Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Lorre’.
Christina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story started from the day I started drawing. I was always a creative and I always had an eye for anything artsy, colorful, or anything I could create and bring to life! Shout out to my Granddad, who was an amazing artist, with a strong spirit & love for God. I miss you and thank you for giving me your spiritual guidance!
I started off drawing at a young age and my love grew deeper and stronger for it as I got older. I didn’t really care for showing others my art, because when it came to art, it was all about my love for it and how it makes me feel. During my creative state, I’m taken to a place of peace and nirvana. I love it.
I don’t remember exact dates or times I began to share my artwork but I do remember posting my art on a website called Deviant Art around the age of 11 or 12. This was the start of putting my art out there and showing the world my private creations. I took a liking to it and decided to grow my art on the web further by using Instagram. I knew I wanted to grow my art into a business, but I didn’t really know how and I am still learning and growing every day. What I do know is that God gave me a talent and I wanted to use it to my fullest ability. The best thing I could do was keep creating and that’s exactly what I did. I kept creating, posting and sharing and little did I know I became more consistent in creating quality content that others started to notice.
My first YouTube video was an inking video that was for a little business I started with my sister called House of Mochii, but God had a different plan. The first viral video I created was a sketchbook tour that I was inspired to do from a comment on my Instagram. My supporters wanted to see my previous work and I decided to give it to them. I had no idea it would blow up like that! That’s what really started the growth of my Youtube channel. After that, I started to post more and more and expand my channel into not just art, but makeup and fashion as well! I have so many interests; games, music, TV, etc. a little bit of everything, so I like to think of my self as an artist and aspiring entrepreneur.
As my Youtube channel grew, my Instagram started to really blow up as well. I’ve been recognized by people such as, Taraji P Henson, Winnie Harlow, Aja Naomi King, Gina Rodriguez, Aaliyah Jay, Summerella, Tamera Mowry and one of my biggest inspirations, Ming Lee who has been so supportive of me from the beginning. Other influencers as well as the fashion brand ASOS! I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with. I never knew any of this would happen but it did, and I also experienced a few posts on my page going viral which included a side by side of me with the art version of myself!
All of these experiences are so amazing to me. I can look back and forward and thank God for all He has done and is doing, all the credit goes to Him! Without God, I couldn’t do any of this and that is FACTS ON FACTS. God has gotten me through soooo much and has made me into the woman that I am today and He is still molding and working on me at this very second! I am so very grateful for all that I can say that I have done and for the spirit and armor that dwells within and on me that is GOD!
Has it been a smooth road?
For the most part, it’s been smooth, but there were a lot of challenges on as well. Some of my first challenges began in college with art when I started SCAD. I didn’t know art was so challenging until I got there, but I learned so much from SCAD and I wouldn’t want it any other way! As an artist, I’ve also experienced a lot of self-doubts as well but as I’m growing I’ve learned to love my art and love the process and journey for me to become a better artist. On my art journey, I’ve also experienced people who have taken my art and used it for their own profit without my permission, this still happens today, but I know God, my family, and my supporters will be there for me and support me along the way.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the RawSueshii story. Tell us more about it.
Rawsueshii is my brand name that was conceived by my sister because my drawing style was a mixture of all things that I was passionate about, including my love for the Asian culture and sushi. She also thought I always kept it real, told the truth and full of wisdom. She said that’s what made me Raw, ‘real and wise’, hence RawSueshii was born.
RawSueshii and myself are currently still growing. However, as of now, I am an independent entrepreneur selling my artwork and some of my designs on merchandise such as prints, pillows and more. My Youtube channel also provides drawing tutorials where I teach and cover topics like, African American Hairstyles and culture. I think it’s so important to have that since I don’t see that much diversity in the art community on Youtube. I also offer more classes on Gumroad for purchase.
A lot of people have recognized my art via Pinterest, I didn’t realize I had gotten so popular from Pinterest until I found out a couple of years back, but I think I’m known for my art style and my Youtube tutorials. People have also told me that they like my personality on Youtube channel. They love that I talk about God and how I keep it real as well as show people that it’s okay to spread your love for God. There is nothing to fear when you are so passionate about something. Plus, I wouldn’t be doing any of this if it weren’t for my Lord and Savior. The fact that I inspire people, not just by my art, but also with my spirit and love for God is what really sets me apart.
My brand will continue to evolve. In fact I have some new projects on the way, so definitely watch where God continues to take my brand(s) and me.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I definitely see art growing into more than what it is today, I believe art is a gift from God and I believe artists are always innovating and creating new ideas that will change the way the world thinks. It will continue inspiring people emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Art is like another form of communication, it will definitely grow beyond what the eye can see, especially as technology advances and we are able to turn art into the future!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.youtube.com/christinalorre
- Email: rawsueshii@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rawsueshii
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rawsueshii
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/rawsueshii
- Shop: www.shop.rawsueshii.com
Image Credit:
Photo of Me by @nikopapi, All artwork by me Christina Lorre’
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