Senior Gaye Camara co-founded a music collective of Brooklyn College students called Off The Collar (OTC). A transfer student and business administration major in the marketing track, he plans to bring his collaborative mindset to the business world.

From his first day on campus, Camara knew that he wanted his creative spirit to guide his future. He lived this realization as a marketing intern at The Atlantic, where he was part of a team that created videos to support the publication’s partnerships, including one with the luxury car manufacturer Lincoln.

In his time at Brooklyn College, he has impressed his professors.

“Gaye stood out immediately in my Principles of Marketing class because he intuitively understood the direction I was taking in a discussion as if he had worked in the field. He carried it to the next level,” says Associate Professor Barbara Lewis, who’s also teaching the advertising and marketing class that Camara is taking this summer.

We spoke to Camara about his artistic pursuits, personal growth, and career aspirations.

You transferred here from Borough of Manhattan Community College. What brought you to Brooklyn?

I was always intrigued by Brooklyn College. I visited and really liked how green and open the campus is. I’m glad that I transferred here because I can go to the library or recording studio, or just lay on the grass to soak up the sun. I’ve grown a lot here. If you make the most of it, you can find so many different opportunities and meet so many people.

When did you first realize you were a creative person?

I realized my creativity during the pandemic when I started writing and recording music. It sounds weird, but sometimes I’ll hear a song in my dreams and record it on my phone when I wake up. I’m in an R&B music collective on campus with some students called Off The Collar (OTC). The name’s based on our mascot, Buster the Bulldog—like taking a collar off a dog. We all work together a lot. Outside of that, I’m always writing lyrics and coming up with songs. With writing, especially when you put it to music, you can get a message across, so I try to put an underlying message in all of my lyrics. Whenever I’m creating music with people or alone, I’m pursuing my passion.

Tell us about OTC.

OTC started when I was giving myself a self-tour of the campus. I was walking through every building, subconsciously looking for recording studios. I went into Whitehead Hall, where I met another student. I found out he also makes music, and we started sharing our stuff with each other. He’s a music major, so he introduced me to a bunch of other people who wanted to record. Now it’s kind of big, even outside of school. We go to the studio or each other’s houses to work on things. Last semester, I co-released a song, “Save Me”, with an exchange student who was in the group. We’re all working on an EP now.

I love collaborating with them because everyone has ideas, and everything starts with an idea. I’m always open to what other people have to say or contribute. When I’m in the studio, all ideas matter. Once you bring something to a group, it’s like it’s not even yours anymore—it’s everyone’s.

You seem open-minded. 

I’m from Harlem, so I met all types of people growing up. Harlem wasn’t rough, per se, but I saw things that you shouldn’t have to see as a kid. Growing up, I’d go downtown to skate with kids who looked nothing like me. I learned to never judge a book by its cover. Everyone has a story behind them, so I approach people open-mindedly.

You’re taking a business class this summer. How’s that going?

I took a summer class because I wanted to speed up getting to graduation. I’m in BUSN 3130 Advertising and Direct Marketing, with Professor Lewis. I had a great time in her class last spring, so I knew that I’d love to take another class with her. I’d never taken a summer class before, but I always really, really wanted to. I’m glad that I did.

What’s your dream job after college?

I aim to be an art director or a creative director. I want to hyper-specialize in the music or fashion industry, maybe at Vogue or a record company. I love that in marketing, you can have a vision and then see it come to life. I want to balance creativity and logistics to help a company put out whatever they’re trying to put out. Thinking about my career is nerve-wracking, but I feel like I’m on a good path.