Today we’d like to introduce you to Rain Mang.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Rain. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I never really took my art seriously. My high school didn’t really have that much funding for art programs. I only took interest in art through anime fan arts. After high school, I took some art classes during my first semester of college, but I didn’t really like the idea that my professor were telling to make things that would only look “good” on my portfolio. They rather have you technical rather than creative. I drop the classes. I made art here and then. A year ago, I decided to paint my first ever custom denim jacket. I posted a video of it on my YouTube channel. I didn’t really mind that it weren’t getting any views. I was mostly doing the videos for my own enjoyment. Months later, the video garnered more and more views, and that’s when I got my small following on Instagram. By then, I still didn’t think my art is good enough to be bought. I was undercharging because I felt bad that I was charging for an art that even I thought were ugly. But turned our all my commission periods always ended up fully booked.
Social media is very toxic place. You see all these amazing artists and their really clean Instagram feed and art style, and it’s inevitable not to compare yourself.
I love to try out different mediums and different styles. and that kinda makes my art style messy and inconsistent. I think beginner artists are on the same boat, they see all these big accounts with really clean feed and consistent style that they end up thinking that maybe that’s the only way to become as successful as them.
There’s really nothing wrong with experimenting. As artists, I think that’s really what makes art fun.
I decided to take a semester off from school to focus more on art. I don’t really like online learning and I thought now is the only chance I have to maybe try out the art things that I’ve been always scared of.
After a while of doing commission, I wanted to open my art shop. But I didn’t know where to start. Aside from still being insecure of my art, I had no resources. I didn’t know how to get prints done. I had no idea how shipping works. Did I need a business permit? I tried reaching out to bigger accounts and asking them for help but none replied. And I just had to figure everything on my own.
I was very anxious of my shop launch. First day had four sales but week after it just keeps on increasing. Now that my shop is two months old, I’m almost at my 200th sales.
And I can’t be more than happier.
Has it been a smooth road?
Not necessarily. Even though there’s such a big support system online. It’s more of a personal struggle of what to do. And believing that I have what it takes to become a better artist. I never really believed that people will support my art. And I’m still learning to love my art slowly.
Please tell us more about your art.
I was mostly known for making custom denim jackets. And now, I just launched my art shop mostly selling art prints.
My art is very spontaneous. It doesn’t really have a style. I like to try out different mediums and just draw or paint whatever I feel like it. I find more beauty in things are imperfect. Rustiness, grunginess and messiness are just full of life to me.
I don’t use any plastic on my packaging. I make my own envelopes from recycled materials. I also make my own papers from recycled papers to use for block prints. I try to be as eco-friendly as I can.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
LA is a very diverse city. There are many creatives out here.
Definitely the traffic. I hate the traffic so much.
Pricing:
- Custom denim jackets ranges from $200-$350
- Art prints ranges from $7-$45
Contact Info:
- Address: 552 E Carson St Ste 104
Box # 358
Carson, CA 90745 - Website: rainmangshop.com
- Phone: 3109511858
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: rainimang
- Twitter: yorurane
- Other: youtube/Rain mang
Image Credit:
My portrait was taken by ‘Russel Datuin”
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