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

Ariane, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Like most kids, I always loved drawing, but in retrospect I perhaps liked it more than most. At 10 years old, my fascination with Bob Ross and his calming voice led my parents to buy me an easel and painting kit. Although my early paintings may not have been masterpieces, my passion for drawing never waned. Throughout high school, I diligently emulated comic book illustrations, and in my early twenties I discovered my love for charcoal drawings.

While my parents were always supportive of my artistic talents, they had concerns about the practicality of pursuing a career in a creative field. I therefore followed a more conventional path and got my degree in business, relegating my art to hobby status (like many others). I did however still try to sneak creativity in by focusing my studies on Marketing and Advertising.

Despite my enthusiasm for my Marketing degree, my career took some unexpected turns. A disillusioning experience in a non-creative sector of advertising and an unforeseen detour into nonprofit management left me wanting a more creatively fulfilling path. Following a year of travel and reflection, I made the decision to go back to school and pursue a second degree in design. Admittedly, I didn’t have much prior knowledge about design, but it quickly became clear that it offered me the perfect balance of creative expression and career stability. I never looked back.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

After completing my marketing degree, I worked in media placement for a year before transitioning to a non-profit agency. Within my first year, I moved into the role of director, overseeing the management of informal educational trips for over 2000 people.

Following the transition to (and transformative experience of) my design program, I had the privilege of working with several leading agencies in Montreal on various branding, cultural, editorial, and packaging design projects.

After 9 years in agencies and a maternity leave, I made the conscious choice to transition to freelance work. It afforded me freedom and flexibility, and an opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of clients and projects. Once again, I’ve never looked back.

Throughout my 15 years in agencies and as a freelancer, I’ve had the chance to work on traditional design projects, but have also been able to incorporate my illustrations into many of the brands I’ve worked with. This integration has allowed me to employ not only my design skills but also my artistic expression.

On a personal note, I’ve recently rediscovered my love for charcoal drawings and embarked on a series of portraits. These pieces are dedicated to capturing the essence of individuals who inspire me, aiming to share their resilience and positivity with the world.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As mentioned, my journey has had several key pivotal moments, including transitions from marketing, management and the nonprofit world to design, and later from agency life to freelance. As intimidating as these transitions may have been, I’ve always embraced them with the belief that change and progress are positive and an opportunity for personal growth.

I am currently very happy with my role, but I am always open to new potential transitions, such as building towards more of a studio structure, and even possibly devoting more time to my personal art alongside my professional projects. While transitions can be challenging, I’ve learned that it’s never too late to pursue what truly fulfills you.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

It’s my hope that society as a whole comes to appreciate the vital role that creativity plays in our world. Music, art, and literature offer us not only constant inspiration but also joy and comfort. Imagine how bleak the world would be without them.

As a designer, I also advocate for a broader recognition of creativity from a practical standpoint. Design is present in every aspect of our lives – from signage and brochures to products and storefronts – serving as a cornerstone of effective communication.

Without the contributions of creatives, our world would be a sad, chaotic and difficult place to navigate. It’s time we accorded creativity the respect and acknowledgment it truly deserves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://arianedray.com/projects
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arianedray/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariane.dray
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariane-dray-5a8a2859/

Image Credits
03_BOREALE_KOLSCH – Mockup credit : lg2 06_3_BRASSEURS – Image credit : Reumont Design