We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamie Grippo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamie below.
Jamie , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I think the most meaningful project I worked on is a piece I made for a grieving family. I was contacted by one of the family members and asked if I could make something that showed their departed loved one playing with their baby. In life they couldn’t meet so they wanted to see a picture of them together. I was fortunate enough to bring that too life. I remember getting really emotional while working on it and very anxious while waiting on the reaction. Once they saw the finished piece, I got to see how much it meant to them and that was worth more to me than the money. I felt like I gave them something truly special. I get to turn ideas into images that make people happy and I couldn’t ask for a better job.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
As my mom would say, I have been an artist since I could hold a crayon. I have been drawing on everything for as long as I can remember. My homework was aways very decorated and my friends always had lots of picture-filled notes. I enjoy art in itself but its the feeling of seeing people receive what I make that truly makes me happy. I learned young that the smiles my art can bring are something I want to experience forever, So I focused on it more. I taught myself a lot. I practiced all the time and read books and tutorials. I had big dreams of working for Disney, Nintendo, or as a comic artist. As I grew older, I looked into going to college for video game art and planned on taking that route. Life happened after my first year and it didn’t pan out. What came from that time was my discovery of digital art and I fell in love. My husband invested into my first tablet and from then on I was on it constantly. Digital art was my medium.
As a digital artist, I provide people a means to create things that they can only see in their minds. I can make a mascot for their business. I can bring their original characters to life. I can dress their families up as their favorite characters. I can draw fanart of their favorite shows or games in ways only they can imagine. My job is to create what you want to see in my own style. That’s what sets me apart from other digital artists, my style. You wont come to me for realism but for the personality I put into every piece. I can realize your vision in my unique style. I promise it will be cute and creative!
When I am not working on commission, I work for my enjoyment. I am a huge nerd, so I do a lot of fanart. I also love all things spooky so you’ll see horror themes and things like that pop up. I even have a “Horror Hunnies” series based on horror movies! Besides that, expect lots of cute! Chibis and sparkles frequently make an appearance on my page. I have a wide variety of interests and I love making art to express them!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to freely express yourself! I can make whatever I have in my head and display it to the world. I don’t have to hide myself for a job or pretend to be something I’m not. What I create, I put my heart and soul into every time. You’ll always see me in it. I think that is a beautiful thing.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Shop small! I know prices seem overwhelming with custom and handmade creative pieces. It can be tempting to just go to the store and buy a generic piece of art or a cheap bracelet. These things though are just that, generic. They have no love put into them. They don’t have dedicated hands pouring their souls and years of practice into them. They are not unique. Plus, when you settle for the cheaper mass produced items, you are pouring into an overflowing cup. They don’t need your business as much as the small businesses do. Pour into some cups who need it. The rewards for that are not only unique pieces but also people! You can interact with these people, learn their stories, and feel their passion. You can know the person behind what you’re buying.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: jamie_grippo_art
- Facebook: The Art of Jamie Grippo