Today we’d like to introduce you to Fridson Janvier.
Hi Fridson, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Naples, FL, and have lived in Orlando for nearly 7 years. I have always been interested in cartoons from watching to knowing I always wanted to work on my own. Being Haitian-American it’s a venture not many people seek openly traditionally, but that didn’t stop me from drawing and creating all of middle/high school. I’ve always had a passion and heart to tell stories, especially for those who felt would never be heard. A lot of my art and focus tackles in creating for my personal project bringing light to the African American in a media that is palatable to those of different backgrounds. Eventually I attended and graduated from the University of Central Florida with my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Emerging Media- Experimental Animation Track, to further pursue this goal of mine.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth but it was expected. I’m tackling career path that isn’t heavily sought out culturally. Along with the personally journey of trying to find my own creative style that was true to me while avoiding tackling trends that faded away. Along with the fact that the art and animation industry is always unsteady it would appear to be a lot of cons. However, this doesn’t deter me but makes me want to work harder. I knew since middle school how difficult it would but I still pursued and had a village in each stage of my life that helped me create, connect and grow in all aspects especially for art and animation. My stories and their stories contribute to a lot of what I create, so for me to let a few setbacks stop me from creating would be a bigger disservice.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a 2D artist who specializes in animation and character concept art. My projects scream the core values of who I am from personal interest, community (a lot of my art are based/projects done with acquaintances), and culture. I have done personal animation studies with the National Pan-Hellenic Council, a few animatics bringing aware to the Haitian culture and community service organizations for the community such as Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. and Progressive Black Men, Inc., mixed media of hybrid animation and real life footage. However the work I’m most proud of is my ongoing project “High Tides” which is centered young adults of different cultural backgrounds navigating the high and lows of self identify while being in a self made community. I’m proud of it because it really emphasizes important community is building you up as individual. I struggled with a sense of belonging especially within family, however, I was always in community. From after school program, church, school, friends they all played a crucial part of who I am now and drive me to keep excelling. All of that further emphasized in “High Tides.” What sets me apart from others is when I make art I make it tell a story that sometimes only a few can really receive it (whether from personal experience or specifically for a loved one) however all are welcome to indulge in it.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Honestly I find my best source of inspirational strength is garnered from being in spaces in my day to life, such as the library. Public spaces that aren’t too secluded, but I still have my own space. My faith will always play a pivotal part of me doing my best, especially when I’m at church. As for technology, I currently use and connect on with other creatives on social spaces such TheBlkScript and Black N Animated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hightides1804.wixsite.com/fridsonjanvier
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janvier.art/?igsh=MW45b2xleGw1bmFlNQ%3D%3D#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fridson-janvier-049b7b164/
Image Credits
Samuel Clarke (red suit photographer)
