We recently connected with Stephen Bray and have shared our conversation below.

Stephen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I’ve been fortunate to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it’s been a gradual journey built step by step. After earning my BFA from the University of Kansas, I began my career as a staff illustrator at the VA Hospital in St. Louis. At the same time, I freelanced for local advertising agencies and did photo retouching using an airbrush—an art form that would eventually become central to my creative path.

A pivotal moment came when my brother spotted a job listing for an airbrush artist at Six Flags Over Mid-America. I assumed it was for the park’s art department, but it turned out to be a position painting t-shirts in a retail shop. I took the job, which unexpectedly opened new doors. Soon after, I was offered the chance to move to Los Angeles to manage an airbrush shop at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

After a year in management, I signed a contract to operate the shop independently as a vendor. My first official day as a business owner was January 1, 1987—a milestone that marked the true beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.

Over the years, I expanded my ventures, opening an airbrush shop on the Venice Beach boardwalk and later launching FASteambanners—short for Fresh Air Shirts Teambanners—a business creating custom team banners for youth sports. These ventures allowed me to grow creatively while building a sustainable business.

In 2018, I launched an Etsy store to reach a broader online audience. Then COVID-19 hit, forcing me to close my physical business and pause my team banner work due to halted youth sports leagues. While challenging, the timing proved fortuitous. With more people shopping online, demand for my hand-painted t-shirts surged. TikTok videos showcasing my airbrushing process connected me with a global audience and helped fuel growth during a difficult time.

More recently, I created a dedicated website for Fresh Air Shirts and have been using TikTok to promote my work to a wider audience. This online presence has allowed me to continue growing my business and connecting with customers who appreciate the unique, handcrafted quality of my art.

Looking back, my path wasn’t full-time from the start. Every phase—from illustration and freelancing to theme park work and online content creation—taught me valuable lessons. If I could do it again, I’d embrace online platforms and niche communities sooner. But each experience shaped me into the artist and entrepreneur I am today.

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.

I’m an artist and entrepreneur specializing in hand-painted, airbrushed apparel and custom banners—a craft I’ve been passionate about and developing for several decades. My formal training began with a BFA from the University of Kansas, followed by professional work as a staff illustrator and freelance artist. Over time, I found my true creative expression in airbrushing, blending traditional artistry with a unique technique that allows me to create vibrant, detailed, and one-of-a-kind designs.

My work is all about wearable art that connects people to their passions and personal style. I create custom airbrushed t-shirts that celebrate individuality and expression, as well as personalized team banners that bring energy and pride to youth sports. Whether it’s a shirt or a banner, I focus on delivering high-quality, handcrafted pieces that stand out from mass-produced items.

What sets me apart is my dedication to craftsmanship and authenticity. Each piece is hand-painted using an airbrush, which creates a distinctive look and feel that can’t be replicated by standard printing methods. Beyond the artistry, I prioritize building genuine connections with my clients and fans, listening to what they want, and creating something meaningful for them.

I’m proud of sustaining a creative career for over 30 years, constantly evolving while staying true to my passion. My brand, Fresh Air Shirts, represents creativity, community, and the joy of bringing art into everyday life.

For anyone considering my work, I want them to know that every project I take on is crafted with care and attention to detail. Supporting my art means joining a community that values originality and the personal touch that only handmade art can provide.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey came during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, I had opened an Etsy store to expand my reach and connect with customers beyond my local area. Things were going well, but then the pandemic hit, and I was forced to close my physical business. At the same time, youth sports leagues shut down, which meant my team banner business—an important part of my income—also came to a halt.

It was a tough period filled with uncertainty. Many artists and small business owners were facing similar challenges, and it would have been easy to lose hope. But I chose to adapt and focus on what I could control. With more people spending time online, I doubled down on building my digital presence. I began creating TikTok videos showing my airbrushing process, which connected me with a whole new global audience.

The response was incredible. Orders started coming in from all over, and my business not only survived but grew during a time when so many others struggled. This experience taught me the importance of flexibility, embracing new platforms, and staying true to your craft even when circumstances are tough.

It’s a reminder that resilience isn’t just about weathering the storm—it’s about finding new ways to thrive despite it. For any creative or small business owner facing obstacles, my advice is to keep adapting, stay connected to your passion, and look for opportunities where others see challenges.

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

Society can best support artists by recognizing that creative work is real work. That means investing in arts education, supporting small creative businesses, and providing access to funding, resources, and platforms that help artists grow. Buying directly from independent artists, sharing their work, and valuing their time and talent goes a long way. When creatives are supported, they don’t just survive—they help communities thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.freshairshirts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshairshirts/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@freshairshirts