Life & Work with Gracie Rupp

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracie Rupp.

Hi Gracie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hey, hey! I am the proud one woman show behind Old Bird Design Gang. I currently live and work remotely in Mexico, which I love. I am a Colorado native, and a big fan of 70’s floral patterns.

Tell us a little bit about how you got started?
Sure! I’ll make it short and sweet. I was a Montessori Preschool Teacher for 7 years, while also working with the developmentally disabled community, both which I adored. However, after having my daughter Ruby, I found myself exhausted and unable to spread myself so thin. A friend of mine had received a custom portrait as a wedding gift, and I said to myself, “Hey, I could do that!“ So I did! The first year I hand-colored each portrait, and I strategically gave them away for free. They were wildly terrible, but just cute enough to spark an interest. I went back to school where I almost finished a graphic design degree, (sorry @Suzie_garner, I promise I’ll finish it someday). There I was able to expand my skill set, and without that knowledge, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I also owe so much to the people who first supported me. A grand valley local videographer, @jamidavisfilms took a big chance on me, and that was a huge boost for my business. My baby daddy bought me my first computer, and I began to color them digitally, this allowed me to be much more efficient, as my style was growing and changing, and so was my client base. My Instagram community is incredible, and I count myself as v lucky to be a working artist. I was able to collaborate with several large Instagram influencers who also gave me great exposure. Shout out to @Kaillowry and @lindsiechrisley!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not. When you’re a single mom, in college, navigating life, the road is rough af. However, I think that if the road is too smooth, you don’t learn from the potholes. That was deep huh?

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 graphic designer and illustrator. I specialize and am best known for my custom portraits and illustrations. However, I love doing logos and branding. Getting creative is where I thrive. I am most proud of the safe space I have created within the Old Bird Design Gang. Families of all shapes and sizes are safe to celebrate and show their love no matter what that looks like. The diversity of my clientele is a testament to that.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Humility, resiliency, and the ability to not take yourself too seriously. I think for a lot of creatives it’s easy to get hung up on the idea of being unique or superior in your craft. When the truth is that nothing is original, it’s all been done, and everyone has to suck a little bit at first. I don’t focus on how cool my art is, or who’s possibly doing what I’m doing. I focus on staying true to my own personal style and serving the community, and clients I have right in front of me. If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Now, get out your phone, and head over to my instagram, I would absolutely love to have you in my Old Bird Design Gang Gang! See you there.

Contact Info:

• Email: oldbirdesign@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldbirddesigngang/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldbirddesign

Image Credits
Jaque Waite Photography
Old Bird Design Gang