We’re looking forward to introducing you to Genevieve Gray. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Genevieve, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve realized lately that my cat is middle-aged, and I’ve been making an effort to spend more time with him and to make sure he’s as healthy as he can be. Sometimes I forget how special it is to have a little creature that loves you unconditionally and is always home waiting for you.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I’m Genevieve, and I have a passion for working with the passionate. I strive to give brands just as much personality as the hardworking people behind them. My work, Roana Art and Design, is a freelance business focusing on illustration, branding, and graphic design services. Roana’s goal is to assist individuals and small to medium businesses in finding and nurturing a visual style that they love.
I primarily work with small-ish businesses to create and develop their visual brand and all that entails – from business cards to social media to their website. I’m also working on nurturing my love for illustration – I’m hoping to get back to posting on social media and open an Etsy soon!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My high school art teacher – Mr. Denner. I spent most of my days in his classroom, but decided to go to college for STEM because the career prospects looked more promising. I was a STEM major for three years in college, but during COVID, I realized I was miserable, and I moved home to get back into art. I definitely don’t make as much as I would have in STEM, but I like to think that I’m much happier than I would have been! He was right the whole time.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The need to be liked by others/everyone, or my fear of being ostracized – It’s kept me from being my authentic self, but also from standing up for things I believe in. It’s a work in progress, but I think I’m doing a decent job nowadays!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Greta Thunberg – she speaks the truth, stands for what she believes in, and is absolutely fearless. She’s fallen out of the public eye recently for being vocal about the environmental impact of capitalism, but she’s been working hard even without the spotlight. She’s trying to make real, tangible change, and I value her work more than that of any politician or businessman.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Working! For the most part, anyway. I’m one of the lucky few who can say I enjoy (most) of my job. I’d probably still freelance on the side, but spending 52 weeks a year working for my last 10 years doesn’t sound like a way to live. This seems to me like an increasingly popular idea among other young people, and I’m all for it! Enjoy some of your youth while you’re still able-bodied and full of energy. You only get one life – cherish it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.roanaartanddesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roana.arts/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genevieve-gray-roanaarts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095241961949
- Other: Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/roanaarts.bsky.social
Image Credits
Genevieve Gray | Roana Art and Design
