Addie Rawr is an inspiring and empowering creative. She sees herself reflected in much of her art.
Read on for our full interview with her!
How did you get started creating your pieces?
I’ve been painting and designing since I was a kid. In high school and college I took a lot of print layout classes which has helped with creating products myself.
In 2015 I was looking for Christmas cards and couldn’t find any that related to me and loved ones who I would be sending them to. That was when I tested out making greeting cards and then fell in love with them. Soon after, I began to create more products with my artwork and designs on it.
What’s the favorite part of your work/what you make?
Being able to recreate what I see everyday. My artwork is focused on Black Women in very fashionable and positive lights. It’s always fun to paint outfits that I’ve seen on runways, at festivals or simply at the grocery store. It makes my work that much more relatable.
How do you express your creativity through your work?
The funny thing is that a lot of what I paint are self portraits. From the way I wear my hair, the clothes I wear and how I look going out with friends. There’s so many illustrations of mine that are exact mirrors of outfits I’ve worn in the past.
What brings you joy?
In the most simple form, sunny days bring me joy. I also get joy from seeing people I love happy. A baby cousin, an old family friend or significant other, I just enjoy making others smile.
What challenge(s) have you overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome is learning to be disciplined. When you work for yourself full time no one teaches you how to manage your time or how to not sit around all day.
I had to create schedules and practice time management so much more than I ever have in my life once I went full time as an artist. Even though it’s still a challenge some days, I think I’m getting better at it.
Anything exciting in the works/coming up for you?
I’m working on more artwork and products for men. I didn’t know so many guys enjoyed my work and have been asking for journals and cards that look like that so I guess it’s time for me to try it out.
What do you wish for the world?
I wish for more grace. Sometimes I think we can all get so caught up in our own heads that we forward that other people may be going through similar things in their life. Even if we can all spread more love and extend grace, that’s to individuals and businesses, then I think things will get better.
Is there anything else you’d like to share/us to know?
I am the founder of Art & Ambition Studios which is a community for Black Artists and Designers.
In the community I teach business practices of running an art based businesses, connect members to businesses based on their skillset and have a lot of fun getting to know artists from all over the world. You can check us out at ArtandAmbitionStudios.com
Check out her pieces at MADE here.