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Tramaine Townsend
Visual Artist
Tramaine Townsend is a seasoned Filmmaker, Photographer, and Creative Director based in Dallas, Texas. He has extensive experience in motion graphics, visual storytelling, and creative direction, having worked on a variety of projects across different media.
Professional Background
- Current Roles:
- Self-Employed: Tramaine operates as a visual artist and creative director, focusing on diverse projects that include film directing, music videos, and commercial photography.
- Commercial Photographer & Director at Sister Brother Management since December 2020, where he has worked with notable clients such as Nike and eBay Sneakers.
- Previous Experience:
- Motion Graphics Artist at FUNimation Entertainment (2005-2008), where he created promotional materials for Japanese animated titles.
- Content Director at LERMA/ (2021-2022), overseeing video content production.
- He has also freelanced as a Music Video Director since 2016, producing videos that have garnered significant views and brand exposure.
Skills and Expertise
Tramaine specializes in:
- Motion Graphics: He has designed engaging graphics that have achieved higher engagement rates for various clients.
- Photography and Film Direction: His work spans commercial photography and directing fashion films and music videos.
- Creative Direction: He guides creative teams to develop compelling narratives through visual media.
Education
Tramaine holds an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in Animation and Video Graphics from the Art Institute of Dallas, alongside a certificate in Photography from Northlake College.
Artistic Approach
His artistic style is characterized by a minimalist approach that emphasizes aesthetics and impactful storytelling. Tramaine's work often reflects a commitment to creative excellence and innovation in visual arts.123
Highlights
Scene from my film, HEARD.
This is one of my favorite shots I’ve captured over the years documenting the culture. Filmed in Fort Worth, Texas, I was invited by my dear friend and collaborator Mr. Angel White to take photos and film of a small trail ride of cowboys that lived in the same area. A great day without a doubt.
A few photographs from my series HEARD. Portraits of Black Cowboy culture in Texas.
Artist Statement
My journey to documenting black cowboys started with research for the first screenplay I wrote that revolves around one. I wanted it to be authentic and at the time my knowledge of the culture was very limited. I knew they existed being born and raised in Houston. You would see them out a lot for trail rides during the rodeo but as a child, I never paid full attention. Diving further into the culture I was able to learn the different sides of it and discovered it was part of my life more than I liked to realize. I wanted to explore the history that America seemed to want everyone to forget. Documenting those I could meet by traveling to their stomping grounds, from the competitive to the urban. I was able to see, learn, capture, and discuss the differences between what this culture is with those who live it every day. It’s one with a rich history built with people who have always seen themselves as ranchers. Cowboys and cowgirls have been this way for generations and will continue for generations to come. These images and videos I’ve captured over the years are a small piece of that. With this body of work, I wanted to share with others what I have seen through my lens with the hope of them seeing the beauty I see in it too. Garnering a deeper love and appreciation of Texas that I didn’t realize I had. Becoming more knowledgeable and aware of who they are, rather than sensationalizing it for cultural movement. During this journey, I was taking into consideration that I was capturing not only black history but their legacy as well.
#heard #blackcowboys #blackwestern #rodeonation #trailrides
