VINCE.
SKILLS: GRAPHIC DESIGN, BRAND DESIGN, SCRIPT-WRITING


Vince Staples is one of my favorite artists in music, and not just because we share the same last name. I think many times when making and consuming art, it’s easy to become lost in the noise. There’s noise within our own clouded judgment and self-critique, coupled with the fear of vulnerability and originality. To me, Vince is the antithesis of that noise, an embodiment of what it means to unapologetically create without a speck of remorse.


I eventually began working on poster concept ideas, modeling the visual aesthetic after the dystopian vibe that many of his music videos contain. I wanted to stick with the red, white, and blue colors for a few reasons. Those who know Vince’s work and his background can undoubtedly attest to the political commentary that seamlessly weaves its way into his art. And beyond that, these also happen to be the colors most associated with gang violence, a part of Vince Staples’ upbringing in Long Beach that is crucial to understanding his community and identity.



                 

             

With this aspect of his life in mind, I also began writing a script that I felt encapsulated all of these elements. I envision his show being somewhat of a dystopian vibe (similar to Donald Glover’s Atlanta but with a more cohesive, linear plotline throughout all episodes), with psychologically jarring camera shots and concepts. Those who are familiar with his personality know how unfiltered he can be, so my original version was also a lot more explicit. But, I had to pull back a little on that aspect of it in the meantime so that I didn’t cloud the communication of the concept. A copy of the snippet script that I wrote can be found by clicking this -> link.


I hope that one day I get the opportunity to work with Vince, as well as other artists who have given me the confidence to feel comfortable in who I am and what I create. His story is the story of millions of Black youth all around the country. And just like he’s done for me, I hope to create work in the future that inspires youth to unabashedly be themselves and see beyond their current circumstances.