Q: Please introduce yourself for those who don't know you.

Those who know me call me "Minga" and/or "B". My full name is Brandon R. Minga. Born and raised in Kenosha, Wi. Now living in Downtown Milwaukee, WI. I'm a 2004 MIAD (Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design) graduate with a BFA in Illustration. I'm the proud parent of my six year old, Madisyn; my little mess making princess. I'm also due to be engaged to my better half, Angela. When the nights are long and things just aren't happening, these two are what keep me motivated.

By day, I'm a designer for Straight-Up, Inc. (straightupinc.com) doing apparel design. By night I'm freelancing for anyone that appreciates my style.

Q: Give us a little info about your background and what you are about.

I grew up in the average mid-western household, half between Milwaukee and Chicago; Kenosha is the perfect place to raise average mid-western children. And then there's me. I forged my own path with talented, audacious aesthetics. Always poking my nose where it didn't belong, collecting ideas, imagery, and networks with no bias or fear. Always considering myself an “ignorant artist,” trends, movements or mainstream social customs were inconsequential in my mind. I don't go around and try to upset the paradigms; I just mingle with those who interest me. During college I really started to develop my style. Tom Noffsinger, Jeff Soto, Vault49, Dr. Evermore, Flux Design, and Joseph Cornell all played vital roles in this development. Other artists and instructors said I would never make it; bet there's a few people chewing on some toes after reading this. I've never really thought seriously about doing anything else but art. I'm very passionate about my work, I've got something to say and I want people to hear it, see it, and feel it. My art is a direct manifestation of myself.

Q: What are you up to these days? What keeps you busy?

Well between planning a wedding, freelancing, being a dad, and working full time, I've managed to stay pretty busy and actually have some fun while doing it. One of the funniest things about planning this wedding is talking to the family about what the reception is going to look like! Half of them aren't listening because they don't agree with what we're talking about and the other half are overly concerned about how much it will cost. I don't care cause half that business we're going to make anyway, good ol' creative's curse. My daughter's really excited about the whole. I've been helping here learn to play the piano, which is really hard cause I don't play any instruments!

Work wise, I've just starting to experiment with branding as well and having the opportunity to work with Kindred Clothiers is what really brought this full swing. I've been able to contribute to the brand through the apparel, identity, website, and some of their marketing materials. The best part has been the opportunity to sit and watch as the brand grows and see how the branding is working. Aside from that I've been pretty busy with the networking thing, contacting people I haven't talked to in awhile; seeing what's good and what they've been up to. Other than that when I'm not doing any of the above I'm trying to convince myself to get some sleep.

Q: Seeing as this is a new year and all, what are you hoping to achieve this year that you didn't last year?

Goals for this year. Start having alot more fun with all this. Last year was way too serious and stressful for this years main focus not to be on having a great time doing what I'm supposed to love. Another goal just as important, getting my name out there and broaden my client base. Do as much quality work as possible, I want to be adding a new piece to my website each month. Collaborate with at least 10 different artists this year. Having participated in the KDU vs Kindred collabo with David Gensler, Hellovon, Daniel Gordan, Justin from facelessart.com, and the lumberjacks over at Kindred; absolutely amazing! Definitely want to see myself getting more work printed this year and not just apparel or magazines but on products as well; like snowboards and sneakers.

Q: How do you plan on reaching those goals?

Planning on exercising my resources this year with a guerilla marketing type approach. Put my work in front of as many people in as many ways as possible. As a rookie member to the KDU, I plan to push as much work as I can in their direction. Really work on my website and Myspace page, adding some blogs so I can talk through or about specific projects and/or events. Seek out other artists to do collaborations with. Basically just have an ear to the street and be ready to work when the time comes.

Q: What is on your iPod and what are some new CD's that you have bought?

Well after my iPod was stolen I got a black 30g Zune for Christmas and its pretty hot. Music is a huge part of my life and it directly affects my creative process. I'm all over the board when it comes to it because I never really draw any concrete lines with music. But my favorites are those groups that can audibly describe my moods and process while working. Recently started listening to Mars Volta, been atop my playlist getting heavy rotation everyday just about. Along with my boys Dynamic Vibrations and Kill the Messenger, person friends on mine. These are the other artists I listen to currently that get the most air time - Atmosphere, Aesop Rock, Citizen Cope, Common (electric circus album and older), Foo Fighters, Gnarlz Barkley, Jay-Z (Gray album), Justin Timberlake (Bringing Sex Back), Outkast, and T.I. Last but not least, Saul Williams. My all time favorite artist, never getting the next button.

Q: If there is one thing that you want people to know about you as an artist it is that you...

That it's not about being the best; it's about doing the best you can.

Q: I know that you are a family man much like myself. How does your family feel about your work and how do they factor in to what you do?

My daughter seems to always be interested and intrigued by my work, examining all the details and asking very curious questions. My pre-iancée is always by my side. The rest of my family is generally very supportive and I couldn't ask for anymore than that. No doubt, they want to see nothing but success for me, but they view success from the other side of the brain. They see the dollar bills as success; I see success with every piece I do

INTERVIEW BY: DECHAZIER P. STOKES-JOHNSON / BLACK-MARMALADE