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

Alright, Joey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

Art served as a means of communication for me during childhood traumas and came naturally. When I was 12, my parents enrolled me in art classes to balance my schooling with extracurricular activities. The class comprised about 15 people of all ages, led by one instructor, painting still lifes while learning studio etiquette.

During that time, the art instructor noticed my natural talent and suggested framing my artwork and continuing to explore art from a new perspective. I studied and practiced, and by the age of 14, the Gallery Framer, the largest venue in Montana at the time, invited me to participate in a group show. I exhibited a photorealistic drawing, a side portrait of a doll, which sold to a gallery patron, marking my first hundred dollars earned. This opportunity also led to other benefits, including designing a logo for a local auto mechanic and securing my first illustrated page in a national magazine.

Joey, 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?

Art has been a part of my life since the beginning. I started drawing as a means of communication during early childhood traumas, only later discovering as an adult that I am on the neurological spectrum. At the time, I was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. Art became not just a form of expression, but also a way to explore self-identity and find community in a world where I felt I didn’t belong.

I experimented with various pursuits, but art always felt more natural. For a brief period, I worked in the fashion industry, which was enjoyable but presented the same challenges of fitting in and communication. Art, however, came more easily—it felt like the right fit.

Art is now a daily practice for me, going beyond mere journaling or self-expression. Opportunities seem to manifest whenever I focus on my art, so I continued painting and creating. Eventually, the time spent on artwork surpassed all other activities, prompting me to consider making it a full-time pursuit.

Transitioning to a career in art wasn’t easy, as I had previously rejected the idea of being a painter or artist, associating it with eccentricity. However, as I delved deeper into art, I found it to be a means of expressing myself without fear of judgment or reprisal, especially considering the challenges of dyslexia, ADHD, and navigating my sexuality within my family’s expectations.

As I embraced art more fully, opportunities continued to present themselves. I realized the importance of introspection and honesty in understanding what truly fulfilled me and how art met those needs.

Through art, I’ve also found a way to assist others in expressing themselves. I’ve been involved in various creative endeavors, helping people navigate both positive and negative experiences through art, whether to commemorate or memorialize them.

When I began to witness the impact of art collection on myself and others, and I recognized the wealth of experiences revolving around it in my life, I realized, upon objective reflection, that there must be a purpose for me here: to bring joy to others and myself, and to share this innate talent I possess. Once I embraced this purpose, everything in my life began to flow more smoothly—not necessarily easier, as it still required hard work like any career or job, but I felt fewer obstacles and things seemed to fall into place more naturally.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

“I believe that truly knowing yourself is key. Many people assume they understand themselves well enough, yet they often avoid confronting past issues, traumas, or inconveniences, hoping they’ll simply fade away like dead skin. However, I believe it’s crucial to clear your mind, heart, and surroundings for true growth.

Everything is interconnected; we’re all part of a larger whole. Despite our unique experiences and paths, we share many similarities. If I had realized this sooner, I wouldn’t have mystified the creative process as much. I wish I had understood the importance of not giving too much weight to others’ opinions and instead focused on the raw act of creating.

Ultimately, the winning combination comprises discipline, ambition, practice, valuing time, maintaining lists and notes, journaling, and embracing constructive criticism from both oneself and others.

Most of all, be kind to yourself. Let others be in kindness. Love yourself, Life is short, you will be with yourself for some time. Look for the ways and paths that create and connect within you and towards your goals.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Take a moment to look around and realize the abundance of imagery, creative design, and art surrounding you. From the patterns and colors of your clothing to the décor, fabrics, and textures in your environment, to the architecture, music, paintings, news articles, and blogs, artistry is everywhere. However, it’s important to remember that these creations stem from human beings. While technology can replicate human creations, nothing can replace the preciousness of sharing and experiencing the human perspective.

Art often faces gentrification until society questions the hostility around them, failing to recognize the balance inherent in the mathematical aspects of art, which are as relevant as any other school subject. Artists are simply individuals, often our family members, striving to survive in a sophisticated and complex world. They grapple with the encroachment of technology and the tumultuous emotions stemming from global events. As artists, we interpret and process these experiences to aid healing.

Supporting art comes in various forms beyond monetary contributions. Healthy artists are often willing to negotiate, and their work may be more affordable than perceived. Inquiring with an artist is crucial, as they often have something for everyone, and their creations may be more accessible than manufactured replicas or prints.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joeyderuy.com
• Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/joeyderuy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joeyderuy?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeyderuy?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@JoeyDeRuy?si=H9VYL86zbWXPbTxB
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@joeyderuy?_t=8ldRV2ZLK1O&_r=1

Image Credits
Owen kolasinski https://www.owenkolas.com