Some people express themselves with words. Gionte “Gio” Sandifer does it with color, clothes, and presence. Whether he’s sketching a character, stepping out in a carefully curated outfit or unpacking conversations about identity and representation, Gio moves like art isn’t separate from him — it’s embedded into who he is.
The St. Petersburg native arrived at Florida A&M University as a first-generation college student with a clear dream: animation. Marching band in high school helped chart that path, giving him structure and ultimately leading him to an HBCU experience that felt aligned. Though animation remains his main focus, his creativity refuses to stay in one lane. Gio paints and illustrates, plays trombone and piano, explores graphic design and fashion concepts, and models — a detail that often surprises people. “Every time I step out the house, I like to look like somebody,” he said, crediting his time with FAMU’s modeling troupe for sharpening both his style and composure.
His artistic voice is intentional. Gio describes his work as “unapologetically Black,” centering marginalized communities and exploring Blackness, queerness and intersectionality.
“I want people to see themselves in my characters,” he said. “For their existence to be validated.”
Inspired by creators like Tyler, The Creator and A$AP Rocky, he hopes to expand representation in animation beyond what he saw growing up.
“Every time I get discouraged, I think about how past me would want this,” he said. “It’s for the younger version of me.”
Being named one of FAMU’s Finest, he said, is less about surface recognition and more about substance. To him, the title reflects someone who embodies strong character — empathy, authenticity and presence. “If not you, then who?” is a mindset he carries, shaped by watching his father consistently show up for others. Gio strives to do the same, offering emotional support and encouraging fellow introverts to step confidently into new spaces.
Looking ahead, Sandifer hopes his journey encourages others to take creative risks.
“Whenever you’re on the fence about doing something, you can either regret doing it or not doing it,” he said. “ The only thing you can really do is do it. It is important to carry faith in yourself and take strides to do that one thing.”
