I'm a storyteller who wants to tell untold, meaningful, universal stories in unforgettable ways. I want to do it all, study it all, and find my place in it.
Janelle MonaeRead
I have a great body, I really do. But I want to be taken seriously as an artist, and wearing anything that shows it off will be a distraction from the music. That's how my signature uniform, my tuxedo, came about. It's classic and timeless. You'll see me in black, white, and a pop of color on my lips. That pop adds a little magic.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of being taken seriously in one's craft over physical appearance.
In this quote, Janelle Monae expresses how she values her artistry and strives to be recognized for her musical talents rather than her physical appearance. She describes her choice of a signature tuxedo as a means to maintain focus on her music, suggesting that revealing too much of her body could detract from her artistic expression. The addition of a pop of color symbolizes her unique flair and creativity within a classic presentation.
Themes
ArtIdentityExpressionCreativityAppearance
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal branding at a fashion event.
More from Janelle Monae
All quotes →Redefine what it means to be sexy and what it means to be a woman. Showing my skin is not what makes me sexy. I like skirts and dresses just like everyone else, but I had a message I needed to put out there. It was up to me to show people and young girls there was another way.
Janelle MonaeRead
Even if it makes others comfortable, I will LOVE who I am
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I have not lost any of my crazy, fearless, raw, soulful, eclectic side and I plan on continuing to tell universal stories in an unforgettable way.
Janelle MonaeRead
Perfection is often the enemy of greatness.
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It's unfortunate that a lot of people think African-American female artists are monolithically R&B this-or-that, don't have to do anything by default.
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