We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Redris Bell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Redris below.
Redris, appreciate you joining us today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
The biggest challenge to profitability in my industry is the lack of value people place on art—both the thought and meaning behind it, as well as the time it takes to create. When I’m crafting usable art like coasters, jars, wall art, and more, every piece is born from a combination of creativity, skill, and hours of effort. But often, people don’t see what goes into it. They see the finished product but not the layers of trial and error, the cost of materials, or the heart I pour into each creation.
One story that really highlights this challenge is my experience vending in Atlanta. I’ve tried vending at various events, but the reality is that the shoppers often prioritize purchasing from the vendor who invited them, regardless of the variety of amazing work available. On top of that, many people want to bargain down my prices—even when my prices are already reasonable and reflect the true value of my work. There were times when I’d only make back the money I spent to secure my vending space, leaving me questioning whether it was all worth it.
Moments like these can make you feel like your worth as an artist is being undermined. Art is deeply personal and takes time, and when people treat it as if it’s replaceable or undervalue it, it can be disheartening. But for me, creating art is about more than just profitability—it’s something I genuinely enjoy. I’ve managed to push past the frustrations, keep creating, and focus on connecting with people who truly appreciate handmade, thoughtful work. Still, profitability remains an uphill battle in an industry where people often overlook the value of the process and prioritize getting the “cheapest deal” over recognizing the soul behind the art.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Redris, and I’m an artist based in Atlanta, GA. My journey into the world of art was an unexpected but deeply rewarding transition. Before the pandemic, my life revolved around music and film as a singer, songwriter, and producer. But when COVID hit, everything came to a halt. Like so many others, I found myself stuck at home during quarantine, searching for a way to pass the time. That’s when I rediscovered art. What began as a simple pastime quickly grew into a passion, and after posting a few of my creations on social media, I made my first sale—and I haven’t looked back since.
I specialize in creating one-of-a-kind, functional art. My work ranges from acrylic and oil-painted portraits to home goods like tray sets, coasters, jars, and figurines. I later expanded into jewelry making, working with mediums like polymer clay, resin, and crochet to craft unique wearable art. What sets me apart is my belief that art should not only be admired but also used in everyday life. Whether it’s a beautifully hand-painted jar or an intricate pair of crochet earrings, I focus on creating pieces that blend practicality with artistic expression.
One of the things I’m most proud of is having my own retail space inside *The Art of Touch Massage*, where I’m also the new manager. This opportunity has allowed me to showcase my work in a retail setting, connecting with clients who appreciate art in a more personal, intentional way. It’s a huge step forward from vending, where it was often difficult to break through, and it has helped me grow my audience. I’ve also recently accomplished a major milestone with the release of my first book, *Hooked Heritage: A Crochet Earring Tutorial Guide*. This project is incredibly close to my heart—it’s dedicated to my Great Grandmother, Clark, who taught me to crochet as a child. The book includes 10 follow-along video tutorials and dives into the beauty and history of African American crochet art.
For anyone new to my work, I want them to know that everything I create comes from a place of passion and intention. My art is deeply personal, often inspired by my own journey, and it’s designed to bring beauty and functionality into your home, office, or personal style. I’m incredibly grateful for this creative journey and for everyone who supports what I do—it’s their appreciation that fuels me to keep creating and sharing my vision with the world.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
**Response:**
A huge part of my creative journey is driven by my love for creating and connecting with people. I find so much joy in sharing art, not just as a product, but as an experience that brings people together. One of my biggest inspirations for this is my friend Rahim Brazil, who opened a venue called “Dreamland.” Watching him build a space for the community where all kinds of events could happen—whether it was performances, gatherings, or creative workshops—really sparked something in me. I had the opportunity to host my sip & paint classes there, often inviting other artists to perform, and those events were always such a blast. The energy, the collaboration, and the community it fostered were unforgettable.
Before Rahim opened Dreamland, I was already working on a proposal to secure funding for my own creative venue. Unfortunately, when COVID hit, those plans fell to the side. But the dream hasn’t faded. My goal is to one day save up and invest in my own space where I can bring even more of those experiences to life. I envision a venue where people of all ages can come together to learn, create, and celebrate art. Beyond sip & paint parties, I’d love to offer a variety of classes—pottery, crochet, cake decorating, and more—catering to both adults and kids.
At the core of this mission is the belief that art isn’t just about creating beautiful things; it’s about building community, fostering creativity, and providing a space where people can express themselves freely. That’s the heart of my journey, and it’s the dream that keeps me moving forward.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think one of the biggest things non-creatives may struggle to understand about the creative journey is how deeply personal it is—how art can be more than just a skill or profession, but a lifeline. For me, art is exactly that. I owe my life to it. As a suicide survivor and someone who has conquered chronic depression, I can say without a doubt that art has been my sanctuary. When I feel down, sad, or overwhelmed, creating allows me to escape the weight of the world, even if just for a moment. It’s therapeutic, it’s healing, and it’s a way to channel emotions that might otherwise feel impossible to process.
For me, it’s never been about the profit, though making money from my work is a wonderful bonus. What people don’t always realize is that when they buy a piece of my art, they’re not just purchasing a product—they’re taking home a piece of my soul, my story, and my resilience. That’s something people can never fully grasp, and that’s okay. But it’s why my art is so special to me.
I think the insight I’d want to share is that everyone should have a healthy outlet—something that allows them to escape, release, and recharge. Far too often, people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or the struggles of life, but creativity can be such a beautiful alternative. Whether it’s painting, writing, crocheting, or any other form of self-expression, art gives you a safe space to explore, process, and feel joy. I truly believe everyone has a creative side, and by exploring it, we can all find moments of peace and clarity amidst life’s chaos. Creativity has saved me, and I hope more people can find that kind of healing, too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artesmess.com
- Instagram: @artesmess
- Facebook: @artesmess
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtesMess
