We were lucky to catch up with Sherod Grayer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sherod, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The Most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my To Do list merch. It was created during a time where multiple black and brown people were being killed by police. During this time I was also losing Battle Buddies from The Army and close family members. The design is a to do list with only one thing on the list with an unchecked box next to it. That one task reads “Make It Back Home.” This can be, and is made to be interpreted differently by each viewer. My original intent was to make a message to the wearer and viewer to be conscious of their decisions while out so that nothing they do prevents them from completing their to do list, and remember not to take for granted that some people leave the house and never make it back home.
Sherod, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Whats up! I am Sherod Grayer, also known as 3rets (threats), a versatile Dallas, TX based visual artist from Warner Robins, GA. With a diverse range of artistic mediums at my disposal, I proudly navigate the creative landscape. Painting, in particular, holds a special place in my heart as it was the first medium that captured my imagination. During my high school years, I found peace in painting, transforming my shirts and shoes into unique works of art that set me apart from the crowd. This period coincided with the vibrant “Snap Era” where I embraced oversized 3X Tall Tees and danced to infectious tunes like “LEAN WIT IT, ROCK WIT IT” and “Dat Laffy Taffy.” It was during this time that a close friend introduced me to the captivating world of graphic design.
In 2007, I embarked on a new journey by joining the Army. Equipped with a camera and a deep passion for photography, I began capturing moments with enthusiasm. It wasn’t until 2010, while deployed, that I had the opportunity to take a photography class, which enhanced my understanding of camera mechanics and composition. This pivotal experience inspired me to invest in my first DSLR camera, leading to a photography competition victory. In 2011, I received an honorable discharge from the Army, marking the end of that chapter.
The following year, I pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Effects and Motion Graphics at The Art Institute of Atlanta. This educational endeavor exposed me to various disciplines, including graphic design, photography, videography, and 3D modeling. As my skills evolved, I discovered a deep passion for canvas painting, which flourished as I honed my abilities. Today, I seamlessly blend the knowledge and techniques I’ve acquired over the years, always seeking opportunities to expand my artistic repertoire.
Thank you for joining me on this creative journey, where I fuse my passions and continually explore new artistic horizons.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom of waking up and deciding what I want to spend my time working on that day. Another rewarding aspect is seeing people get hypnotized or get emotional from something youve created. I love knowing that without Art the Earth really is just “Eh” lol.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
I love the concept of it. I don’t fully understand everything about them though.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://3rets.myportfolio.com/
- Instagram: instagram.com/3rets
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@3retsartsmedia178?si=geW-W4KFm2ktYD4j