Benni O has made his mark as a Manager, Creative Director, Executive Producer, and more. He has toured and worked with some of the music industry’s top artists (J Cole, TI, Drake, and Waka Flocka to name a few). He is gifted in many forms of art, including fashion design and graphic design. In his art inspirational videos, you can see him painting these large murals, and making it look effortless. I recently got a chance to see a video of him handcrafting sneakers, bringing different Nike concepts to life. Every detail, stitch by stitch, turning into walking (or running) works of art. Literally. His sense of design is unique. You can still see the unique sense of style, even when he gives credit for the concepts that are inspired by others. He seems to be humble, and unimpressed with the creation and outcome of his own work. Still two of his concepts truly stick out as commensurately compatible to his life. One being the “Pinky and The Brain” design. If you have any sense of hustle and you’ve seen the popular and nostalgic cartoon series, you obviously recognize game. The phase of thinking of a master plan. And after seeing how the “Pinky and The Brain” concept turned out-Benni O is definitely putting out some serious takeover vibes in the sneaker game. The second concept is the “Hot Wheels” campaign. It was inspired by another designer, but Benni O’s drive is written all over it. He is working on quite a few things, while also fighting some personal battles. It’s cool to see art imitate life in a pair of sneakers. He is definitely putting his gift to use. Here is the interview with the creative genius Benni O:
All superheroes have an origin story. What is Benni O’s origin story?
“Gifted since birth, from Atlanta Georgia. I attended the University of Arkansas. Graduated with Honors, Majored in Fine Arts, Minor focused in Graphic Design.”
You are blessed with a unique style of creativity. Where did your journey of art and design begin?
“As stated before “Gifted since Birth”. I had several scholarship offers since 5th grade, including an offer from the Art Institute of Savanna College.”
You have worked with some big artists in the music industry, and it seems to influence some of your designs and artwork. Can you tell us about how your different genres of creativity can sometimes gel together, spillover into each other, and create these crazy dope designs that you come up with?
“Yes, the music artists I have worked with, or previously have been introduced to definitely influence my art. I create from a high level of an idealistic standpoint. Basically, nothing impresses me, including my own work. This way of thinking keeps me hungry and keeps me from being stagnant.”
Speaking of which, you have a sneaker design called, “Certified Lover Boy” with Drake, A.K.A. “Champagne Papi” depicted in the Nike sign. How did you come up with that design?
“Yes, the CLB was a concept Drake’s team came up with and presented the concept to me a little over a year ago. Although we didn’t change the original AF1 Nike check like I initially proposed, it’s still good to see the sneaker come to life. I initially proposed an embroidered patch as the Nike check with Drake’s face and arm, which is sort of the signature concept. Instead, they chose to leave the regular staple all-white Nike check, which makes sense to me now looking back.”
“The Pinky and The Brain” campaign was/is bananas! Absolutely unique in creation. Can you tell us about how that came about?
“Well, I was tired of seeing guys customize Jordans and never changing the check, which totally baffles me. So if I was gonna jump into the league of customizers, I was gonna do something totally different than everyone else. So my first thought was to do something nobody had ever done before. I did several months of research to see what hasn’t been done. Then one day it just dawned on me, “Pinky and The Brain”. I hand drew the first set from the vision in my head. The rest was history.”
Creatively innovative minds such as yours contain a lot of information. I would like to think constantly on the move, with a lot of thought files building and being stored away. Reaching into those files, what would you reveal to us from the mind of a creative genius such as yourself?
“I would say presentation roll out is one of the most important things to think about creating. Like what’s a cool way I can present this piece of art on a concept that I’m currently creating. For instance, as a sneaker customizer you should have a “line sheet” this will allow you to keep track of the shoes you designed, and help organize the time frame or release date for each idea.”
You recently revealed something very personal in your journey of life on your Instagram. Within that personal reveal, you revealed a new design inspired by “Hot Wheels”. Can you tell the readers about the design, and what you will be doing with it?
“Yes, well I was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which is the highest level of lung cancer there is. So instead of being secretive about it, I decided to share the bitter news with the people who follow me on Instagram. The supporters I get from social media for the artwork I do deserve to also know the obstacles I face as well. I’m a very open person, unlike most influencers who would just keep the bad news to themselves rather than share it on social media. I’m the opposite.
The Hot Wheels concept is inspired by the Doernbecher Jordan 8 designed by Caden Lampert. So it fits with me being diagnosed with cancer, to take the commemorative approach.”
You have been open with your supporters on social media about everything that is going on in your life. I want to give you the due recognition of how you appear to be handling everything with class, drive, gratitude towards God, inspiration, and strength. What is next for the amazing Benni O?
“Yes absolutely, thank you. I am very grateful for God and all He has blessed me with in life. After a sign with Nike and complete fulfillment with them, I plan to then offer my services to Apple and Tesla. I want to design my first life-size electric car model before the end of the year. My schedule is so busy I will be fortunate to get to that task.
I have several business ventures with one of my best friends Waka Flocka. He is super supportive of me and my work. We’re working on a movie together, rebranding his record label, and our Nft group together. Those are just to name a few.”
I and the rest of the FEMI Fam are wishing Benni the best in all that he does in life, and appreciate him taking time out of his schedule to open up to us. I am looking forward to seeing Benni bring more of his creative concepts and ideas to life.
If you want to keep up with Benni O, you can follow him here:
Instagram: bennio.life
YouTube: Benni O Life
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