Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarai Middleton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sarai, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
In high school, I switched from JROTC to Art as my electives. It was the best decision I ever made. I found a passion for art and always knew that it was something I wanted to do as an occupation. I’ve been drawing and creating since a child, but during high school I unlocked the desire to pursue it professionally. And I’ve been working towards my goal ever since. I haven’t reached the level I’d like to be, but greater is coming!
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
Art has always been a part of my life in some form. Visual art, music, theatre and dance just to name a few. Artistic expression was always encouraged growing up. As a child, I taught myself to draw by looking at others and mimicking them. I started out drawing in pencil, crayons, or markers whatever I had access to. My adolescent into adult years, I learned a lot more about using different mediums, such as paint, charcoal and pastels. If you were to ask me as a child what I wanted to be when I grew up an Artist would be the first answer. Entering my adult ages the pressures of life began to arise, it caused me to switch my focus on a career goal with a retail sales company that I was employed at for 12 years. In April of 2021, I received a wake up call to pursue my dreams and aspirations. I began aggressively moving towards my destiny and the fulfillment of my journey to being a full time artist. I specialize in Afrocentric, Abstract and Landscape art. I sell paintings, create crafts and do a lot of commission work. I’m most proud of my drive, faith and determination. I want my present and future customers to know that when I create artwork for them it is such an honor and I take a lot of pride in my work. The thing that sets me apart from others is that “Cool Rai Designs” is more than a brand to me, it’s my God-given gift I’m sharing with the world forever!
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Don’t compare yourself to others, especially as a creative. Who cares what people think?! Don’t limit yourself! I felt this way because people would try to box me in. They would judge my work based off what they “think” a visual artist is supposed to produce. I got tired of explaining my style, technique and direction when it came to my artwork. So, one day I just decided not to care and create all the things I wanted to without concerning myself with the ways of thinking that others have. It was the greatest epiphany I’d had.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
It’s the connections an artist builds with a client or group of people. I would also say, it’s the trust that individuals put in a creative to bring their vision alive. The feeling I get after selling artwork is unmatched and well worth all the time and effort I put into my works.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coolraidesigns.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cool_rai_hendrix?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rai.middleton
Image Credits
OyaBukola Ifelayo Alapini