Meet Ryan Clark: Fashion Illustrator & Designer

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

Hi Ryan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
“I was born into a pretty creative yet very hard working family. We all excelled in sports, music, art, yet school & studies were always number 1. Once I gained confidence in art and grasps onto the fact that it could be a career; I began learning that my passions & my purpose were aligning on this world. I pursued art because at a young age it was my therapy. Being creative is just my DNA; whatever job I take on I hope to add an artistic touch to it!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The Pandemic has shown a lot of us that ART IS THERAPY. My brand, Saint Declan, began as a form of therapy. I began my journey stenciling art and logos onto my clothes because I couldn’t afford name brand as a child. I knew I wanted to open a shop some day that could print my art, my creations, my brain, at a reasonable price in a world where street art & fashion could meet.

Majority of my challenges were wrapped around my lack of confidence in my art. I used art as a child to escape from reality, so most of my early work was never seen. But, as I grew into my teens, then went to off to art school, I learned that the road is always harder when you fight growth. I grew in my understanding of self love. I grew in confidence. I took my favorite things about myself, blended them with my favorite colors & never looked back.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
L.A. has the best of it all. I would make sure during a trip my buddy got to experience the variety Los Angeles has to offer. Im a big foodie so I would take them to downtown to Little Tokyo, Grand Central Market, Flower Market, jump on the Metro and hit Santa Monica beach then coast down to Venice & check out the street artist. I love supporting local so we have to get some hot chicken, korean bbq, street tacos, pho every night for dinner. Food trucks & breweries are my favorite night time combo so I would take them to Common Space Brewery for a few craft beers and games, maybe take a 4 pack to the beach and enjoy the cali summer breeze : ) Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to lift up and humbly thank Black Culture, specifically Queer Black People for molding & impacting my point of view as an activist and an artist. I began making art as a child to tell my stories, my pains, my emotions. But, this past year has taught us all that we must stand for those who cannot, and carry those we love when they cant find the strength to carry on. My life story would not have its outcome without their strength.

I take much pride in my work as an artist when I am able to use it to create change, fight injustice & highlight those who deserve praise. But I cannot say I stand here on equal grounds. I am privileged to have a platform and I aim to use it to help the lives of those who have been silenced.

Website: https://saintdeclan.com/

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