Meet Torrian Brown | Branding Filmmaker Photographer and Marketer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Torrian Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Torrian, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process to starting BROWN Creative was rooted in years of connecting the dots through my many passions. 10 years ago I picked up a camera for the first time out of necessity to putting together content. I was actually in the music industry at the time working with one of the hottest management companies in Atlanta. Fast forward; through many experiences like shooting music videos, directing visual content, and learning each aspect of production from directing, to Dping, and editing, I was able to find my footing by merging my skillsets and creativity into what I call my visual branding company BROWN Creative. I’m grateful that the economic need for my skillset is growing at a time where it can be used effectively.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is all about visually defining a brand through compelling storytelling. I’m inspired by the idea of trying new things. I’m inspired by the ‘what if’ while living in the moment of now. How I got to where I am professionally was by accepting whatever is going to happen will happen. It was by staying true to who I am, which is just being a vessel to help others, and being unafraid to listen and believing what you have is unique. Was it easy? No. My upbringing was different. I was different. I mean having interest in art, literature, music genres outside of hiphop specifically. It’s hard to be different, especially when you’re young and trying to figure out what you want to do in life. I got past that challenge by realizing different is good. When you truly trust yourself is when you are at your best. Now I rely on intuition. Pharrell said something that I stand on today which is, “The world is like a library, and we are just checking things out,” The reason that is so powerful in my mind is because we really are just exploring for a time. I want younger kids to know that it’s okay to explore your interests, passions, and ideas.

I’m most proud, practically speaking, I said yes to a lot of new business ventures and client projects. Some of which did not align with my career goals, but that’s okay too. All of my projects this year led me to adding NBC, Disney, Nefertiti, and more to my resume. Above all else experience is priceless. It’s important to me, to remain a student, and any project I go into it looking to learn. Hahaha I have a huge list of things I learned from past projects and it’s funny to reflect on a lot of those things that took me from beginner to professional. I recommend everyone doing that or at least reflecting on what you learned.

My story is a juxtaposition of being the best version of yourself and being a vessel that may have a purpose bigger than yourself. I think to know whether to keep going or to give up is by not being identified with the wins or the losses. I understand that they’re both a part of the process. They don’t define me. I would say that whatever you do, do it with respect for the craft, do it because you love it. Stay open to those things that inspire you. I am just another individual being open to what the universe puts in my path. I look back in astonishment at wanting to be a music producer, then the music industry introducing me into film, then transitioning into photography, spending a year learning makeup from my good friend Rory Lee, and now marketing is playing a big role in the development of my business to help other businesses.. it’s a pretty cool thing. So I just love being open and seeing how far my imagination, creative expression, and willingness to explore curiosities will take me. I’m just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
At the risk of sounding cliche, I just work a lot. I’ve only lived in Miami for 5 years. However, I could say through work, I’ve gotten a chance to see and experience historic sites like The Historic Hampton Hotel and The Historic Lyric Theatre. I love brunch spots though, A favorite of mine is New Batch. I love the beach and being near water. I saw a dope play called “How I learned what I learned” at The Gablestage. I’d go to another event there. If I am chilling, you may find me around Wynwood, or Miami Design District just because they’re aesthetically pleasing environments.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I speak of recognition, I cannot lose sight of my faith that has brought, and continues to bring me through the peaks and valleys of life. Without my belief in God, I wouldn’t have the courage to even write about myself. I believe my faith and unwavering belief in God is bringing everything I need which makes this journey easy.

I want to shoutout my Mom, who instilled love, following your intuition, and many of the positive intrinsic traits I use today as sign posts, mental and spiritual navigators to guide me.

I want to shout out everyone who’ve given me an opportunity to grow, to develop, to test myself. Also everyone who has taken a chance on me. Ray Daniels was my earliest influences, introducing me to the real meaning of hard work in business. Shout out to Rory Lee, Joe Wesley, Tanya Marie, Johanna, Courtney, my CC fam and Victoria Lee for this dope opportunity.
The women and models I have grown with thank you for trusting me and my vision.

These books that have been amazing compasses while I passage through life:
The Power of Now
Steal Like an Artist
Power vs Force

I save this for last because I want whoever reading this to understand how important my family is. Sequoia, my kids, Noa and Emil are my daily inspirations. Their sacrifices allow me to to continue to find a trajectory for my career. They are real life blessings.

Instagram: @torrijamesphoto and @thebrowncreative

Twitter: dopeitstor

Facebook: torrijames