Today we’d like to introduce you to Beyonce McCrary.
Hi Beyonce, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It started quietly—just me, my iPad, and a desire to feel less alone. During the height of the pandemic, I felt the weight of isolation more than ever, and I knew I wasn’t the only one. So I opened TikTok, hit “Go Live,” and began teaching a free art class.
At first, only a few people showed up—thirty or so—but we kept meeting every Friday. We talked about color theory, line weight, character design… and then, about life. We shared music, favorite shows, struggles at home. Slowly, it stopped feeling like a livestream and started feeling like something else entirely: a gathering.
What I created wasn’t just a class. It was a space. A free art class with community at its center—where people came not just to improve their drawings, but to make friends, support each other, and feel like they belonged somewhere. The classroom expanded beyond TikTok. I built a Google Classroom where students from all over the world—South Africa, the Middle East, London—joined to learn, grow, and uplift one another. We celebrated each other’s wins, gave feedback with love, and made space for every skill level.
To keep the heart of the community alive, I coded tools—like a Discord bot that rewards artists for helping one another and participating in challenges. We played games, hosted weekly meetups, and created a rhythm of support that made people want to return—not just to learn, but to connect.
Now, the class runs in two-week intervals, but the community is still alive. It was never about being the best artist in the room. It was about making sure no one had to create—or go through life—alone.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Juggling a full-time college schedule while running a free global art class and managing an online presence was overwhelming at times. I had to learn the hard way that passion alone isn’t enough—you need structure, rest, and boundaries too.
There were moments I had to pause everything just to keep up with school. As much as I loved what I was building, I also had assignments, exams, and deadlines that demanded my focus. Taking a break felt like a failure at first, but I realized it was necessary to protect both my mental health and the quality of what I was offering.
On top of that, navigating social media came with its own challenges. As the community grew, so did the pressure—and the criticism. I dealt with negative comments that made me question whether I was good enough to teach or lead. But every time I wanted to give up, someone from the community would message me saying the class helped them feel seen or inspired. That’s what kept me going.
The biggest struggle has been time management—learning how to balance creating, teaching, coding, studying, and simply being human. But through all of it, I’ve learned to give myself grace, ask for help, and trust that progress doesn’t always have to be linear.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in digital art with a flair for bold, expressive color—and I’m most proud of the community I’ve built around it. What sets me apart is my ability to merge two worlds that are often seen as opposites: art and computer science. While many see technology and creativity as being in conflict, I’ve always believed they can enhance each other. My work exists at that intersection.
As both a digital artist and a computer scientist, I use my technical skills to elevate the artistic experience. When I started offering free online art classes, I didn’t just want to teach—I wanted to create a space where people felt connected. So, I coded a custom Discord bot to reward students for engaging with each other, giving feedback, and participating in challenges. It wasn’t just about learning techniques—it was about building community.
Today, I work full-time as a software engineer while continuing to run my art business. Balancing both roles is challenging, especially with time management and content consistency. But instead of letting it burn me out, I leaned into my strengths: I built tools to automate parts of my workflow, including a bot that schedules my content so I have more time to create and interact with my audience.
What I want people to know about my work is that it’s not just about drawing—it’s about accessibility, empowerment, and connection. My brand is built around the belief that anyone can grow as an artist when they’re supported by the right tools and a welcoming community. You don’t have to pick between structure and soul—you can have both.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about Atlanta is its creativity—art is everywhere. From the murals under bridges to the graffiti on tucked-away alley walls, the city feels like an open-air gallery. There’s a raw, expressive energy here that inspires me every time I step outside. Spaces like The Goat Farm, indie galleries, and pop-up art shows reflect the heart of Atlanta: bold, diverse, and full of soul.
What I like least is the lack of free third spaces—places where people can just be without spending money. It can be hard to make friends or build community when most gathering spots revolve around commerce. I wish there were more open, creative environments where people could connect, collaborate, and exist without the pressure to buy something.
Pricing:
- The art class is primarily funded through donations, but artists also have the option to purchase ads or business promotions for just \$5–\$10. For larger-scale visibility, companies can sponsor video advertisements starting at \$500.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chromaticdayzclassroom.carrd.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chromaticdayz/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chromaticdayz9040
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chromaticdayz
