We were lucky to catch up with Jeremy Ray recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jeremy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Making a living & providing for my family solely through my creativity is the hardest & most rewarding challenge I’ve ever faced professionally. When it’s going well, it’s the best feeling in the world. ‘I can’t believe I just made this thing with my brain & my hands and because of that, the mortgage is paid’. On the other hand… the self-doubt, self-worth, & consistent search for truth that comes with being a full time artist is often unbearable. I’m the hardest boss I’ve ever had.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Jeremy Ray. I’m a 41 year old Mixed Media artist from Atlanta GA. I moved here out of art school and landed in Little Five Points in the summer of 2007. Since then, I’ve been strictly progressing my craft as a professional painter, printmaker, muralist, designer, illustrator, songwriter & performer. It’s common practice for me to use my voice across multiple platforms. This week I’m painting a mural, next week I’m creating brand design & custom imagery for your bands album, merchandise & show posters. The following week I’m making drawings, prints, & collages for my online store. The week after that I’m creating a large scale abstract painting for someone’s private collection.
My art is for all.
My work is & will always be available to collectors & art lovers from all walks. Whether you’re a high end client with a large budget needing your idea brought to life, or you’re a young kid wanting to start an art collection with their first small print, my art is for all.
I’m very lucky to have meet so many amazing people & formed so many lifelong relationships through my artwork. My hope is that never stops. The best part of my work is the joy, connection & self discovery that comes with the daily journey of being a professional artist.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
No F***ing Thanks!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I just want to get better every day.
I want to be a better husband, a better father, a better painter, a better songwriter…
I want my life to grow the same as my images grow. I want the complexities & simplicities of a life well-lived to be reflected in my work. I want my art to expand from my life experiences & I want my life experiences to be reflected in my art.
Leaving a few things behind that outlive me wouldn’t be a bad thing either.
I just want my son to one day know that I followed my dreams to death and lived it in the best ways I could figure it out.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jeremyrayis.com
- Instagram: @jeremyrayis
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/_3MtGSTO__w?si=1Cx4nPYDAvTixVx5
- Other: The YouTube link is for my brand new single & music video, which was shot in my art studio. Jeremy Ray & the Howdy Men – “Time for Nothing’