Meet Tiffany Smith | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffany Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiffany, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been a creative person. Starting my own creative business was more of an extra creative outlet for me that quickly grew into a very strong passion. Developing illustrations or designs for products feels very freeing, I’m excited to see how my business evolves throughout the next coming years.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I really try to allow creative ideas to come naturally, I don’t like to force it. When it comes to creating anything more freely and organically, I tend to just free think and allow the ideas to flow. I’m excited about the ideas I have coming up! I’m also a Photographer, I have a lot of fun ideas for product shots that I can’t wait to start publishing! I’m also very excited to start working more on my video and motion graphic ideas for my product line advertisements as well..

It definitely wasn’t easy, I didn’t come from very much and I didn’t have a lot of support growing up. My creative passion has been my fuel 100% of the way. I really have done my absolute best to keep my full commitment and attention on my craft and development. It hasn’t been an easy path to travel but I am so happy that I chose it. My creative passion is everything to me, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else no matter how difficult the journey.

I feel like I’ve overcome the challenges of the creative industry somewhat strategically. I really try hard not to allow my emotions or fear to stop me along the way. You face a lot of rejection in this industry, that’s something I had to get used to without taking it personally. At the same time, you are faced with so much opportunity and growth. I try to look at the opportunities and possibilities rather than focusing on the things that haven’t gone as planned.

I’ve learned to never quit, no matter how hard it gets, never quit. When you quit you’re allowing yourself to fail. I never want to wake up one day and look back thinking what if I would have followed my passion or what if I would have gone further. There’s a big part of the creative journey that allows you to see the beauty of the process, taking pride in the struggle and challenges, always remembering you’re a student.

I want the world to know that… my creative passion really is my entire world, it represents me completely. I would also encourage people who are struggling with their own creative passions to keep chasing it and listen to their gut instincts.

My brand is very organic and free, I hope to continue to create more product artwork but also continue to invite all creative mediums into it as well. I see it becoming very collaborative. Showcasing Photography, paintings, music, film etc. I want it to really grow into an art community and more of a creative team.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s an interesting question, I’ve lived in a couple of cities now and have visited others, I’m moving to NYC in a couple of weeks so I’m sure this answer might have been different a year from now.

I’ll use Seattle as an example, it’s one of my favorite cities.

I would take them to see local shows, Seattle has such a strong music community that is so welcoming. I might also suggest visiting the many dive bars and restaurants around the city. it’s hard to name a specific one, while I was living there I had visited probably all of them. They all have such similar vibes but are also very unique.

I’d also suggest taking in the scenery, Seattle has so much to offer in regards to nature and the beauty of the ocean. Taking advantage of some fun hiking trips or rock climbing was always fun in Seattle.

You have to take the ferry at least once, there’s always a chance to see an Orca so you have to take advantage of that opportunity.

I spent a lot of time at the High Dive and The Central working with bands as a concert photographer so naturally those are a couple of my favorite venues. Capitol Hill is always fun too if you’re wanting to stay out past 3pm.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
While growing up I found it very difficult to relate to people. I always had alternative interests and was more interested in discussing art, film and music than anything else.

I felt very much like an outsider looking in. While focusing on my creative goals, I found many artists that I could resonate with from reading interviews or biographies, it kind of became the thing that made me feel more included in the world, knowing there were successful artists living their creative passions and coming from a similar place really helped me continue to go after my creative passion and turned it into a full professional career.

I’ve also been very lucky to have supportive fellow artists to work as well as many friends that have helped me continue moving towards my goals.

Website: https://raetees.com

Instagram: @raetees21 https://www.instagram.com/raetees21/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creatiffity11/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaeTees-102017822361534

Other: Alternative art portfolio: https://www.creatiffity.me