Meet Braeden Raymer | Illustrator

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

Hi Braeden, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a career in illustration because it is the thing that makes me feel most fulfilled. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always felt most myself when I’m creating something. I look back on things I drew as a child with the same pride I feel toward my current work. When I look back on my art, it serves as a physical representation of the development of my skills. I can look back on pieces I was proud of at the time, and while they may not hold up to my current standards, I can still appreciate whatever I had discovered in that piece (maybe a new technique, a new way of stylizing something, a new theme, etc.). I’ve been told a hundred times from other artists not to tie my own self-worth into my work, but its a difficult thing to do. Each finished image is a part of myself in some way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my college education in fine arts, but I began to realize I wasn’t enjoying the work I was making. I wasn’t interested in making art for galleries, I wanted to work more commercially on things like posters, book covers, or editorial imagery. When I began to pursue illustration as a grad student, I felt much more comfortable and supported by my instructors and peers.

Recently, I received the privilege of having an illustration accepted into the Society of Illustrators’ annual publication and exhibition in New York City, a high honor in the field of illustration. This was a long-term goal I had set for myself, never would I have expected to reach this milestone during my time as a grad student. Seeing my work hanging in the exhibition, alongside some of the best illustrators in the field, artists I look up to, was an incredibly proud moment for me. It’s encouraged me to push myself and continue to improve.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family deserves the majority of my thanks for supporting me in my career choice. I have never once been told by anyone in my family that I should pursue something with more stability. Even if it never works out for me, I’m thankful that I only ever received confidence in my success and encouragement to keep pursuing my passions.

Website: braedenraymer.com

Instagram: braedenraymer

Youtube: https://bit.ly/3JAVUtC

Other: braedenraymer@gmail.com