This week in

Artist Profile we feature a talented graphic designer and illustrator, Jevaughn Gray (JG). Jevaughn, who is only 17 years old, is currently going into second year at the Edna Manley College. He considers himself to be quite creative, adventurous, fun and a bit indecisive at times. Gray enjoys trying new things, making art and keeping his customers satisfied. 

Not only does he intend on owning his own graphic design studio, his goals also include becoming a soldier or pilot in the near future.

When asked what are his greatest accomplishments he responded by saying “My GRAYtest accomplishments so far? Making the sum of money I have now off my work and getting my work re-posted by The Weeknd and Kid Ink.” He intends to reach the limits of his skill and move to other forms of visual communication. He also hopes to start back doing photography alongside with filming and editing. 

TA: Describe to us what exactly it is that you do. Well I do vector illustrations, graphic design and editing.

JG:

TA: What is the process like? Well for vector illustrations, the process is really fun, a bit discouraging at first though. It’s discouraging for me due to the fact that I expect to see my vision full on at the beginning, at times I dislike the seeing the line work and the process which is why I make sure to finish a piece in that same time. I’m a “perfectionist” as I’ve been told multiple times, because I make sure I produce what I want exactly and also go back to the drawing board to correct any mistakes.

JG:

For graphic design it can be very challenging at times. Logos for example, making them excites me but can be very challenging because the customer might have a completely different vision from what you have, yet they say “do a ting” or “do anything, ill use it” then later request a lot of changes which becomes annoying. 

TA: How did you get started into something like this? I started with drawing cartoon characters/real life and basic image editing with sites like Pizap, Picnik and Pixlr. I then moved to vector illustrations because I’ve always loved seeing them and wanted to get one of myself which I tried to do, I asked a friend to do it and he told me $3000, and at that time that was A LOT of money. I then decided to do it myself, downloaded the programme (Adobe Illustrator) and practiced everyday. I was then drawn to logos because of how unique they are, doesn’t speak much with appearance but have a lot of meaning behind them. I went back to image editing using Photoshop, Instagram and Pixlr. 

JG:

TA: Is it something that you’ve always wanted to do? Yes it is and now something I can’t go a day without doing. 

JG:

TA: What separates you from the other young artists out there?I think my style, and the things I create. 

JG:

TA: Why did you choose to go to an art school instead of an institution like UWI or UTECH? I chose to go to an art school so I could focus on art only and be surrounded by creatives who would inspire me. I think going to UWI or UTECH would just be stress, being badgered by work that wouldn’t help in my aim to be better as an artist. 

JG:

TA: What is it like majoring in art? Well it’s the best feeling, having the freedom to produce what you want. Learning new styles, techniques and still makea living off what you do. It never feels like work. 

JG:

TA: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?I see myself as a soldier/pilot along with owning my own designing studio.

JG:

TA: Do you think your artwork is beneficial to Jamaica? Why? I honestly don’t think so because I don’t see vector illustration being in high demand in JA. I see where graphic design is needed, but my work might not get featured or requested as much due to how people think. For instance, it’s believed that age determines what you can do and how well you do it, which is false in my opinion. 

JG:

TA: What are your goals and aspirations?My goals? Give back to my family… y’know the cliched stuff. I plan to own multiple companies which I’ve already invested in, reach the limit of my skill and do other forms of visual communication. 

JG:

TA: How important is following through with your passion?Its very important, I mean, you’ll never go wrong with what you love. 

JG:

TA: Where can we find you on social media? 

JG:

Facebook– Jevaughn Gray,

Twitter– @Jgrxy,

Instagram– @Jgrxy, w

ebsite– graytart.weebly.com