We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Grace Daly. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Grace below.

Hi Grace, thanks for joining us 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?

While I work as a graphic designer for a company and freelance on the side, I consider myself primarily an artist. Outside of graphic design, I enjoy creating my own graphic art, which I’ve exhibited in shows and galleries. I have a constant stream of personal projects, from painting to experimenting with different mediums like painting and knitting.

Graphic design is my main source of income, and I particularly enjoy branding projects. I thrive when collaborating with clients who are open to exploring and having fun during the creative process. While I appreciate the opportunity to infuse my personal style into projects, I also understand the importance of adapting to meet the client’s needs and preferences.

I gravitate towards working with small businesses, especially those in the fashion industry, where my edgy, slightly punky aesthetic often resonates. However, I’m still in the process of defining my artistic identity and remain open to wherever my creativity leads me. Whether it’s branding, graphic art commissions, or even designing unconventional items like studded leather bags, I’m eager to take on new challenges and explore different avenues of artistic expression.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Grace Daly, and I grew up in Houston in a household brimming with creativity. My mom, an artist in her own right surrounded me with artistic energy, as did her creatively inclined friends. From a young age I knew I wanted to do something creative, just not sure exactly what that was. However, my love for collaging, sparked during my early teenage years immersed in the Tumblr scene, hinted at my artistic inclinations. As a child, I often found solace in art. This passion led me to explore graphic arts and photography in high school, where a particularly inspiring teacher further fueled my artistic aspirations. Eventually, I pursued my passion at the Savannah College of Art and Design, initially studying photography.
Before the pandemic altered plans, I had an epiphany: I wanted to delve into graphic design. Exploring various mediums in foundational design classes opened my eyes to the possibilities beyond photography. From crafting 3-D sculptures to designing T-shirts, I discovered a love for versatility that resonated with my identity as both an artist and a designer.
Embracing a multimedia approach, I found graphic design not only as a creative outlet but also as a means of sustaining myself financially. In addition to graphic design, I explored other artistic avenues, from painting to knitting and even selling handmade sweaters on Etsy. My current focus lies in creating graphic art, often blending mixed media elements like scanned photographs and fabrics in my work, showcased in galleries.
I find joy in collaborating with clients who appreciate my distinct style—a blend of edgy, punky vibes with bright colors and a hint of gothic influence. While I primarily work with small businesses, particularly in the fashion realm, I’m open to diverse projects that challenge and inspire me.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to artistry. I don’t merely see myself as a graphic designer but as a multifaceted artist who constantly seeks to learn and evolve. I refuse to confine myself to labels, preferring to embrace the fluidity of creativity and the endless possibilities it offers.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

While I wouldn’t necessarily label it as a specific goal or mission guiding my creative journey, I believe a significant aspect of my identity as an artist and my ongoing creative drive is closely intertwined with my journey to sobriety. Getting sober at a young age has been a transformative experience for me, and it remains a central part of my life. Throughout my recovery, art has been a constant companion—a therapeutic outlet that allows me to express myself and confront the thoughts and emotions that can sometimes overwhelm me.

My fine art has served as a vessel for processing the tumultuous thoughts and feelings that once consumed me. Translating these inner struggles onto canvas or into various art forms has been an immensely liberating process. I find solace in using my artwork to share my personal narrative, including the challenges and triumphs of my journey toward sobriety. My ultimate goal as a fine artist is to offer a sense of connection and understanding to others who may be navigating similar struggles, fostering a sense of solidarity and empathy.

In many ways, my commitment to helping others through their own struggles parallels my dedication to maintaining my own sobriety. While I don’t equate the act of creating art directly to the challenges of recovery, I recognize that my greatest struggles have ultimately become my greatest teachers. As a human being, my overarching mission is to cultivate a sense of acceptance and empowerment, demonstrating that it’s okay to confront and embrace our vulnerabilities, regardless of their nature. For me, this journey has involved shedding the shame and embarrassment that once surrounded my addiction, and embracing a newfound sense of authenticity and resilience. Through my art and my advocacy, I hope to inspire others to do the same—to recognize their own inherent worth and to pursue their passions and creative endeavors without reservation or self-doubt.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson that has been central to my journey is the danger of being pigeonholed into a single identity or profession. While I am indeed a graphic designer and it’s how I primarily earn a living, I refuse to confine myself solely to that label. The expectation in art school to choose a major and stick to it for life felt limiting to me. However, I’ve come to realize that the degree I graduated with doesn’t dictate my entire career path.

I am passionate about exploring various forms of creativity beyond graphic design. From my graphic art to fine art endeavors, to dabbling in interior design, jewelry crafting, bag design, and beyond, I see myself as an artist with a diverse range of interests and talents. My goal is to continue expanding my creative horizons through collaboration and exploration.

One challenge I’ve faced is marketing myself effectively. While I excel in creating art, promoting my work to the world isn’t my strongest suit. I’ve come to understand that being talented isn’t always enough in today’s competitive landscape. Success often hinges on one’s ability to market themselves and their work effectively.

Thus, I’m actively working on honing my marketing skills to ensure that my art reaches a wider audience and that I can sustain myself financially as an artist. It’s a learning process, but I recognize the importance of not only creating art but also sharing it with the world in order to thrive in the creative industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: gracedaly.co
• Instagram: @graceddaly
• Linkedin: grcdaly
• Other: Design instagram: @zenrebl