Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Smith.
Hi Ariel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
Ever since I was a child, I have loved drawing and creating things. I explored different ways to create, such as poetry/writing, fashion design, face painting/makeup, drawing, painting, and more. I always saw myself as an artist. There was rarely a moment in which I wasn’t somewhere drawing. I took art throughout middle school and high school. I was in the National Art Honors Society in high school and took AP Art my senior year. In 2013, I was the local winner of the “Do the Write Thing” writing contest. As a result, my essay was published in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
Additionally, I was a member of other organizations (Basketball Cheer, Honors Academy, Beautifully Unique, etc.) and held leadership roles (basketball manager, yearbook staff, etc.). Throughout my high school years, my passion for art grew. I graduated from Houston High School with honors in 2017.
In the fall of 2017, I started college at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). I was initially an Animation major with a minor in art. In the Spring of 2020, I changed my major to Multidisciplinary Media (Media and Entertainment) with a concentration in Animation. I graduated Cum Laude in the Fall of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree. I was inducted into the Lambda Chi Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc in the Spring of 2019. While in the chapter, I served as President (Fall 2019-Spring 2020) and Vice President (Fall 2020). Also, I was Vice President of Communications for the National Pan-Hellenic Council (Fall 2019-Spring 2020) and was a member of the Order of Omega (Greek Honor Society- 2020).
During college, I had limited time to create or focus on my projects, resulting in losing my passion for art. After graduating, I could finally tap back into making for myself. Luckily, I have had different jobs and a support system that allows me to focus on my art, which I am incredibly grateful for. Since 2021, I have been developing my art style. This year, I created a mixtape cover for a local artist, Mani J. Reign. I also sold my first commission and original piece. I made multiple logos for a business. Also, my art was featured in the Mental Realness Mag’s “Fat” Issue. I recently applied for an artist residency, but my application was denied. Instead of giving up, I used that rejection as motivation to make my dreams come true by pushing my limits as a creative.
You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
Juggling everything from life, leadership duties, and school was difficult. Due to stress, my mental health and physical health drastically declined, and my grades took a hit. I decided to change my major to set myself up for success. My biggest struggle recently as an artist was becoming confident in my work. I had taken so much time away from creating that I had to relearn how to use materials and techniques. Stepping out on faith to become a full-time artist has been challenging, considering I have no blueprint to follow. It has been hard to go against the grain and follow my dreams instead of following the traditional path. At the beginning of my journey, I often undersold my work and barely made a profit considering all the time and energy I put into the pieces. I make mistakes, but every mistake is a learning process.
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 am a creative that specializes in mixed media and colored pencils. I am known for my illustration style, featuring my “little neck people” (a term coined by my best friend, Charity). My art focuses on spirituality, portraits, mental health, and the beauty of life. My style has evolved into something distinctively identified as my work: bright colors, big eyes/lips, and abstract rendering. What sets me apart from others are the vibrant, lively colors I use in my work and the overall energy of my pieces. I’m not afraid to create something “weird” or something many people may not understand. My style highlights the unconventional. As an artist, it’s amazing to free yourself of other people’s validation and bring life to the ideas that pop up in your head. Each piece has a unique vibe that sets itself apart from my other pieces, yet it flows together seamlessly. Blending also sets me apart from others. My technique with colored pencils gives off the look of oil pastels, the first medium I used when diving back into art in 2021. I am most proud of my growth as an artist. Last year, my work was a lot more “simple.” Now, I’ve started to add more elements in the background and more details in my portraits. Over the past year, my art has evolved substantially. I am also very proud of myself for allowing myself to create freely and pushing myself as an artist to always try something new.
How would we have described you growing up if we knew you were growing up?
Growing up, I was considered “shy.” I spent a lot of time with myself. I was the alternative kid who had different styles. I liked all kinds of music, from Fall Out Boy to Kehlani. I loved bright colors and patterns. I knew I was different, but I felt the need to be like everyone else to be accepted. I was the artistic friend, the one who you reached out to when you needed something created. I was always interested in fashion; I hand-painted shoes and jeans and made custom shirts. I loved animated shows and movies, especially stop motion. I was interested in anything that helped me express myself, piercings, tattoos, hairstyles, nails, clothing, etc. I’ve always been interested in different cultures and their beliefs, which has been a theme throughout my work.
Pricing:
- 9″ by 12″ commission – $300+
- 11″ by 14″ commission – $500+
- 18″ by 24″ commission- $750+
- prints- $20+
- please email me for any inquiries
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistryxariel/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/artistryxariel
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ87m7LDjRxZCszjLRG_NIA/featured
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@artistryxariel?_t=8WTloFj77Dq&_r=1
