We were lucky to catch up with Miss Rae recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Miss Rae , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
As an abstract artist and business owner, I have a commitment to authenticity and integrity, even when faced with challenging situations or disingenuous people. In both my professional and in my personal life, my work ethic is deeply influenced by my role as a mother and a provider. My son, Ezekiel, is my biggest driving motivator, inspiring me to push my limits and strive for excellence every day. Beyond providing for my family, my work ethic is fueled by a strong belief in my own dreams. I am committed to investing more effort into realizing my own visions rather than working towards someone else’s. This belief not only drives my pursuit of excellence but also underscores my dedication to building a meaningful legacy for my son. Through my example, I aim to teach him the value of resilience and hard work in achieving one’s personal goals.
It took a lot of work to build the work ethic I have now.
Thinking about my life retrospectively, I see that no matter kind of work I ever set out to accomplish, consistency has truly always been key; mastering the ability to do tasks both new and old, even when i ‘don’t ’feel like it’ is a skill that inevitably ended up setting me up for success. For me, learning to say no has also been a crucial part of my professional story. When I first started my business I was eager to work and struggled with saying no to opportunities that were not prosperous in fear of missing out on ‘a big break’ – oh my goodness I am grateful I have since changed my ways and learned to assess my value.
Was it hard to start making this change? Yes, absolutely, I had a hard time with this at first – mostly because of imposter syndrome- However, I educated myself online, wrote out questions and then sought out advice from other business owners in my industry to learn to how to stop working for free and approach my clients with my rates. That was a game changer, did I lose opportunities?…. Some, yes.
But ultimately, because of that, I have gained bigger clients than I could ever have dreamed of before.
I think you have to get comfortable with rejections big and small when it comes to this industry. A strong back bone and great work ethic are essential because this industry is not for the weak. Did you know that ‘in a study of 820,000 exhibitions across the public and commercial sectors in 2018, only one third featured women artists?’ Or that ‘ only 13.7% of living artists represented by galleries in Europe and North America are women ‘
The odds are prevalent and impossible to ignore… Yet, I believe that art is an essential part of life and so I will continue to spend my life creating all types of art. Sometimes that may touch the hearts of only a few, but sometimes my art reaches the many.
Regardless of the odds or of the outcome, I will continue making beautiful masterpieces for the world to see because the world needs committed artists – the world needs to feel and think and use all of their senses. That gets lost without art.
Just remember when you feel sorta crazy because people don’t understand how you can possibly make a career out of something creative…..they are wrong.
You can do it. It’s worth repeating that I think you have to have tremendous work ethic to be successful in the art world – so if that’s not something you have naturally, learn it!
Practice one habit at a time,there’s so many amazing books out there to help you along the way.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Why be ‘realistic’, when you can be ‘Rae-alistic’ – after all, it’s the abstract way.
My work is deeply influenced by the beauty of authenticity and the unique stories each individual carries. What draws me to create is not just the act of painting or assembling a collage, but the opportunity to capture and reflect the genuine essence of being uniquely oneself. I believe that our so-called flaws are not merely imperfections, but rather the traits that distinguish us beautifully. This celebration of individuality fuels my passion for mixed media art, allowing me to explore and express these themes in dynamic and diverse ways.
In addition to my dedication to mixed media, I am continuously evolving my skills in acrylic painting, writing and modeling, seeking new ways to blend these forms to enhance my artistic expression. Currently, I am engaged in private commissions and my books are open for new work!
If there’s an idea you have, I would love the opportunity to make it come to life!
I will be participating in numerous events around Denver this summer, showcasing and selling my art and apparel so, stop by. I’d love to meet you!
For a full list of these events, please visit my website at
www.rae-alistic.com
or email me directly at
[email protected]
I’m also exploring partnerships to distribute my clothing line in bigger stores. As well as continue expanding the availability of both of my coloring books, ‘No Pressure No Diamonds’ and ‘The Divine Feminine,’ which are currently accessible through my website, Amazon, and locally at Mutiny Info Cafe in Denver.
Looking ahead, I am planning a gallery exhibition in Denver for the new collection I am working on.
Beyond visual arts, I am also preparing for my next comedy set, aiming to perform a full hour show that I hope will offer another dimension to how I communicate with audiences. This convergence of visual and performance art is not just a career path but a lifelong quest to push the boundaries of how art can connect us more deeply to ourselves and each other.
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?
Reflecting on my journey as an abstract artist, creativity and innovation stand out as foundational. This ability I have to envision and execute beyond the usual bounds has been pivotal in developing my unique artistic voice. Equally important is my insatiable curiosity. I live by the motto, ‘Never be so sure of what you want that you wouldn’t settle for something better,’ which keeps me open to unexpected inspirations and perspectives. This curiosity extends to my love for reading and learning as well.
Whether I’m uncovering treasures in an antique store or diving into online research, I’m always absorbing new ideas that transform my approach to art and life. This continuous learning not only enriches my knowledge but fundamentally shapes who I am as an artist, driving my success in profound ways.
Beyond these, I see myself much like a piece of art—always changing, evolving, and growing. I’m committed to personal evolution just as much as I am to advancing my art skills. Striving to be a better version of myself each day—whether as a mother, artist, business owner, model, or comedian.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Throughout my life, I’ve truly embodied the saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ I grew up in an untraditional way that led to me living in a diverse array of households, which I believe has significantly shaped my identity as an adult and abstract artist.
Each environment exposed me to different perspectives and artistic expressions, enriching my own creative voice.
Foundationally, my grandparents have been crucial in my development. They were always my sounding boards, offering wisdom that helped me mature beyond my years. Their insights have been invaluable, not just in life but also in shaping the way I approach my art and comedy.
Additionally, my mentors have played a pivotal role in my growth.
They’ve not only guided me but also challenged me to expand my skills and embrace my unique qualities. The impact of having mentors has been so profound that I believe everyone should have the opportunity to be mentored.
I also must highlight the irreplaceable role of my brothers, Jonathan and Aidan.
With my brother Jonathan, he’s one of the only people on the planet that I listen to, having a brother roughly my age is like having a built in best friend for life. Same with my baby brother Aidan who is now almost 22, our bond is a very important part of my life and I love watching you grow up and being there for you.
And who would I be without my squad of people aka my best friends, Damian, Jaime, Brian, Summerly, and Nick. These incredible people are my family, even if chosen family. They have been instrumental in helping me develop myself and my craft, and they keep me laughing through everything that life throws our way. I’m lucky to have supportive friends. There’s a famous saying that you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. This rings incredibly true for me—I am the average of some of the most epic humans. Each of them are not only supportive but also touch my heart deeply and motivate me to continue to show up in the world in big-hearted ways.
In summary, my journey has been a collective effort of many who have invested in me, and I am immensely grateful for each and every contribution to my life and career.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rae-alistic.com
- Instagram: @rae.alistic
- Facebook: Rae-alistic Creations
- Linkedin: Rae Easton
Image Credits
Ophidianlens Adam Marquis
