LAUNE x Collier Barksdale
Collier Barksdale is a New York City–based artist and creative director whose work is rooted in emotion, intuition, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. Drawing inspiration from small moments like shared meals, handwritten notes, family rituals, and the imperfect energy of the city, her practice spans fine art, illustration, and thoughtful brand collaborations. Guided by feeling first and polish second, Collier’s work reflects her LAUNE: layered, human, and grounded in a strong point of view.
1. Tell me about yourself and your work.
I’m a multidisciplinary artist and creative director based in New York City. My work lives at the intersection of art, design, and storytelling, ranging from fine art and illustration to branding, packaging, and collaborations with fashion, hospitality, and lifestyle brands. At the core of everything I do is a deep belief that I’m here to make the world feel a little more beautiful, thoughtful, and connected through what I create.
I’m drawn to work that feels both elevated and human. Expressive, playful, and rooted in the small, often overlooked moments of everyday life. Whether I’m painting, illustrating, or concepting for a brand, my goal is always to translate feeling into form. I want people to feel something when they encounter my work, whether that’s joy, comfort, nostalgia, or a sense of recognition.
I see my role as both a maker and a translator. Taking intangible emotions, stories, and values and turning them into something visual, tactile, and meaningful. That sense of purpose guides everything I make and how I choose the projects I take on.
2. What is your LAUNE (mood)?
Refined chaos with a strong point of view. Layered, human, and imperfect in the right ways, but always always polished.
3. What inspires you?
I’ve always felt I was put on this earth to make the world a more beautiful place. I’m inspired by the beauty in the mundane, the little things… shared meals, handwritten notes, vintage, family heirlooms, family rituals, and moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. New York is also a constant source of inspiration.. it’s imperfect, layered, and alive in a way that always pushes me creatively.
4. What drives your creative process?
Emotion and intuition first, refinement second. I have to allow myself the space to flow. usually start with a feeling or memory and let the work unfold from there. I love when things feel a little imperfect or lived-in… it’s often where the magic is. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and allow space for experimentation rather than forcing an outcome. At this point, I really trust my craft, and my skillset to lead me to execution.
5. What do you love about New York?
The energy, it's alive.. but it’s relentless, grueling, unforgiving. It’ll push you to be your best, you’re up against the best of the best.
6. What are you looking forward to in 2026?
In 2026, I’m looking forward to building with more intention and ease. I’ve done the work to truly understand who I am and how I work, and I’m excited to focus on projects that allow for depth, genuine collaboration, and longevity rather than just constant output. For a long time, I felt pressure to prove myself… to prove that I belonged and that I could make it in this space. What’s changed is that I now trust myself and my craft to lead the way.
I’m looking forward to expanding my personal art practice, developing more collectible and product-driven work, and continuing to partner with brands and individuals who value storytelling, quality, and emotional resonance. It feels like a year of refinement and alignment…doing fewer things, but doing them exceptionally well.
7. What’s next for you?
What’s next for me is continuing to bridge my fine art practice with larger creative collaborations. I’m focused on growing my studio work through limited editions, original pieces, thoughtfully designed objects, and a growing catalog of illustrations so my work can live in more hands and contexts while still maintaining its integrity.
At the same time, I’m taking on select creative direction and concept projects that feel meaningful and aligned. I’m interested in creating work that lives beyond a single moment, whether through collectible art, experiential pieces, or long-term brand worlds. I also have a lot up my sleeve that I’m excited to slowly reveal as it comes to life.
Ultimately, I want my work to feel timeless, human, and deeply considered, and I’m excited to keep building toward that.
Rapid Fire:
1. Describe your style in three words.
Eclectic, classic, bold
2. AM or PM skincare?
AM, sets the tone for the day
3. What’s one product you could not live without?
Eyebrow gel
4. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Schiaparelli
5. Early mornings or sleeping in?
Ughhh.. Early mornings if it means I can get more into the day (but my body likes to sleep in)
6. Favorite place?
A beach, any beach. If not that, NYC.
7. Favorite drinks spot in New York?
8. Favorite restaurant in New York?
4 Charles for high.. Fanelli for dive
9. Dream collab?
Jacquemus. Luxury storytelling at its best
10. Favorite brand?
Schiaparelli
11. Favorite style icon?
Honestly, Carrie Bradshaw, LOL
12. Favorite artist?
Too many to choose what genre?
13. Favorite movie?
Sweet Home Alabama
14. What are you loving right now?
Showing up exactly as who I am
