We recently connected with Grady Olson and have shared our conversation below.
Grady , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Uhmmm that’s a good question. So many things come to mind, being outside, sitting in solitude inside, laughing, drinking, but mostly just keeping my eyes I guess. Just trying to see things as they are, big things, small things, everything, and see the beauty in it, around it, and the beauty that’s in just the act itself. It’s way easier said than done, but it is so much more fun going through life like that, as opposed to the other side. Feel like creativity is such a big scary word, especially when you’re trying to go to school to be a “creative.” You learn about all these greats, siloed in their towers unable to eat because their creative passion was just too much to bear, so they had to create. I used to think that was me, like that’s how I wanted to be, but I realized I’m not. I like everyday creativity, lol I guess the working man’s creative. A subtle cuff on a pair of pants to show a sock, or finding a new way to fix a broken table, decorating a bathroom, whatever. Keeping your creativity alive, I think, is just keeping yourself entertained, however that may be.
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 the Managing Editor of Gross Magazine and Creative Copywriter for Media.Monks. I also freelance write for other publications and companies and have had a few published poems and short stories over the years. Gross Magazine was started in a garage in the Outer Sunset of San Francisco with a group of friends. It was the seed that helped grow Relish and GCS Agency ran by Victor Gonzalez. We just want to show cool art to the masses, to connect artists around the world with people to inspire someone, build a community, and show the beauty of the world and everyone who lives in it. There’s so much fun and beauty out there that gets unnoticed by all of us keeping our heads down and eyes closed, we’re just trying to shed some light on it. A new project we are working is a gallery in San Francisco GCS Agency got granted. Victor Gonzalez, the man behind all things Gross, has done an amazing job and curating some really spectacular shows there and what’s coming down the pipe for this year is going to be wicked.
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?
Persistency, just keep asking, sending, mailing, or calling. You are going to get a lot of no’s but one yes might be all you need. I know people say this a lot, but I think it really works. Also a good way to tell how the people you are trying to work with are. Whether they just keep blowing you off or give you an honest answer.
Keep your eyes open. Open to see, to learn, to laugh, to take in the world around you, to notice the beauty in every little thing. But also be open to try something new out, your taste or interest can change whenever so being open to new things is a great way to have fun.
Look for a mentor and actually listen to their advice, you never know what advice will actually work for you but being open to all of it will help you figure that out. A lot of jobs can be done well if taught well.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Ahh yes! I would love to, I’m always looking for someone to do a project with or partner on a collaboration with. Really, anyone who has somewhat of a vision and is ready to get creative. Wants to just try something out. If you have something in mind, anything, would love to hear and see how I can help. Can just reach out to me on email grady@grossmag.com or dm me on ig, @gradythekid
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gradyolson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gradythekid/?hl=en
- Other: https://grossmag.com/
Image Credits
Beryl Slezak
