Brady Gibson
Brady is a Nashville-based art director & graphic designer, specializing in music and visual identities. His work is intentional - where every detail matters. Through blending typography, photography and textures, he aims to create cohesive and lasting visual worlds that support artists, projects, and products. Brady believes strong design serves both story and aesthetic, and the utmost priority is serving the clients dream & vision.
What dream are you currently turning into reality?
I am currently turning my dream of being a full time creative in the music industry a reality. It is a pretty surreal feeling that artists I grew up listening to now trust my art direction and design for their rollouts and music. I sometimes feel guilty that I get to do this for a living, but I thank God everyday for the opportunity and experiences He’s given me.
When did you first realize you discovered your dream?
Growing up, I've always been infatuated with art in general & the act of creating things. I knew it was inevitable that I would ‘create’ as a career, but what exactly was the real question. At the end of high school, I learned about graphic design, and I decided to just “go for it” without ever touching a laptop. Shortly after getting my first laptop, I combined my love for music and album covers with design, and started making mock ups for my favorite artists. That's when I knew that my dream may actually have a chance of turning into a reality.
How does your faith go hand in hand with pursuing your dream?
I believe God truly does love creativity, and encourages us to create and use those gifts He’s given us. My faith goes hand in hand with pursuing my dream in realizing that nothing I do or create out of my own strength will compare to what He’s capable of through us. I’ve learned that being a creative as a believer means to submit to God daily, and allow Him to use us and fill us with ideas and creativity. I know every opportunity comes from Him, and it’s important to not hold certain jobs, projects, or ideas too tightly in remembrance of that. My job is to serve others in a unique way, and I believe that characteristic comes from the Lord.
What’s one or two practical steps you take to keep moving forward?
Spend time with the Lord & take care of your body.
Prayer, reading, and exercise are all extremely important, especially in a field that has all kinds of unpredictability, mentally & physically. I believe taking care of your spirit and body is key and necessary to sustain a life that is pursuing a dream.
Rest is productive! Viewing rest as something necessary for my growth has given me so much peace as a creative. I used to struggle with the thought of “I’m not doing enough” or “I’m wasting time,” but the reality is we aren’t meant to be outputting 24/7. We need time to ourselves, with the Lord, to just breathe and be. Sometimes it’s okay to watch a movie or just sit in the quiet for a bit.
What encouragement would you share with someone who’s going after their dream?
Make things for fun! Your dream shouldn’t be a burden.
I make sure that each month I make time to create a handful of things that sometimes don’t see the light of day or are unto nothing, just for the sake of creating something. Not everything we do has to be unto something. Take some pressure off of yourself, learn new styles or tools, and have fun. I’ve learned that if I don't take the time to make things for the love of creating, I’ll grow bitter and tired towards the dream that I prayed for.