Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Carlton.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Brandon. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started as this kid who moved to Chicago from Atlanta but born in Baltimore. Upon arrival I was put out of my dad’s crib and stumbled into my first group of friends at Fat Tiger Workshop, clothing store in Wicker Park at the time aka my family. Um from there I lived in the stores basement and worked an internship for the exact same store I lived in. In total spending about 1-2 years in the basement or bouncing from friend to friends’ couches, sleeping on trains, or just spending the night awake and exploring the city since there was no bed. Long story short at fat tiger I was given an opportunity to model a look book where I met Trashhand and from there the rest is pretty much a word a mouth thing, I became a model. Not a signed to an agency model but published, all over the internet and paid my bills model lol. I explained all of this because in order for people to understand me as an artist they have to know where my past and current is which is modeling. Art came around last year when I got my arm broken in somewhat of another personal long story. But when my arm broke I panicked. Like really freaked out. It made me think about the things I wanted to do and that I could be good at or just what would bring me peace for the rest of my life even if I were to be broke. So I began practicing bringing my doodles to life as paintings and copying other drawings but painting them to practice technique and just learn colors. Within a months’ time I prepared my first art show. Not only did I amaze myself it changed my whole life which has led me right here today. I model for Notre Shop.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s been a rocky road but I wouldn’t change it at all. I don’t regret anything. Some of the challenges and still to this day are loneliness. My lack of trust which causes me to work alone for the most part. Which can be good and bad. Family problems. Matter fact I change that, overall it’s been smooth because everyone has problems. Mine are no worse than the next man/woman’s. That’s why I do what I do. It’s to show others there’s no excuse. You do what you want and go after what you want. And hopefully it makes you happy and then guess what, you can make others happy as well.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Uglybrandon – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I model for several brands whether being big household names to local brands and shops. I’ve modeled for brands like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, been on websites like hypebeast and grailed. Pretty much a lot of the brands or media outlets that people of today use. I am also an artist/sculptor I would say. I work with wood to create installations and sometimes furniture. I’m most proud of what my brand represents. It’s basically about being self-aware. With being self-aware you are more in touch with others. I’m trying to change the meaning of ugly. Ugly is u gotta love yourself. It’s the first step to loving others. I’m just spreading love by doing what I want to do. That’s all I ever wanted to do, which was whatever I wanted. That’s why I think people can relate to me so well.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My future plans are to exhibit more work. Get some big name galleries, sell a lot of work, and get in some museums. I also want to give back to the community in some way. I wanna change lives. Or at least spark an interest to want to do better for yourself. I have an art exhibition in Chicago sometime in September, I’ll announce details soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: Uglybrandon.com
- Email: imuglybrandon@gmail.com
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
