Today we’d like to introduce you to Creyauna Willis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, I can never pin point exactly where and when I started my art journey but I can recall growing up and always finding a pencil and a sheet of paper somewhere and just drawing. That’s where I’d say I started. With just a pencil and paper. It’s like I was drawn to it actually. It’s what I call a God-given talent. From drawing on my walls at home to drawing for my elementary school teachers for no reason to drawing on my desk and never getting into trouble because it was fairly nice. It wasn’t until one day when my 10 grade Agriculture teachers brought me my very first paint set. Even though I had no clue whether I could actually paint or not, I grabbed the paint brush and haven’t put it done since. I prefer painting over drawing more now.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As I say all of the time, anything worth having won’t be easy and anything that’s easy isn’t worth having. Of course, this journey has not been the easiest, but who does have it easy? Then again, I’d say that many artists have to overcome this terrible stigma from society that says that Art isn’t a real profession or this “starving artist” thing is even real itself? I feel like some people like art and enjoy doing it. But there are a few others that were born with this gift. This God-given gift has opened many doors for me and placed me amongst great people. I adore it. It’s not just something I am passionate about. It is what makes me. me. Any woman starting or walking this path, I would say that the journey can certainly be rewarding but only after you put in the work. I feel like women may even have an advantage over men in art because we are more passionate and emotion driven. And honestly, all of my art is exactly that.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about your business – what should we know?
I am an Artist who typically enjoys using acrylics and oil in my paintings. I have discovered that I love to create portraits more than anything else I could use. My muses are at most times, my favorite singers or rappers but honestly, I love to surprise people around my hometown with painted portraits of loved ones that they may have lost or just surprise them with a portrait of someone dear to them or even themselves. People in my hometown know me as the artist who only does work for celebrities and that’s quite the rumor but no, I just tend to do paintings that inspire me or move me. And most of the time, those paintings are free of charge. I just enjoy seeing the reactions of the receiver. I believe that what sets me apart is my heart in my work. I have to be inspired and moved to paint something. And when I do, you can see my heart in it. The money does not matter, that’s why most times I may not charge but maybe this is what makes my work priceless.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I tend to always listen to sermons on YouTube of TD Jakes or any other preachers. I love listening to stand-up comedy too sometimes but it’s been while. It was just something about being able to focus on a painting but hear a funny story and paint the picture in my head. Also, it makes the time go by faster. Other times, I listen to all 90’s R&B music.
Contact Info:
- Website: creyauna.com
- Instagram: @iamcreyauna
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