Today we’d like to introduce you to Jania Tianne.
Hi Jania, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
There are 3 dimensions to my story that define me the most:
The first one is art: a shy, curious, and creative baby who was born on July 4th. Growing up in the Middle Tennessee area, the house I spent most of my childhood in had a bonus room upstairs that was basically my own little art studio. It had all the supplies and space I needed to express myself. (Shoutout to my parents for being amazing providers.) The Frist Art Museum summer camps and Plaza Art workshops made Nashville one of my many homes away from home. As a young child, I loved doing anything artsy: painting, drawing, playing the piano and guitar, listening to music, watching movies, singing, dancing, and acting. Art has been my favorite subject in school since kindergarten. It’s always been something I’ve naturally gravitated to and I don’t know what I’d do without it.
The second one is graphic design: that same girl, just a little older. One of my earliest memories of it was flipping through a series of 2007 Nordstrom print ads in a magazine I stole from my mom. I remember rushing to the section of Barnes & Noble that had the craziest fashion, photography, and poetry book layouts I’ve ever seen… no wonder I still geek out over what fonts are used for the title cards and credits in films and music videos.
The third one is creative direction: now as a woman, I’ve been constantly redefining how my voice shows up in the world through growth, connection, collaboration, and creation. Combining my love for art and graphic design through digital/print media has allowed me to explore and further develop my craft. I launched “she” as my first pop-up shop for an internship; “DEFIANT” was my skate/clothing brand dedicated to Black skaters for a senior showcase; and “meraki” was my magazine that highlighted local artists for an independent study class. These projects were such pivotal moments that have led me to where I am today and will impact what’s to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It comes in waves. The smooth roads don’t last forever, so eventually there will be bumps or dead ends. Thankfully others exist that allow me to pivot. Whichever road I happen to be on at the moment, I’m always reminded of how blessed I am to have such an amazing support system/circle of people around me that I love and admire.
Struggling looks different for everyone. There’s anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, creative block, existentialism, adulting, wanting to rest in a society that normalizes burnout, and the list goes on. I’ve come a long way in all these areas, but it still gets difficult at times. I try to give my past and present self grace and not overthink as much as I used to. I’ve learned to not only lean more into character development, but also give myself permission to go take a nap because I’m so fed up by it all.
Bittersweet is the best way to describe how I’ve felt about the human experience for quite some time now. Some days are beautiful, others are unbearable, and the rest end up falling somewhere in between. When I realized nuance existed, I stopped feeling like I had to be so sure all the time. We’re all just a whole bunch of kids in adult bodies trying to figure it out, whatever “it” is.
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?
Among soft textures, bold lettering, and vivid color palettes, you’ll find me.
I draw inspiration from my inner child, complexities of life within the physical and digital realm, 70s/90s/00s culture, and eccentric typography. These points of reference are intricately woven into my countless personal projects and collaborative works. I specialize in art/creative direction along with a variety of graphic design including but not limited to branding/marketing, merchandise, and handwritten typography. My portfolio is an ever-evolving archive that showcases all of these things.
I’m most proud of self-advocacy: still choosing to show up, despite it all. I like pastel pink, blue, and green (especially when paired with neutral tones). My favorite things to design are CD booklets, clothing/accessories, and flyers. I’m known for bubble letters, curating playlists, and crying when overwhelmed with emotions. I have a deep obsession with nostalgia. And I enjoy finding new ways/rediscovering old ways to communicate, learn, and evolve through art.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’d say the top two ways are by reaching out to connect and sharing my work. I’m usually wherever there’s art, food, fellowship, good music, and calm energy. While I prefer in-person interactions, I still appreciate connecting via socials (when I’m active and have the mental capacity for it).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.janiatianne.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janiatianne
Image Credits
Personal photo:
Photographed by Dai Visionz
Edited by Jania Tianne
Additional Photos 2, 5, and 6:
Photographed by Jamal Osagie-Ekhovbiye
(2 and 5)Edited by Jania Tianne
Additional Photo 1:
Photographed by Leah’s Perspective
Edited by Jania Tianne
Additional Photo 3:
Photographed by Isaiah Christ
Edited by Jania Tianne
Additional photo 7:
Photographed by Noah Stewart
