We recently connected with Aaron Marshall and have shared our conversation below.

Aaron , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I feel like everyone develops this as an interest once you make some money from it. The idea of getting paid for doing something you naturally enjoy never crosses your mind until that defining moment. Especially if the pay is substantial enough to take care of a responsibility or desire. For me, there were multiple moments where this happened. The first time was actually when I sold a canvas piece I made for my apartment. $100 was a nice sum for a 16×24 piece I never thought about selling in the first place. The next couple of times were when I was asked to design a tattoo and sketch out a design for a patent trademark. I believe that we have signs that guide us through our journey in life that lead us to the soul fulfilling interest we desire. So, I followed this path out of curiosity and it has brought me here to present day.

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

I’m a Black Creative from Oakcliff located in Dallas, Tx. I’ve always been interested in the arts but where I’m from, it wasn’t a topic or thing beyond musically. I played the Alto Sax and Violin, but loved to draw in school. For me, the nerdy kid with glasses who was teased, I had something that made me “cool” growing up. It helped me make friends and navigate Grade School a lot easier with other kids. I was introduced to my talent by my late Great Grandmother. We drew every Sunday using crayons and colored pencils. Paint was not something we really had then.

My process is a true composition of my interest. One of my first commissions for a patent opened my eyes to the idea that technology and art can be a thing to make some truly amazing pieces. The idea grew once I ditched the paper for drawing tablets. I naturally ventured into Graphic Design. The control to create anything for anyone, and easily be able to send it to anyone, anywhere, makes earning potential consistently possible. But my heart was still Art. I wanted to see what I could accomplish if I used technology as a tool. The ability to create reusable objects/shapes to be used in different compositions, in different ways using less time, was a fascinating idea. I’m able to produce genuine originals consistently all while creating a signature style that people will recognize me for. From this vision, my brand name kind of created itself. Artist+Graphic Designer+Tech Enthusiast= ArtGraTech

I am inspired by techniques used by Masters like Warhol, Picasso, and Pollock. But, I refuse to create like them. I wanted my art to not be flat. I loved how different lighting angles would give my art changing shadows and perceived life. I take pride in the fact that my work is different from other artists and combines different styles together as one. My work is definitely an eye catcher at every show I’m a participant in.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Honestly, it’s more like a continuation of a promise made to myself. I made a promise before COVID to see where my talent would take me. I was making some consistent progress but life changed drastically and I was left with that wonder of “what if.” Now that the dust has settled and I have the time and opportunity, I’m giving it all I got to see where things will go.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect for me is knowing that something I created is out in the world that was valuable enough for a complete stranger to purchase and put on display. I feel the same way about my Graphic Design work. It’s something especially fulfilling when you know and see your creations being utilized and appreciated.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.dopegrafx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artgratech
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Conejo06