Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Genae Grabowski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Genae, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
As a Mixed Media Designer, I take techniques from one artform and apply them to a different art outlet. For example, I can illustrate a character in my sketchbook, use ink to outline details of the design, use a scanning feature to digitally color the design, repeat print the design for multiple options like tote bags, key charms, koozies, zip up pouches, buttons, branding, and much more. I always think about making the coolest design and how to reuse it multiple times for different products. As silly as it may sound, I wish I knew I could combine different medias sooner. I was always taught in one medium such as acrylic paint to deem a painting ‘finished’ and never thought twice about why I couldn’t use gouache or watercolor at the same time. When I started my comic process, I learned the technique of combining mediums from ink wash to digital painting on the iPad.
My most essential skill is my adaptability to different softwares or materials. There are multiple ways to get to the same destination when it comes to my work and I enjoy figuring out which is the most fun and creative. A lot of people ask for illustrations or portraits in frames where I suggest making a custom hoodie or sweatpants that cater specifically to that person. Nothing I make relies on stock or online clipart that makes my project look dated.
My only obstacle stopping me from learning more about my craft is having the space to work. I’d love to learn more about screen printing and woodworking if I had the tools and space to. I’d love to learn how to make custom wood cuts of my illustrations or mass produce clothes/accessories of a design I made.
Genae, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Genae Grabowski and I am a Chicago based artist. I currently work as the full-time Mixed Media Designer at the Oak Lawn Park District. I am also a freelance artist under my brand Witchy Deer. As a Mixed Media Designer I find new and creative ways to combine artforms together such as illustration, graphic design, animation, branding, photography, painting, and much more. I love to challenge myself on different projects so I’m willing to try and make anything the client asks for. The one thing I’d like potential clients to know about my work is that everything is customized to be personally geared towards the individual. There are many artists who only utilize stock imagery or basic clipart for their projects. Using my background in illustrations allows me to pay attention to key details about the project while my experience with branding and product creation helps me make edits for functionality. I combine the world of art and design together versus other designers specializing in one platform. It brings me the most pride knowing that clients can come to me for meaningful gifts or crafts for their loved ones that are unique and catered towards them.
I am the most proud of the mascot I created for the Oak Lawn Park District. I took my love for illustration and brought their mascot, Duke Mallard, to life for a whole community. All I did was take the pre-existing duck from their logo and put a personality to him that best represents the area that highlights the artform of illustration and animation. Duke Mallard has been used on multiple platforms such as a fully customized mascot suit, animated videos, comics, trading cards, stickers, carnival games, wall graphics, laminated posters, roadside signs, and so much more. He has been the most versatile mascot celebrity our community has ever seen and it’s only the beginning.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Some resources I wish I utilized earlier are local schools or park districts for events to sell or even look at what is being made. Networking with local creatives really helps create new ideas for products, branding, or project display. Most of the time, it’s interesting to hear how people came up with their ideas as they talk about their production process.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson that I had to unlearn and that I’m still currently working on is knowing it’s okay to ask for help. Reaching out to the people around you for feedback whether it’s good or bad is incredibly helpful. Having conversations with friends, neighbors, and coworkers has made me learn so much about how to better my craft from production, time management, pricing, and overall confidence to do what I know I’m good at.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://genaegrabowski.weebly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xwitchyxdeerx/?igshid=12o8cu4zhvdfw
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genae-grabowski-5a3559191/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/WitchyDeer
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Witchydeer?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=3db3cd24-db4b-4b87-9f04-637cebde1d52
Image Credits
Photos were taken by Genae Grabowski. 02-Grabowski-Booth.JPG was taken by Tracey Gallik. 07-Grabowski-Duke.jpeg was taken by Marketing Manager Justin Waters from the Oak Lawn Park District.