Life and Work with Grace Poole

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Poole.

Grace, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been pursuing art since I could hold a pencil. My parents both being artists made it easier to be accepted and supported for being an artist. I am a recent graduate of SCAD Savannah. My time there experimenting and learning was formative to discovering the messages I wish to share and the best medium to present them in. This leads me to my current role as a designer and animator at Fern here in Atlanta.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Fortunately, it’s been a very smooth road so far. My experience as a woman in art has been smooth. All opportunities I’ve been given have been presented by people and organizations that recognize the importance of giving women voices.

Please tell us about Fern.
Personally, my focus is in lifestyle illustration: capturing places and the communities that inhabit them, everyday moments that might seem mundane to the people living them but are the crux of the story of a place. I paint on-site, capturing moments gesturally with traditional mediums like gouache, ink or pencil. I bring my supplies with me wherever I go. I animate as well. Animation supplements for what still image cannot capture.

As a part of Fern, our purpose is simply to make great work and tell great stories. We are very proud to be an Atlanta-based animation studio. I don’t think the South is recognized enough for art and design.

There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
SCAD afforded me many opportunities to discover peers I admire and identify mentors.

Social media is a great help. Sometimes, just an appreciation DM on Instagram is enough to spark a connection. Sometimes, I’ll send appreciation emails too. Just reaching out once to someone you look up to makes it easier to ask for advice in the future. Artists didn’t choose to be artists because it’s a wealthy profession. They have something they want to share with the world and are passionate enough to pursue it. Affirming their work and their message is validation I don’t believe any artist ever tires of hearing. Don’t be afraid to let artists know how much their work means to you.

There are also many platforms available with online art classes taught by masters. They are good ways to learn from your favorite artists while also supporting them.

Always be kind and stay persistent. People may not get back to you for a whole year but sending messages occasionally still puts you on their mind.

I’d also add never call anyone unless a person has specifically identified calling them to be their preferred means of communication. Email will always be the safest bet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gracepoole.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracepooleart/

Image Credit:
Mia Lee, Phoelix

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