Award-winning artist Adrian Franks was the first person to complete the apprenticeship program at Bellsouth Advertising and Publishing Corporation, thus becoming a certified journeyman in graphic design. This made him the first accredited Master of Skills as recognized by the United States Department of Labor. His accomplishments include a Gold Addy Award for the Publix Greenwise micro-site and a Bronze Addy Award for the Florida’s Natural Orange Diaries blog.
For anyone who is familiar with Franks’ work, you know it didn’t take a certification to make him a master of skills. He has a gift. On the third anniversary of a violent act that impacted the entire world, he dedicated his gift to the late Trayvon Martin and published a brilliant illustration to the teen who lost his life to senseless violence on Feb. 26, 2012.
Franks, who takes a special interest in painting, reading, listening and playing music, sports, visiting art galleries and museums, and playing video games, shared with rolling out his inspiration for the Trayvon Martin tribute.
Why did you use the color and dots?
The dots represent the innocence that was robbed of Bro. Trayvon. They are colorful for two reasons: the dots are reminiscent of the Skittles he purchased the night he was killed and it also represents the colored dots that are used on shooting targets.
Explain the phrase “Rest in Power.”
REST IN POWER is a saying that most people use in place of “rest in peace” since we as a species have power. Spike Lee is one of the people who uses the phrase the most, so I adapted that in my work since I admire him as a Black man, [and] a creative.
Explain the phrase “Always Loved.”
ALWAYS LOVED is my way of showing how we as a community love our youth regardless of their condition and background.
How should we preserve this fine piece of art?
My work is for the people. I don’t want people to forget the sacrifice of our people and the lives lost to gun violence, whether it came from White supremacy, Black-on-Black, hate, police brutality, suicide, or gang issues etc. Violence is violence, especially when it involves the youth.
What should young Black men know about how they are perceived in society?
Young Black men should understand that we can be a target at any given moment, no matter what our socioeconomic status may be. We all are a threat, so being a change agent where you live is more important than ever.
Why should we all be heard instead of being silent about the injustice that continues to exist?
Black men represent over 60 percent of the incarcerated from drug-related offenses, but we are only 6 percent of the total population. This is a big problem not only for Black people, but America as well.
View more works from the series in the gallery.
