Meet Redris Bell

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, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?

When I hit a creative block, I don’t fight it—I embrace it as a sign to step away and recharge. Whether it’s music, art, or writing, I’ve learned that forcing creativity rarely leads to something authentic or satisfying. So, I put it all down and go live my life. I mean really live—walks in nature, deep conversations, people-watching, or even just getting lost in a good book or a new experience. Inspiration has a sneaky way of showing up when you’re not looking for it.

I also remind myself that as a creative, I’m my own deadline. I don’t rush the process because the best ideas come when they’re ready, not when I demand them to. Sometimes I’ll leave a piece of art untouched for weeks or let a song simmer for months. And when I come back to it, I have fresh eyes, fresh ears, and a renewed connection to the work.

Honestly, life itself is the fuel for creativity. You can’t create from an empty tank. It’s often in the struggles, joys, and unexpected moments that the best ideas are born. So, I’ve learned to trust the flow, knowing that when the time is right, I’ll pick up that pen or paintbrush and finish what I started, with more heart and soul than I ever could’ve mustered before.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Redris Bell, a multi-medium artist and jewelry designer passionate about creating one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces that tell a story. My art is rooted in heritage, culture, and individuality. From bold crochet earrings inspired by my great-grandmother to vibrant paintings that evoke emotion, everything I create is crafted with care and purpose.

As a published author, I’m incredibly proud of my first book, *Hooked Heritage: A Complete Guide to Crochet Earrings.* This book was a year in the making, born from my passion for crochet and the success of my YouTube tutorials teaching others how to create stunning earring designs with yarn. It’s not just a tutorial guide—it’s a tribute to my great-grandmother, Clidie Clark, who inspired my love for crochet. Inside, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, techniques, and a rich dive into the history of African American crochet artistry.

I’m also thrilled to announce that my second book, *Clay Couture,* is officially complete! This book is all about mastering the fundamentals of working with polymer clay to create unique, wearable art. It’s packed with insights and techniques that will guide you through the process of making beautiful clay jewelry. *Clay Couture* will be released this spring, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

The creative journey doesn’t stop there! I’m currently working on my third book, set to release this winter, which will complete the series. This final installment will focus on the exciting world of resin, teaching readers how to craft stunning home goods, art, and jewelry using this versatile medium.

For those eager to get started right away, I have several tutorials available on my YouTube channel, where I cover a variety of mediums. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned creator, these resources are designed to inspire and expand your artistic skills. Keep an eye out for *Clay Couture* this spring and stay tuned for the full series—it’s going to be a creative adventure!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are curiosity, imagination, and foresight. But above all, belief in my dreams has been the driving force.

To anyone starting out, my advice is simple: let go of the “adult in the room” and reconnect with your inner child. That curious, imaginative part of you is where your best ideas live. As we grow older, life tends to pull us into routines—9-to-5 jobs, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. But to truly grow your dream, you have to make time to explore, plan, and engage with it.

Treat your goals like a fitness journey. Just as you’d follow a workout regimen to build strength or lose weight, you need a routine to build your dream. Schedule time—actual, dedicated time—for your projects and small goals. Work-life balance isn’t just a nice idea; it’s essential. By setting aside this space for your creativity, you’re giving yourself the permission and structure to succeed.

And most importantly, give yourself grace. Not every day will be perfect, but progress is progress. Plan your execution step by step, stay curious, keep dreaming, and trust that with consistent effort, you’ll reach your finish line.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Yes, I’m currently grappling with the challenge of navigating today’s economic climate. It feels like being caught in a mouse trap alongside everyone else. With inflation driving up the cost of basic necessities—$8 for a box of cereal, for instance—people are understandably prioritizing survival over indulgences like art or jewelry. And with wages stagnant in the face of rising living expenses, even creating art has become more expensive. Materials cost more, and booking time in a music studio is harder to justify financially.

Vending here in Atlanta has its own hurdles as well. Scraping together the money to participate in events often means I’m just breaking even, which makes it harder to grow or reinvest in my craft. The real challenge is finding that sweet spot where my art is both affordable for my audience and sustainable for me as a business.

I’m working to adapt, experimenting with pricing, diversifying offerings, and focusing on meaningful connections with my community. It’s a tough balancing act, but I believe that with persistence and creativity, I’ll find a way to thrive in these challenging times.

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