We were lucky to catch up with Derricka McCray recently and have shared our conversation below.
Derricka, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
The first dollar I made actually was $126.73 for a digital cartoon I created of Lizzo back in 2019. I was in Atlanta on vacation when Lizzo posted on her Instagram, “Paint me like ya french, Bitch!” And that’s what I did. I was one of the first artists that followed her directions causing her to repost it. One of her fans offered to purchase it. So I had it sized, framed, and shipped to him. It was such a dope experience, especially since I forgot my apple pencil at home and had to create it with my fingers.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a Directors of photography, Producer of photography, and a creative director, I am responsible for the photographic heart of a production—Whether it’s videography or photography.
I first started taking pictures to turn them into digital cartoons back in sept 2019. Shortly after that, I was hired as TOB band and show’s official photographer. Then shortly after that I became an official photographer for Capital Pride alliance. After that, I started getting booked and published in several magazines and newspapers to
include metro weekly, national geographic, and the advocate.
I have shot broccoli city festival, Something in the water, Capital Pride Parade and concert 2022 and 2023. DC Funk Parade, DC music Summit, T-Con Convention, Cherry Blossom Parade, DC Fashion Week, DC Swim week, NY Fashion Week, DMV Summer Jam and many many more events.
Since starting Cray Graphics in 2019, I have developed an eye for composition, telling a story through a shot, understanding camera and lighting techniques and how using them can affect emotions. I have also developed an understanding of the post-production work flow, and how having a good eye for colour in the editing process is important.
Being in the entertainment industry, I had to learn how to think quickly and often under pressure. I had to learn how to plan to do things, know how to do things, and know how long it will take to get the right kit and crew.
In 2023, I decided to build a media team where I delegate roles and responsibilities to different members of the team to satisfy a common goal.—customer satisfaction. By doing this, I had to learn how to lead. I had to ensure everyone on the team knew what’s expected, work closely with camera crew, lead the team and resolve conflicts in situations that can sometimes be stressful.
Cray Graphics Currently offer Graphics Design services, T-Shirt Printing, Sticker creation and printing, business cards, Candid photography, Sports photography, Brand photography, Headshots, Photos Booth set ups, Yearbook Photos, Graduation Photos, Concert photography, Event photography, and personal photography.
I am currently serving as the Producer of photography for The Capital Pride Alliance here in Washington Dc. I am currently running Cray Graphics and recently opened a daycare located in Laurel Md.
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I started Cray Graphics in September of 2019, my goal was to attract an audience on social media that actually supported what I was doing for a living which at the time was Cartooning. I would hand out my business card to prospective clients , so they could know how to get in contact with me and check out the website. I would also hand out my business cards during an event if I took a nice picture of a stranger. OMG! Volunteering is a really good one! I have volunteered at so many events that landed me in rooms with people I never would have guessed would be present. Those events gave me the opportunity to expand my audience to a more diverse audience.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Shortly after I started my business, COVID struck the world and it struck hard. The world was on lockdown and it was becoming harder and harder to keep my creative juices flowing, if you get what I mean. However, so many terrible situations started happened during COVID that caused The City (The DMV) to wake up. You couldn’t blink without seeing an ad for a protest. That’s when I knew I needed to be out there capturing the moment. So, in the summer of 2020, I picked up a camera and added Photographer to my job title. I took pictures until I couldn’t anymore. A few events/protest I shot at include: Ruth Bader Gingsburg gathering at the supreme court on Sept. 18, 2020 to mourn her death, Long Live Gogo June 6, 2020 protest over police brutality related to the death of George Floyd, The Capital Riot, and 2022 Capital Pride. Fast forward to 4 years later, I am a Producer of Photography for Capital Pride, My photos has been published several times, and I have memories that I can share with my great grand kids. Imagine if I would have never picked that camera up…
Contact Info:
- Website: www.craygraphics.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: @Craygraphics
- Other: @Craysclubhouse on Instagram
Image Credits
All photos were taken by me or on my cellphone