Charlotte Creative Passion B. on the Magic of Creating Your Own Cool

In its simplest form, cool refers to something—or someone—that’s popular or in style. 

While scrolling through digital creator Passion “Passion B.” Burnell’s Instagram, there’s an overwhelming sense of uninhibited coolness. From colorful and artistic digital illustrations to a keen eye for fashion, the space she’s making is built on the foundation of staying true to herself, creating what she hasn’t seen and personifying her own definition of cool. 

“I am creating my own cool,” Passion B. told THE BLOCK. “I am creating a space, a brand and products that are a representation of me, and it’s very unapologetic.”

Like many other creatives, the pandemic brought fresh motivation for Passion B. In 2020, the Charlotte native started consistently focusing on art illustration. Since then, Passion has been breaking through barriers of societal norms that determine what people should do and how. This renewed sense of passion for creativity caused her to dive into what makes her happy with greater intensity. 

Passion is the face behind ARTdealHer and Co., a brand that encompasses illustrations inspired by her other interests—streetwear, sneakers and nostalgia of the 90s. Beyond the one-of-a-kind art that graces posters, prints and stickers, examples of her creativity can be found on original tees, key chains and collector cards. 

My brand is all about creating my version of cool and [inspiring others] to feel liberated in who they are and inspired by what I’m producing—to be their own version of cool.

Passion B.

In her early years, Passion B. says she doesn’t recall being told that becoming an artist could be a profession, which led to reluctance in honing her craft and tapping into her love for coloring. An epiphany inspired her to combine this love for creativity with her love for fashion. She began creating characters—women of color adorning outfits and shoes that she didn’t have—and developing their style. 

Though Passion describes her creative process as “winging it,” her talent is evident in every piece. When inspiration strikes, she lets the ideas flow. A love for the 90s, the simplicity of a color palette or something seen while on a walk are all fair game. 

“I’m really in a space now where I feel like you should create what you don’t see,” she explained. “If I see something [and think], ‘Oh, that’s a cool idea,’ my brain is instantly like, ‘How can I twist that and make it into something that’s mine, into something that’s my own?’”

While experiencing imposter syndrome has been an obstacle for Passion B., she’s learned to focus less on likes and more on what’s truly important. 

“I had to get out of my head with that and realize [this is] my own race; to take my time, love what I’m producing and not worry,” she said. “It’s one step at a time. You’re growing; you’re evolving. You’re putting out things that people enjoy and people love, and that is enough. That is the goal.

“I realize that you celebrate every victory, no matter how big or how small,” she continued. “All of it is going in a direction that you want to go.”

Passion’s motivations are her children and having the freedom to create. Her advice to anyone who wants to enter the digital creator space is to create what you love to do and be confident in it. 

“Everybody has a special thing they can give to this world, whether they have discovered it or not. … Whatever that is, do it 100 percent. Just love it. Love what you do.”

Passion B.

Manifesting a Childhood Dream 

If you were a Black kid in the 90s, you probably know of the joy that comes with flipping through Word UP!, Jet or EBONY magazine. These were a staple for Passion, giving inspiration for Blank Canvas, a zine she curates in limited quantity each month. The small collection of self-published works is handmade and shoelace-bound.

“It’s kind of like my baby,” she told us “It’s just really a compilation of art and sneakers and style.” 

To connect with Passion B. follow her on Instagram, and visit her website. You can also visit her online shop.