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

Alright, Deanna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

This prompt intrigued me because the first thing I thought of was when I was defining when my creative career really started. To look into this it depends on when we clarify when my creative career started. Some would say that the moment you started sharing your work online and with others is when you started your career, while others believe that your career starts when you sell your first piece.

If I’m to look at my past, I started drawing at the age of 10 with my sister, Miranda. I would post my pieces as often as I could with friends and family on Facebook. I didn’t sell my first piece officially until I was well into college and I opened up an online store and started doing in-person markets around Pittsburgh. Both of which, I don’t believe are my starting points to my career. They were significant points in my journey, but neither of them had that monumental “click” that officially decided that this isn’t just a hobby, rather something I could see myself doing every day.

I believe that day for me was after I moved back home my junior year of college and probably the biggest risk I had ever had to face. I was lost and not sure what I wanted out of life. I was getting an English degree in technical and documentary writing, the farthest thing from a creative career. I kept feeling like something was missing. Being so far into my academic career, I thought it was too late for a switch in major. And due to emotional strain, I didn’t want to go back to my university.

I felt everything was hopeless until someone brought up the idea of graphic design, and how that could mix my English degree and my artistic ability. From there, I decided to take a risk and grind as hard as I could, finishing my bachelor’s in English online and getting an Associates in Graphic Communications simultaneously. To me, that was my switch to becoming a true artist full-time.

This was a massive risk that could have ended horribly, and in a mass amount of debt. But I took the risk, and even though I’m still a growing artist, I can see the fruits of my labor. I can see hope in my future, and that keeps me looking forward to the next venture life has to offer.

All I can say is take that risk, if you can see light at the end of the tunnel, even if no one else can, take it.

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

I’m Deanna Gray, an artist, graphic designer, and writer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Creativity has been my lifelong companion, having delved into the world of art since the age of 10. However, it was in 2019 that I established my professional art business, Grayariart. Grayariart started as my own envisioning of my work, but now is a team of me, my amazing boyfriend Doug, and my pet pigeon Rollo. You can find a diverse array of original artwork, stickers, and prints showcased on my website grayariart.square.site.

My artistic style is wonderfully intricate, much like the ebb and flow of my moods. Some of my pieces carry hints of realism and surrealism, while others exude whimsical, cartoony vibes. I love experimenting with various mediums, from ink and acrylic to digital art. Since 2019, I’ve been participating in markets around Pittsburgh, PA, and Columbus, OH, an experience I deeply cherish. Connecting with people who appreciate and support my work is incredibly rewarding.

Notably, I use my artwork as a coping mechanism for my anxiety. It serves as a beautiful conduit to process my emotions and ground myself. My aspiration is to make my art a medium for others to relate to and feel heard. I’m most proud about how far I have come in this creative journey. I have really found my voice throughout this entire process. I’m not scared to be me, and I know that by being me, I can help someone appreciate themselves. I want my work to bring joy, sadness, and sometimes fear. I want people to relate and see themselves in my works and know that no matter what they are feeling, they are not alone.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being a creative has helped me find my voice. Growing up, I was always the quiet kid that most people forgot about; I was even lovingly called ‘cellophane woman’ because of how I disappeared into the background. Since truly finding myself in the art world, I have learned to speak out, be myself, and love who I am. I have also dealt with severe anxiety most of my life. My art has been a means of diary for me, allowing me to express my feelings and emotions. It made me more confident in acknowledging my emotions. It’s something that I can take with me anywhere, and something that I can choose to share with the world, or hold it to myself. There is no pressure when it’s something I genuinely love and helps me.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I think the simple answer to this question is just show up. Having a presence is everything, at least to me. Knowing that I am making an impact to people lives means more than anything. Like, follow, share, and show up to local art events are the best ways to support artists, especially since a lot of people can’t support through a monetary means.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://grayariart.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grayariart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrayariArt/
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/deanna-gray
• Other: https://deannagray.myportfolio.com/