, Community, Content, and Culture

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