Meet the Artists Behind the (COLLAB) RED Collection
It’s spring cleaning season, meaning it’s out with the old and in with the new. And while we can’t help clean out your closet (sorry), if you’re looking for ‘the new,’ we’ve got you covered—in fact, we’ve got ‘the literally-just-came-out-yesterday, first-of-its-kind, brand spanking new.’
Yesterday we launched the first-ever COLLAB (RED) Collection, an exclusive line of (RED) Originals merch featuring unique designs from 5 INC(RED)IBLE artists. As with any (RED) Originals collection, COLLAB (RED) will support (RED)’s campaigns focused on raising awareness and funds to fight pandemics. Whether you’re looking for a tank top, t-shirt, hoodie, pillow, or tote, there’s something for everyone.
Meet the 5 inspiring artists behind this first-of-its-kind (RED) Originals collection and learn a little bit more about their designs:
Jessie Lipscomb
(RED): Tell us a little bit about yourself!
JL: “I’m a local Illustrator, Autism Advocate, and lover of cheese. I describe myself as a solid mixture of athletic nature and creative soul. I married a nerd and we have 3 incredible kids that keep us on our toes.”
(RED): Why were you interested in partnering with (RED)?
JL: “I remember seeing (RED) ads in magazines growing up and have always admired the work they do with and for the LGBT community. As an advocate for (RED), it’s an honor to contribute a piece of art to this collection. While my final piece isn’t LGBT related, it does address a minority community and I’m honored to be able to give a voice to those not always considered.
(RED)’s work in the fight against AIDS and now COVID will change the world. It’s a dream come true to work with (RED) and contribute to be the good in the world.”
(RED): Describe the design you created for the COLLAB (RED) Collection
JL: “I decided to use the word “CULTURED” and spell out the letters in ASL (American Sign Language) and different shades of brown, including vitiligo & henna. While I am not part of the Deaf Community, I’ve been educating myself on the community and wanted to share the spotlight with another minority group.”
Liz Kohler Brown
(RED): Tell us a little bit about yourself!
LKB: “I’m an artist, designer, author, and course creation teacher. I love sharing resources with artists, designers, and other course creators! I’ve been painting, collaging, and drawing since I was old enough to hold scissors and pencils without adult supervision, and I earned an MFA in art in 2013. Since then, I’ve been teaching around the world, online and in person.”
(RED): Why were you interested in partnering with (RED)?
LKB: “I have been buying (RED) products for years because I love knowing that a portion of my money goes toward helping someone in need. I’m honored to help create some work for their mission!”
(RED): Describe the design you created for the COLLAB (RED) Collection
LKB: “I created a stamp-themed design for this project because the stamp is a universal symbol for delivering messages. In this case, we’re delivering (RED)’s messages of positivity, charity, and compassion for those in need. The (RED) team helped me develop the design to include a meaningful design element–the 20 cents symbol references the 20 cents it costs to provide life-saving medication to people living with HIV.”
Naimah Thomas
(RED): Tell us a little bit about yourself!
NT: ”I’m a Chicago-based visual artist, art therapist, and licensed professional counselor. My work explores the intersections of art and mental health, primarily in communities of color. I utilize art to shift narratives around healing and mental health and create spaces where exploration and re-imagination are valued. My work is informed by my experience as a Black woman, survivor, and art therapist. I’ve worked with a range of people across the lifespan in community, correctional, and nonprofit settings.”
(RED): Why were you interested in partnering with (RED)?
NT: “As a creative, you often dream about being able to share your passion with others, invite people to explore topics, and movements important to you. Collaborating with (RED) provided that space for me to do that very thing. What an awesome opportunity to have as an emerging artist.”
(RED): Describe the design you created for the COLLAB (RED) Collection
NT: “‘CA(RED) For’ was inspired by everything happening in the world, with the pandemic, racial unrest, climate change, and people in need of support and care. Sometimes we need gentle reminders to help us feel supported and seen.”
Sam Modder
(RED): Tell us a little bit about yourself!
SM: ”I’m Nigerian and Sri Lankan, born in the first, raised in the second. I graduated from Dartmouth in 2017 with a double major in Engineering and Studio Art. Right now, I am getting my MFA at Washington University in St Louis. I want my art to take up space, be accessible and exude truth, joy and hope.”
(RED): Why were you interested in partnering with (RED)?
SM: “I love that (RED) is committed to issues that I care about and using their platform to speak to them in powerful ways.”
(RED): Describe the design you created for the COLLAB (RED) Collection
SM: “I wanted to celebrate how incredible Black women are and the boundaries we continue to break. My illustration shows a beautiful, confident woman whose hair, like her spirit, can’t be contained by the space she is drawn in.”
Stat The Artist (a.k.a. Teddy Phillips)
(RED): Tell us a little bit about yourself!
STA: ”I’m a multi-disciplinary creative based in Seattle, Washington from Montgomery, Alabama. I use my platform to create diverse experiences in art, tech, and gaming. “Stat” is an homage to my grandfather Statcher who marched behind Martin Luther King Jr.. I use my art to amplify movements and to be a voice for the voiceless. I aim to increase diversity in the tech and gaming industries while keeping the focus on doing everything for the culture.”
(RED): Why were you interested in partnering with (RED)?
STA: “Keeping with my love for people and having members of my family living with the virus, I have always appreciated (RED)’s mission of bringing worldwide awareness to the fight against HIV/AIDS. This is one of the most organic and emotional partnerships that I’ve had the honor to be a part of.”
(RED): Describe the design you created for the COLLAB (RED) Collection
STA: “The use of various colors represents the different elements of life that we all have to live with on a daily basis, but rather than hide them from the world, we should encourage each other to live our lives unapologetically and be UNBOTHE(RED) by the nuances.
Always be you and remain forever UNBOTHE(RED).”
