We were lucky to catch up with Peyton Grase recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Peyton, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

My ultimate goal is to become a legendary figure in the creative space of the music industry, particularly in print design and album/merchandise graphics. I envision my work not only leaving a lasting impact on the industry but also serving as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of technical craft and cultural education. I’d like to advocate for the resurgence of hands-on learning and make these subjects a part of public school curriculums. By doing this, I hope to inspire and increase the number of people of color in the graphic design and print industries. Additionally, I want to contribute to a movement that emphasizes the value of locally sourced products, the appreciation of print as an art form, and a more sustainable approach to fashion and production—helping to combat fast fashion and global overproduction. In doing so, I’d like to build a generation of creatives who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and the impact of thoughtful design on both culture and the environment.

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

Hi, my name is Peyton Grase, and I’m a designer and a full-time student at the University of Southern California. I transferred into the design program after securing a work-study position in the print/intermedia lab and taking a printing course under the Roski School of Art and Design. It was here that I discovered my passion for print, both digital and traditional, while honing my graphic design skills, as well as my abilities in drawing and photography.

I then started my own business, initially selling art prints and later launching my graphic clothing brand, GRLZ, which I’ve been vending around campus. Building my brand has taught me invaluable skills, but more importantly, it’s shaped my character. Putting myself and my art out into the world, connecting with people through culture, art, and visual language, has pushed me to take my passion seriously and truly bet on myself.

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to intern in the entertainment industry, working in both sports and music. These experiences allowed me to collaborate with brands like Converse and BET on creative projects. I would also like to give the biggest shout-out to the best mentor in the universe, James June, for being my guiding light on my path of being a creative.

When working with clients, I want them to know that they’re getting a fresh, creative perspective with designs that not only push boundaries but also maintain a strong technical foundation. My knowledge of print production ensures that the final product matches the vision—what you see on screen will come to life in person.

I’m most proud of my journey—believing in myself to pursue a career in a field without prior exposure or experience. It’s been a process of figuring things out on my own, and through that, I’ve not only built a solid career but also secured a pathway to healing, a supportive community, personal growth, and financial independence.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I believe the most effective strategy for growing a customer base is through genuine engagement. I’m a natural communicator, so when I have someone’s attention, I make it a point to actively listen and connect with them. I engage in real conversations, making sure to look people in the eye and respond enthusiastically to any topic. This builds rapport and trust, which is crucial in establishing a lasting relationship with customers.

When people stop to engage with my work, they often already appreciate the design, but it’s the personal connection that really solidifies their interest. Once they feel seen and heard, it naturally deepens their connection to my brand.

Additionally, I price my products moderately, which helps make them more accessible, especially in a competitive market and a tough economy. By offering quality designs at a fair price, I ensure that customers feel they’re getting great value, which also helps in growing my clientele.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the joy of giving beautiful and meaningful things to others has always been a driving force. As a kid, I was the one handcrafting every gift, creating random posters to give to my parents after work, or just diving into any form of making. That sense of creating something personal and special for someone else has always been deeply fulfilling.

The fact that I now get to build a career around doing just that— making things that bring joy and meaning to others—is truly a dream come true. It’s something I never thought would be possible until just a couple of years ago, and I’m incredibly grateful to be living that reality now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://grase.myportfolio.com/contact
• Instagram: @peygrase