Interviewee:
Justin Valliere (he/him/his)
In your own words, tell us about your business, organization, or initiative.
I’m Justin Valliere, operating under the name Black Coffiend. With approximately six years of experience as an illustrator and designer, my primary focus lies in the realms of punk, goth, and horror aesthetics. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with numerous esteemed clients, including Nocturne, Vinegar Syndrome, World Champ Game Co, and Bridge Nine. The projects I undertake often align closely with my personal interests. My portfolio includes a significant amount of work for t-shirts, posters, and various physical media such as record covers and layouts. Additionally, I frequently design film covers and aspire to expand my expertise to include book covers.
Tell us a bit about you and why you do what you do. Share your passions for your business, organization, or initiative.
From a young age, I have always been drawn to the unconventional. While my interests have not always leaned towards the dark and often include a humorous element, they have consistently been unique. My profession as an artist enables me to continually explore new ideas, and when I find something intriguing, I feel compelled to create it myself. I produce work that I wish existed, whether it’s specific illustrations of what I think a ghost would look like, t-shirt designs, or, more recently, keshi-style figures that come from a vending machine. I take great pleasure in connecting with others who share similar passions. I enjoy hearing how people perceive my work and the interpretations they derive from the stories I tell.
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that had an impact on you?
Other than the film Possessor which is one of the greatest films of all time, seeing the band Amenra for a second time in Cambridge almost moved me to tears.
What’s the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you or your business?
That I make all of the art I sell at my booth whenever I do any kind of vending. There seems to be some common disconnect that if you are selling T-shirts, that alone is your business.
What is Creative Collective?
Creative Collective is a group of economic development strategists, small business supporters, activation specialists, and believers in the importance of the creative workforce. We foster growth, sustainability, and scalability for small businesses, creative thinkers, organizations, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Learn more and join Creative Collective at www.creativecollectivema.com/join
