We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Halie Gary. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Halie below.

Hi Halie, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I first learned how to create while reading manga. I would take an image and try to recreate it on paper. After a while I began to study art in high school to the point where I knew I would go through college and graduate school taking my interest in art farther. Now that I am 27, there is still a lot to learn with being a digital artist as well as establishing my small online business. One thing I would have done to speed up my process could’ve been the research involved. It wasn’t until graduate school that I met individuals that taught me the importance of researching your craft. Whether it’s a drawing technique, or learning how to create ads on social media for my business, there is always a place to research and learn how to push your passion to the next level.

The main skill that is most essential will always be connecting and networking. I’ve been able to meet so many amazing individuals who have supported and guided me in the best ways, and these people came from events, or programs that I never would’ve imagined to find a resource. It’s important to always put yourself out there with your confidence, skills, and kindness, because you never know who’s watching and the impact they can have on your career.

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

Hi everyone! My name is Halie Gary and I’m a digital artist and small online business owner. I’m 27 years old, born and raised in Detroit, MI with my Bachelors in Art & Technology and my Masters in Animation. Being a major comic and anime nerd I’ve always loved the idea of creating artwork so powerful and influential that it inspires decades of people in many different ways. I learned through reading, practicing, and school how to draw, create, and establish my own brand as an artist. I’ve been able to not only create stage art for musicians, but I’ve also been able to move throughout the film industry as a production assistant. The opportunities I’ve had within my career have pushed me so far that I’ve for the past three years have been working towards establishing my small online business, Boum Boom.

Boum Boom is a business I began during graduate school to help me gain some attraction as an artist, but to also add financial support during my stay in Chicago. After three years I’ve been able to design anime, kpop, and Detroit themed merch, as well as gaining traction with customers who love to photograph themselves in my designs. I’m a one woman show, and having so much love and support makes the tough journey worth every step of the way. I love designing cosmic and clutch bags as well as hoodies and shoes.

Although I’ve worked hard there always seems to be a disconnect with the results of my hard work. I still have to maintain a regular 9 to 5 job, while constantly attempting to pick up my business from its low sales. All the while these things add to my journey and development as an individual and as an artist. I’m so proud to be able to share my work whether by posting illustrations on tik tok, or dropping my first pair of shoes I designed in my store last month. It is a risky task attempting to create a brand as an artist so big that it completely allows you to focus solely on being an artist with financial stability. I do hope to one day gain the traction to be done with the in-betweens and to live within a lifestyle that allows me to solely be Halie G the artist. I will continue to work hard and I hope to have more people interested and willing to support my endeavors on establishing myself as a brand. It’s time to be locked in to the journey.

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

One major resource I wish I took advantage of is the status you have as a student with industry companies. It looks better to connect with major companies when you are a student. Most companies in the art industry tailor their internships, apprenticeships, and employment around favoriting an active student versus someone who completed their degree and is now attempting to get their foot through the door. For all young artists take advantage of being in school and reaching out to those art companies/positions that peak your interests. Companies are more than willing to give support and advice as well as connections to help you along in your artistic journey.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When you are studying in school to be an artist, you don’t want to put your mindset in a place of considering doing anything other than art as a career. I can say my first job after I finished graduate school was a place I ever wanted to work. I was a career coach for the city and the state. I had to work in an office, dress in business casual clothes, and file paperwork that the government had to deal with. It was such a non-creative space that I didn’t want to do the job, but because I was asked and the work/money was easy I went ahead and did it. I never would’ve imagined that working as a career coach for the government would have landed me a job as a career coach at a prominent art college. I now support students who are going down the same path I did. Being an artist and supporting other artists trying to find where they fit within the workforce space allowed me the ability to meet so many talented students, faculty, and even connect with major companies and brands on a regular basis. You never know what job can bring about a blessing, and I can definitely say I’m so glad I listened to my mom when she told me that even though being a career coach isn’t what I wanted, It just might open a new path to something I never knew I needed. Ironically enough I believe I’m pretty good at being a career coach now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://boumsroom.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haliegart/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/halieg
• Other: https://solo.to/halieg