I always wanted my art to have a narrative quality

CC     Can you walk us through your journey as a creative? How did you get started, and what led you to where you are today?
GR     My creative journey probably started when I was around eight and would be drawing all the time, but I didn’t really take it seriously until I began taking animation classes in high school. I ended up going to Art School to pursue 3D animation but quickly realized that wasn’t for me. I was always much more into drawing and painting, so I left art school and took a couple of printmaking and graphic design jobs to keep me going while working on my illustration portfolio. I always wanted my art to have a narrative quality, which led me to what I’m doing today: attempting to work more in picture books.

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CC     What are you working on these days?
GR     Right now, I'm working on a couple of my own books and freelance book and art projects. This time of year is also when I begin to prep for Comic Cons and Art Festivals for the spring and create new art I want to sell this year. I also have a solo show coming up in March at the Woodruff Gallery, so there is lots of prep work for that.

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CC     What does a typical day look like for you?
GR     For me, it depends on the day. I always start with a cup of coffee. After that, it's always a toss-up. Some days, I’ll be out painting on location somewhere; some days, I'll be teaching, and others are studio days where I'll either work on a project or do emails and meetings. It’s fun that every day can be a little different, but I definitely need to have everything on my calendar so I don’t forget the tasks of that day.

CC     What tools can’t you live without?
GR     My iPad has become a big part of my workflow, from taking notes and Zoom meetings to being a quick sketchbook on the go. I also have a watercolor sketchbook that I carry with me everywhere, as well as some basic art supplies. For the studio, I always need my Arches Watercolor Paper, Daniel Smith Watercolors, and Copic Multi liners.

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CC     What or who inspires you?
GR     My biggest inspiration has been my parents. They came to the U.S. in 1999 and have built a life and business from the ground up, all with hard work and dedication. That pushes me to work just as hard at my own craft and business. As far as artists, I love the work of people like Tony DiTerlizzi, David Petersen, Larry Macdougall, Jared Cullum, Sid Meireles, and so many more!

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CC     What would you like to learn more about in the future?
GR     I’d love to learn more about the business side of art but also how to become a better author and storyteller.

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CC     What do you find most challenging as a creative?
GR     I think the barrier to entry is so high. You have to be willing to work for free, like on your portfolio, and develop a style for a long time before you can even begin to entertain the idea of working in a creative field. Unlike other jobs, though, you’ll probably have to work at another job while doing art jobs on the side to make a name for yourself and be able to make that jump and do it full-time.

Right now, for me, it's staying organized and on top of things.

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CC     What do you think creatives on Cape Cod could improve on?
GR     I feel like we do see this already in some spaces, for the most part, but it's just about fostering community and making sure everyone in that community has a voice.

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CC     What do you do when you're not working?
GR     I love to read, be out in nature, or just explore different parts of the Cape or New England. I’m also always doodling or sketching something. It’s still something I do for fun.
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This interview was done over email.
Photography: Christine Johannessen