Meet Raymond S. Brown III

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Raymond S. Brown III a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Raymond S. with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Back in the day, my mom was like the ultimate goal setter. If I brought home a B, she’d be all, “Why not an A?” And if I managed an A, then it was, “Why not an A+? Did the cat distract you?”

But guess what? This pressure-cooker situation didn’t crush me. It was like a turbo boost for my work mode. The constant push made me work harder than a squirrel in a nut race. It’s like the universe said, “Time to release those dreams, buddy!”

So there I was, facing the challenge zone. My brain turned into a drill sergeant, pushing me to get things done like a boss. And bam! I’d hit my goal – or at least that’s what I thought, like a magician who can’t believe the bunny really appeared.

But wait, there’s more! I’d dive back in, like a rematch with my old self. “You thought that was hard work? Nope, the real hustle starts now!” This never-ending game of one-upping myself shaped my work ethic, each round making me better than the last.

Props to my mom – the unexpected coach of my work boot camp. Her non-stop quest for perfection threw me into this whirlwind of self-improvement and hard work. As I tackle tasks, make tweaks, and see my progress, I raise a virtual toast to the quirks that turned me into the determined person I am today.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the creative force behind the scenes, the one who’s been wielding pencils and pixels since way back when. From doodles that brightened up classroom walls to digital wonders that leap off screens, my artistic journey has been a colorful ride. You might have spotted my handiwork with the Cleveland Cavaliers or within the trusted pages of The Plain Dealer/Cleveland.com.

But let’s dig deeper. What makes my art truly mine is the personal touch I pour into every stroke. If you’re curious, I invite you to step into my world at www.raydraws.com. It’s not just a website – it’s a glimpse into my soul. Each piece is a chapter of my story, a snapshot of a moment frozen in time.

The magic happens when my creations resonate with you. If you’re on the lookout for art that speaks to your heart, this is the place to be. Swing by, explore the gallery, and take home a piece of my journey that resonates with yours. Your walls are calling for something special, and I’ve got just the thing.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Oh, looking back at the rollercoaster ride that shaped me into the artist I am today, I’d say there were three superpowers that packed a punch. First up, we’ve got the “H” word – humility. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not in the business of shrinking my awesomeness. Humility, by dictionary standards, is like “modest or low estimate of one’s own importance.” Seriously? But here’s the kicker: being aware of my gift without letting it go to my head. That confidence lets me toss my creations out into the world, no second-guessing allowed. I mean, my art’s my treasure, and I want everyone to dive into that treasure chest of joy. Whether you’re loaded or just finding your pockets, there’s a piece of my heart for everyone.

Next up, the power of a well-considered choice. No impulse shopping in my life, even when it comes to opportunities. I put my thinking cap on, give it the time to marinate, and then voila – an informed decision that’s more solid than a brick house. Once I commit, I’m in for the long haul. No going back, no overthinking, just full steam ahead. My mom’s voice echoes in my head, “Choose wisely, today shapes tomorrow.” She’s like my wise life coach, minus the tracksuit.

Last but not least, the “me” factor. Call it self-care with an extra sprinkle of self-respect. I’ve learned that I’m my own best advocate. Nobody can treat me better than I can. So I watch my vibes, my food, my tribe – you name it. It’s like my way of keeping my engine running smoothly. When I feel good, I’m like a positive energy factory; when I don’t, well, nobody’s signing up for that show. Taking care of myself isn’t just about me, though – it’s about offering the world the best version of myself, because, let’s face it, good vibes are contagious.

So, there you have it, my journey’s secret sauce – humility, informed choices, and self-care. If you’re carving your path, take these nuggets with you. Remember, it’s okay to shine without blinding anyone, to think before leaping, and to prioritize your well-being. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll both look back and smile at the winding road that led us to where we stand today.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When it comes to avoiding that overwhelmed sensation, I’ve got a little trick up my sleeve. Imagine this: I’m deep into painting, and suddenly the ideas are playing hide-and-seek, and my brush strokes are on vacation. What do I do? I’m all about the pivot, my friend. I switch gears – draw a little, scribble some thoughts, heck, I’ve even dabbled in whipping up music beats when the creativity well dries up. It’s like hitting the refresh button for my mind. A mental yoga session, if you will.

So, there I am, stepping away for a bit, diving into a new artistic adventure. It’s like a mental spa day, where I soak in different inspirations. And you know what happens when I go back to the original task, whether it’s an hour later or the next day? It’s like the canvas got a reboot, all fresh and ready for action. It’s a magical feeling, like the first day of school but without the jitters.

Oh, and here’s a gem of wisdom – I remind myself that while my art’s a serious gig, I’m not on a superhero mission to save the world. No capes needed. This realization’s like a magic wand that vaporizes pressure. I’m in the business of spreading joy, and every stroke I lay down carries that joy. That thought alone releases a heap of pressure, and I step back into my art space with a light heart, ready to create the joy I want others to feel.

All in all, I believe a change of tune, a little mental R&R, and a pinch of perspective can work wonders.

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