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

Alright, Drayco thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am extremely satisfied with being a creative, getting paid to make art feels like a life hack!

I’m grateful to be in a position where I have built up a consistent client base that sustains itself through word of mouth referrals. Jewelry is always in demand and grillz are gaining popularity again, so thankfully there will always be people out there looking for people like me; we just have to find one another!

I enjoy the flexibility of creating my own schedule, setting my own prices and making decisions on my own. I honestly could not see myself working a regular job, though sometimes I do consider getting one for an additional stream of income.

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

I’m Drayco! I’m 24 years old and I live in Los Angeles, California where I hand craft custom grillz, which are personalized, removable teeth jewelry made from gold or silver. The process starts with a dental impression, or mold, which I then use to create metal adornments shaped to fit that individual’s teeth. Each piece is 1 of 1, even if designs are recreated, no two grillz will be exactly the same!

I was first introduced to the industry by a friend who had recently started a business selling grillz and needed assistance with taking molds and building the brand. I worked with them for about 3 ½ years before I was presented with the opportunity to learn the entire process and pursue a freelance career making grillz. From there I have continued to build connections and develop new skills that allow me to create innovative designs inspired by my clients, other artists and the world around me.

I take a lot of pride in my growth as an artist within the past 2 years since immersing myself in the grillzmaking process. I have become extremely passionate about the craftsmanship of grillz as an art form and with every piece I learn something new or improve on a known skill. Reflecting on my early work in comparison to now is a huge drive for me to continue learning and trying new things. I’m also affirmed by my supporters who have recognized my progress over time, which is further motivation to keep improving.

I believe what most sets me apart from others is my dedication to detail and individuality. I am constantly looking for ways to personalize each piece based on the client’s interests and personal characteristics such as their birthstone, brand logo, zodiac sign or favorite symbol. The design options are endless! I’m always open to trying new things I haven’t done before and drawing inspiration from the work of others. I prefer not to exactly replicate designs I have already done so I’m always trying to figure out how we can make each piece unique in some way.

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

I had to unlearn selling myself short!

When I originally began freelance work, I was very focused on competitive pricing and being the most affordable option. As my skills improved over time, I realized the quality of the work I was delivering had exceeded the original price range I had set for my work. In order to be able to sustain myself off of my craft, I have to pay myself adequately for the time, effort and materials put into each piece. I am now in a place where I am comfortable charging what I believe my work is worth, while maintaining a reasonable level of affordability and leaving room for growth.

I think artists often sell themselves short. We want our art to be accessible, and perhaps at times we don’t believe people would pay what we want/need to charge. I had to shift my mindset around this, because while some may think my work is too expensive, I encounter a lot more people who recognize the value in what I do and are willing to pay full price.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I love to make people smile! Watching my client’s face light up once they see themselves wearing their grillz is definitely the most rewarding aspect of being an artist in my medium. I have often had people tell me they smile more often or are less insecure about their teeth since getting their grillz. I’m super grateful for the ability to curate pieces that ignite a new sense of confidence in others. I also love being able to connect with so many different people, especially fellow creatives. I have met so many talented, inspiring individuals through doing grillz!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drayco.grillz
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Suni Mullen