Xavier Payne is an award-winning artist and illustrator based in Nashville, Tennessee, renowned for his vibrant, bold works that merge 90s aesthetics, Afrofuturism, and Pop Art. Holding a BFA from Watkins College of Art, Design & Film, Xavier has crafted a dynamic career blending design with conceptual art. During the 2010’s Payne worked corporate positions designing simple products for clients like Target and Wal-Mart, while at moonlighting as an artist for celebrated figures like Spike Lee and Issa Rae. His art has been showcased in prominent venues including the Frist Art Museum in Nashville and Webster Hall in New York City. In 2022, Xavier was named Best Artist of the Year by the Nashville Scene, a testament to his impact on the culture of the city. His creations, characterized by organic shapes and rich colors, often explore themes of identity, culture, and community. Xavier’s latest project includes a series of paintings set on a fictional planet, where a colorful sky symbolizes harmony among its inhabitants, blending imaginative storytelling with social commentary. In addition to his personal art projects, Xavier is a dedicated graphic artist and has held roles and completed projects for several design studios in the area. His skills encompass brand design and strategy, digital illustration, and typography. Currently, Xavier is focused on large-scale projects that bring life to organizations and inspire individuals, aiming to collaborate with brands and collectors who appreciate his vision of a more colorful and imaginative world.