Meet Quincy Ray | Illustrator & LIve Portrait Artist

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

Hi Quincy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I knew I had something to offer the world that was unique. Painting Live portraits in my style is something I have never seen before.

Previously I worked in Licensing as a Character artist for companies Like Disney Funko and FOX.
There were many challenges making the transition from a full-time corporate job to working for myself, but I felt I would make a serious impact once the world could see what I can do.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a painter I offer a live painting that is done with ink and Paint on premium paper. My portraits are different from the usual caricatures, the look resembles pop art or a fashion illustration that you can take home and frame.

Each painting takes 5-7 minutes depending on the number of people that need to be drawn at any event.

Iv been hired for celebrity weddings corporate functions and trade shows my client list includes Google Pinterest Disney Mercedes and Burbanks own Yes Baby Vintage.

I love it when I am hired by a client that coordinates an elegant or eccentric environment. It feels great to paint in that setting and the people really appreciate it and feel they are part of a unique experience.

One of my most. proudest moments was traveling to Japan and Presenting a life sized painting to a business owner in Osaka and painting all of his guests and clients.

I have a number of challenges as a Live Pop Art Painter!

One of my challenges is that there are no other artist that do what I do. I’m in my own lane and being in your own lane could sometime make you less visible.
Most people are familiar with caricature artist and have not heard of a Live Pop Art Painter.
I sometimes have to advertise in the same spaces as caricature artist. But Im really more suited for upscale events that cater to an eccentric audience. So when a client is looking for a caricature artist they’re not prepared to hire a fine artist, because they never knew I existed. I’m usually a surprise unless a client is already looking to create a unique event with a live painter.

Also my supplies are expensive , I have to use a thicker archival paper that can hold paint. The Acrylic paint and Ink is also very expensive and I always package the paintings in cellophane bags.

I have been lucky to work with plenty of unique and creative clients, in Los Angeles I want to continue to grow in that space and collaborate with other artist.

One of my greatest lessons learned is it’s not always about the money. I do want to set myself aside from a traditional caricature artist and keep a standard of high scale art, by charging a price that I feel I deserve for what I offer, but sometimes just getting in front of the right audience is just as important, I balance that with not letting myself get taken advantage of so I don’t work for free just to get exposure, but I don’t mind negotiating my price if it’s equally beneficial for both parties involved.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If anyone is visiting LA and I had to show them a good time they usually want to see things I’m not interested in. I guess I’m just happier by myself. Let’s just say I came to LA to visit myself I would take myself to some pretty cool places and we would have a great time!

First we would go to the LA ZOO at 10:AM sharp before its too crowded and draw a few animals.

Next go to Roma Market and grab a hand made sandwich from the sandwich man himself
Rosario Mazzeo.

I love vintage shopping so I would hit up Soft Humans Vintage Store in Highland Park and
Yesbaby Vintage in Burbank.

Grab a drink at Lost Property Bar in Hollywood its a small hidden spot with cool decor.
or
The Georgian Hotel Bar in Santa Monica.

I also would love to have Dinner or drinks and hors d oeuvres
At Harlowe in West Hollywood one of my favorite places since that is where I met my Wife.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Like I said previously, There were many challenges making the transition from a full-time corporate job to working for myself.

I was lucky to be friends with an artist that hustled and worked independently since we were in college. He showed me how he got clients shipped his products and shared his philosophy on everything from painting techniques approaching art projects, fine art sales and organizing his workshop. Every time I step into my studio I think of him and how he helped and influenced me.

Shoutout Keron Grant an amazing Artist!
kerongrant.net

Website: https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/QuincySuttonLiveEventDrawing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quincysportraits/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/q7design/

Other: https://www.quincysutton.com/ https://www.instagram.com/quincyray_/ https://www.illustrationx.com/artists/QuincySutton