Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassidy Grant.
Hi cassidy , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
i have been creating as long as i can remember. i’ve been illustrating for over 15 years, and just recently picked up sewing and linocutting over the last 2 years. when i was younger my art was mainly anime characters, and really self indulgent, but as i grew older i really fell into my current tattoo-esque style of illustration. i was illustrating and painting for many years, until a couple years ago i started vending at events and art markets, selling stickers, buttons, prints, etc. i realized i didn’t just have to use drawing or painting as a way to share my art, but i could create wearable art for people. i got gifted a basic sewing machine from a relative and have been going at it ever since. i started by sewing smaller patches onto things, but it has now evolved into full blown fabric collages. i love using second hand materials, whether i buy them or get them for free from the community, i love being able to give a once loved item a new life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
it definitely hasn’t been an easy journey. i have struggled with mental illness my whole life, and have gone through periods where i simply can’t get myself to get up and create. in the past i hated myself, hated the art i created, hated living. but with the unending support of my friends, family, community, and even my two cats, i have reignited the passion that i once had for art. creating now no longer feels like a burden, but it feels like im 14 drawing 24/7 again. it finally feels like im making things that im proud of and that i want to share again.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
i create all sorts of art. as of right now i mainly do clothing upcycling, linocutting, and illustration. i love creating things that are “weird” and really appeal to alternative, unique people. i use a lot of clowns, animals, and bugs in my art whether that be in my illustrations or in the clothing pieces i create. i believe what really sets me apart from my fellow creators is that when i do sell my creations in person, i always do it on a pay what you can basis. even if that causes me to lose money, that is always the way that i want to do it. i want my art to be accessible to people like me, people who aren’t doing the best financially, people who are struggling. i love seeing people light up when they see a sweater or a sticker i made, and ill do what i can to let them take it home. i’ll also do barters and trades, often times trinkets, food, or supplies, in exchange for one of my artworks.
What were you like growing up?
When I was a young kid I was definitely the weird kid. I did not have the best home life growing up and struggled a lot, and a lot of my childhood i don’t even remember. what i can remember from that time is that i was always creating. i turned to art as a way to cope with the perpetual fight or flight state that i found myself in. i remember when i was 10 years old getting an acrylic painting set with canvases and an easel. i painted and painted and painted, my
parents still have probably 100 of my paintings from my teenage years in their basement. i was also making a lot of self indulgent art, mainly anime fanart. but i don’t feel any shame in admitting that, truthfully drawing fanart all day and night is what got me here today. if i wasn’t drawing hetalia and warrior cats in my bedroom at 11 years old, i wouldn’t be here at 24 selling my art.
Pricing:
- Everything aside from clothing is pay what you can
- Clothing I tend to do “make an offer and we can negotiate”
- Unfortunately, when selling online I do set prices, but always try to keep it affordable
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cassidycockroachart
