Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Acus-Smith Nicole Trimble
Hi Jennifer Acus-Smith, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Bright Wall Collective is a mural painting and design collective based out of southwest Ohio. Led by artists Jenn Acus-Smith and Nicole Trimble, the collective brings together artists from multiple backgrounds and styles to create our unique design aesthetic. BWC believes that art is essential and can elevate all facets of the everyday experience. We can help energize homes, businesses or outdoor spaces through the use of bold color and design.
Jenn and Nicole met in 2015 when they worked on a mural project together and shortly after decided to create Bright Wall Collective. They both have extensive experience and schooling in fine art, education and community work. Jenn also manages the StreetSpark Mural Program in Hamilton, Ohio. Nicole is an Associate Professor of Media Communications and Technology at UC Blue Ash campus.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There was a lot of time and effort spent on our process and approachwhen establishing the business. We had to develop a logo, website and social media as well as contracts, forms and procedures. I’m glad we spent significant time on this at the beginning because it helped us to create a professional business and effectively communicate with our clients. We are still learning each day and continue to grow and improve things. It has helped to talk to other artists who work in the public art industry and most are very happy to share best practices.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We have many artists we work with and can meet a client’s design preference as needed, but we tend to specialize in a colorful and bold look, focusing on graphic, stylized imagery. We also work with many area parks departments, so we have created many murals that focus on nature, animals and plants (a favorite of ours!) We are really proud of the recent mural we created at Greenacres Farm Market, which will be used as a teaching tool for children and adults who visit. We love when our art can align with an organization doing important work!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Listening. It is so important to really listen and hear what a client wants in terms of subject matter, message and style. The communication between the client and artist will determine how successful a mural will be. We want to do our best to express the client’s mission or intention and also be sure our style and approach works well for the project. We love the fact that each job is entirely unique and always a creative challenge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brightwallcollective.com
- Instagram: @brightwallcollective
- Facebook: @brightwallcollective
