Alright – so, today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Graci Thompson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Graci, it’s so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
Everyone has an opinion, but it doesn’t need to be absorbed by me. In life, I feel that I’m a metaphorical sponge, and it’s up to me what I am full of. I like to be full of empowerment and wisdom. So, I am selective about what kind of energy I am around and what energy I choose to absorb, and what kind of energy I choose to “squeeze out.” I just love the idea of taking things with a grain of salt, as well… So many things just don’t need your energy. There is great freedom to be found when you master being unbothered. I also feel like there are so many things in life that can always be turned into some sort of positive. I am wisely selective on who and what deserves my power.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I just put together a 5 person band where I’m the lead singer. We are getting close to making music. We are fluctuating sounds between alt style rock, punk and and other alternative genres. I’m so excited to start practices.
Modeling-wise, I just finished shooting a magazine editorial in Chicago with photographer Day Still. I have another publication coming out soon with photographer Dasha Denger. Indiana Fashion week is coming up soon too.
Drawing & animating : I’ve been doing Art Fight 2023. For those of you who do not know, Artfight is an online, yearly art “competition” that takes place every July! Thousands of artists are put onto two teams, and then must draw each other’s characters for points. It’s super fun, I get so excited for it every year; almost as excited as I get for Christmas morning!
I am also working on an animated and voice acted trailer for my science fiction novel, Beyond Bounds! I’m very excited to gain more progress on that throughout the next year or so. Speaking of Beyond Bounds, let’s talk about that third topic…
The writing of my book : While I’ve been too busy to get as much actual writing done as usual, I have made progress on Beyond Bounds in many other ways!! I have been developing more thorough character bios for each of the main characters, as well as designing weapons, ships, and machinery for the novel. I’ve been working on more storyline, filling in plot holes, and writing down every idea I get. I plan to get back into my writing groove after Artfight.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For modeling : Dedication is key. I think what was most impactful on my success was the dedication I was willing to give to it. You really have to train. It’s like a sport. You have to eat right and exercise daily. Staying in shape and keeping your skin healthy is a full time job. Also, early on, when starting your modeling career you’ll really need to dedicate yourself to get to the proper test shoots as well as taking pose and runway training, even some acting classes can help you. These are all essential to the craft. The advice I have for new models is : 1. Do not be afraid to look silly at photo shoots. Throw on a playlist and have fun.. 2. Don’t be afraid to break the mold by embracing your authentic self. It’s not a bad thing to look like an original in a room of copycats, 3. In the world of fashion and beauty creatives you’ll often find that embracing your own style and image is often celebrated. 4. Not everything needs to be carefully curated, There is so much value in organic raw material 5. Did I say to have fun?
For my art, drawing,and animation, I’d have to say that the biggest impact has been support. I’d say that having the support of my family, friends and colleagues has been the biggest blessing artistically. Also, the online fans and art community are everything too! It is what keeps me going with my book. The fact that I can share my writing, art and animations projects online through YouTube, TikTok and Instagram is a godsend. I also love networking with other artist & writers online. I find that the online support to be encouraging. I’ve just recently been invited to join a writing club in person in my hometown, I’m looking forward to that.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
First off the fact that both of my parents are creatives is everything, The best thing they ever did for me was constantly making sure I had a plethora of art supplies. We were always going for big art hauls at all the big craft stores. I began acrylic and watercolor painting with my mom when I could hold a paintbrush. I went through a phase where I had all kinds of clay and I made a zoo of animals. I was so happy to be gifted a drawing tablet when I was 12. Then I bought my first iPad at age 14 with my modeling money. I taught myself to draw and animate. My parents always made sure I had what I needed and what I wanted creatively.. I feel like that’s a huge blessing. We are always working on something. My father is a senior web developer. He also designs and builds rc drones and rc airplanes. He belongs to a community for that and it’s crazy interesting how much goes into his hobby. My mother is a visual artist, painter, photographer and stylist. So I’d say the most impactful thing is this … Everything I’ve ever wanted has been heard and seen… for that I’m forever grateful and blessed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.therockagency.com/divisions/next-gen/portfolios/graci-t-she-they/digitals
- Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/gracithompsonportfolio
- Youtube: http://www.YouTube.com/GraciousBean
- Other: http://www.tiktok.com/GraciousBean
Image Credits
Photography by Kari Thompson, Petra Ford, DayStill, Drawings by Graci Thompson
