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

Grace , 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?

How did you learn to do what you do?
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I learned through consistent dedication and thousands of hours of practice. They say 10,000 hours makes you a master, and in art, I believe that level of commitment is essential…especially when you want to express intricate details and reach a certain depth. My journey has been about trusting the process, even when the work was rough in the beginning. I kept drawing, over and over, refining my craft through observation, patience, and persistence.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
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If I could have accelerated my learning, I would have focused even more on trusting my instincts earlier—trusting the lines I put down and my ability to record what I see. It’s easy to overthink or hesitate, but growth happens when you commit fully to the process, even if the result isn’t perfect right away.

What skills do you think were most essential?
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Observational skills are absolutely key. The ability to truly see…to pay attention to shape, form, light, and proportion…and then trust yourself to translate that onto the canvas is everything. Equally important is having a “never give up” mindset. Art requires resilience; you have to keep showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
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The biggest obstacle was the frustration of not being able to draw what I truly saw. There’s a gap between vision and execution that every artist faces, and it can be discouraging. It’s that feeling of “Will I ever get this?” The key was learning to push through those moments—to take breaks when needed, come back with patience, and build a kind of mental callus against self-doubt. Progress comes through persistence.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My introduction to art began in childhood, inspired by the magic of animation, especially Disney’s The Lion King. I remember watching behind-the-scenes footage of animators sketching lions from life, studying their movements and essence. That moment showed me that creativity could be a career, and I picked up a pencil soon after. From then on, drawing became my language.

As I grew, I moved from pencil and paper to exploring new mediums. While living in California, I was hired as a digital illustrator and designer for a creative company. The transition from traditional art to digital media was a challenge, but I adapted quickly ,learning to translate my hand-drawn techniques into a digital format within a month. That experience opened the door to endless creative possibilities.

Over time, my work has expanded across multiple disciplines. I’ve created everything from architectural floor plans and building concepts to portrait commissions, including memorial pieces for loved ones who have passed …helping families reconnect through art. I also co-created Captain Savorhood, a comic book designed to inspire and empower youth in the juvenile system. The series combines real stories with lessons on self-awareness, emotional healing, and personal growth, providing readers with practical tools for life.

What sets my work apart is the intention behind it. Every piece is rooted in purpose ,whether it’s visual storytelling, healing through imagery, or inspiring transformation. My art is a reflection of lived experience, faith, and resilience.

I’m most proud of seeing my artwork displayed on billboards in New York City and having one of my pieces recognized by Alicia Keys herself. Moments like those affirm the reach and resonance of what I create, art that connects on a deeper, human level.

Above all, I want people to know that my brand and my art are about bridging worlds: emotion and innovation, pain and beauty, spirit and creation. Each work I produce is meant to remind others that transformation is possible, and that their story matters.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Human Connection. Speaking for others through image. Understanding many levels and things humans go through in a life and how they can return back to self and loving of self. Using my own experiences and sharing insight through my art.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

My style is unique and there’s always room for my style in the realm of art.

I was told by a mentor and other people who tried to alter my style of expression whether it be from a loving place or other place.

That’s where you have to lean on what’s in your gut and go with what your spirit is telling you to do.

Dont internalize other opinions as bond. Know yourself and what you want to say.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.behance.net/gtheartistdefc
• Instagram: @ilovegracenoel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=homepage-basic_sign-in-submit
• Twitter: N/a
• Youtube: @ilovegracenoel111

Image Credits

Art created by : Grace Noel.
Portrait Image Taken by : Izzy McCoy