We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gracie Bone. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gracie below.
Gracie, 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?
I learned so many valuable tools from my friends and people in my creative community. My good friend Be Hunter(@beshootin) was the first photographer I worked with. He taught me how to be present in front of the camera, letting go of doubts, and staying consistent. I also want to shout out Keniece Walker(@kenieceee), creative director, model and social media manager, for casting me for tons of projects and allowing me to have top notch experience in this industry, as well as words of encouragement and posing expertise while creating a great energy on set. I wouldn’t have been able to do half of what I’ve accomplished without my community. Knowing what I know now, fully taking ownership and claiming my craft sooner would have sped up the learning process. The skills I believe that were most essential would be to always give yourself words of encouragement during modeling. Have gratitude for your body, and fully commit to the moment every time. You can see the difference in the photos.
Gracie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a freelance model, as well as a set/space designer and overall visionary through style and design. Most of my personal photoshoots are completely created by me. Styling, location, set design, choosing the right photographer and overall direction. As far as modeling, I have done fashion, commercial, editorial and music video. Editorial is definitely my favorite because I love any concept that is bold and punches you in the face. As far as set design, I love to assist in installations for events as well as photo shoots. This year, my community and I created The Visual Jam. A space free of judgement for all types of visual artists to create. We built four different set designs, invited stylists, models, prop/set designers and photographers for a huge workshop. This is the work I am most proud of. Allowing so many people to enjoy their craft freely.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Support your community. Support local as much as possible! You can find all your resources within your surroundings. Hire the photographers, models, stylists and directors in your circle instead of giving money to the bigger labels. Give words of encouragement often! Share!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I want to be able to LOVE what I do for a living. I want to gain my abundance through being most authentic self, using my calling, my gifts and my spirit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bonegracie.com
- Instagram: bonegracie
