We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dorian Gray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dorian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve been able to work on is my time in Nicaragua. Having never left the country before this, and not being able to speak the language, it was all super new for me. But it really challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and explore new ways of telling stories. During my two-and-a-half-month stay, I got to explore every day, got to know the culture and people of Nicaragua. And with that came the most meaningful stories, unforgettable moments, life-long friends, and some of the best photos I feel I have ever captured.

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

My name is Dorian gray, a Creative Director and Photographer from the DMV. I feel I’ve been creative my whole life. but 2014 was when I took it seriously and explored what that would look like for me as a career. I did a lot of creative work for my church from 2014 to most recently while also pursuing my photography dream as a freelancer. Now I am a full-time freelancer, who focuses on telling stories through photography and creative direction. I feel like I’m am walking in my purpose, and getting to know the people and the places I come in contact with is nothing short of a full circle moment for me.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew about skillshare when I was first starting out! Skillshare has helped me out tons with learning a new tool, software, and my overall process which has now made my life so much easier.

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

I would say, one they can do is be okay with change and provide more opportunities for creatives to exercise their gifts in a safe space.

Contact Info:

• Website: Grayurban.org
• Instagram: Grayurban