Photos: YAMS

Blurb from YAMS:

I met with Mr. Bryant more than six months ago — in Brooklyn — at a GrungeCake function. ‘Not having much time to grip and understand who or what he does, later I agreed to share an impromptu experience. Still unclear, here is the third installment and closing of my journey. Mr. Bryant is in school and will graduate to join the stiff and competitive publishing business-industry.

Curtis Bryant’s Bio:

Curtis Bryant was born February 22, 1989. Born and raised in the Bronx, he’s the youngest of three. At an early age Curtis knew art was his calling in life, and being encouraged to continue it by his grandma was all the support he needed. Taking different classes in all media’s of art from printmaking to photography Curtis’s portfolio grew quickly. He attended and graduated Bronx High School for the Visual Art, and now he is currently a junior at Parsons New School for Design majoring in Communication Design. He plans to work in the field of Publication Design (magazines and books). Curtis recently got into photography again, so the possibilities are unless. Curtis is inspired by so many things and started a blog with some friends this past summer. www.Moose-Hunters.com is the name of it, and it encourages people, no matter what they’re dreams are to, to go for it, despite the negativity of the world.

Moose: is a play on the word Muse meaning inspiration. We as people are always on a constant search for things to inspire us. [MooseHunt]

GrungeCake: Other than this interview, how do you plan to market yourself as a “publication designer”?

Curtis Bryant: With my recent love for photography, I have been building my photography portfolio and creating magazine inspired spreads in my spare time. Where I’m able to combine photo and typography.

GrungeCake: With a flooding death pool of publications today, why do you choose to go into this field?

Curtis Bryant: I’ve always been a fan of fashion magazines from a young age, and when I learned that I could create the same kind of work, I knew it was for me. So my interest for the field began way before this death pool. I’m only a junior at Parsons, so I hope by time I graduate things will be getting a lot better. If not I will work hard to be the reason it does.

GrungeCake: Which do you prefer: a print or digital publication? What are the benefits of both, to you? What are the cons?

Curtis Bryant: I prefer print publications because there is something more personal about holding the publication and being lost in the images and words. But technology is constantly growing and changing so of course making things accessible on-line is a great idea. Not everyone is a book reader, but don’t mind being on their phone or computer for long amounts of time. It’s convenient.

GrungeCake: Which publications are responsible for your aspiration, and why?

Curtis Bryant: Nylon is great because it’s obvious they understand their audience and the[y] way they play with typography, breaking most of the rules I’m learning in class each week, makes me happy. VMAN is amazing to me because it’s so consistent all the way through. You can tell that the team is all on the same page and probably work in similar ways, not to mention the amazing photo shoots they have.

GrungeCake: Do you feel higher education, for an artist, is detrimental to their original style?

Curtis Bryant: Original style is something you’re born with, but I would never say stay away from school. Going to school will definitely allow you to grow, but I don’t think [you] need it to be original. I’m blessed to be a student at Parsons New School for Design, where most of my funds are being paid for. My work has tremendously grown, and I’ve been able to express my own design style through out my school career.

GrungeCake: What is the future of Moose-Hunters? Do you see longevity?

Curtis Bryant: Moose-Hunters will continue to inspire people and to go after what they want. You can expect a lot more photo shoots and with three new writers, everyone will get their dosage of Moose. (Bryant laughs)

GrungeCake: You have mentioned, “You are inspired by so many things.” What are your inspirations?

Curtis Bryant: Wow! It can be anything to a puddle after the rain to a building to a color. My biggest inspiration comes from people. I love that we all have different personalities, and we don’t live our lives the same. I guess I have a thing for individuals.

GrungeCake: Who are some of the people you’ve featured via your website?

Curtis Bryant: Coco & Breezy (designers), Devohn Walker (stylist), and Shaun Ross (model): those are the names of people who have brought lots of hits to the site, but we’ve featured everyone from painters to inspiring rappers to bloggers.

GrungeCake: How did you hear about GrungeCake?

Curtis Bryant: I heard about GrungeCake through my friend Robert, who is actually a member of the GrungeCake team.

GrungeCake: What do you think about it?

Curtis Bryant: GrungeCake is honest, bold, raw, and in your face and I can appreciate the rebel personality.

GrungeCake: What’s next for Curtis Bryant?

Curtis Bryant: Looking forward to being a senior at Parsons this September and finishing my senior thesis. ‘Would love to graduate with a job in the publication field, whether it’s for someone else, or working for myself. I will continue to build my photography portfolio and create interesting posts for Moose-Hunters.com. ‘Most of all continue to inspire people.