Meet Erin Miller Wray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Miller Wray.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up outside of Memphis, TN, which definitely influenced my love of color and authenticity in art. After earning a degree in Interior Design from the University of Tennessee, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. My first six years in LA, I was writing, performing and producing comedy with my sketch group. I also co-founded the all-female comedy festival, Funny Women Fest, which opened up a whole new world of creative production for me. Over time, my interest began to shift from performing to art direction and brand engagement. Through working on film, TV and live productions, I found my artistry after merging with my love of producing with creating original artwork.

I now specialize in hand painted visual branding. I partner directly with clients to develop artwork and murals for branded content, commercial use, outdoor advertisement, social media installations and public art. From concept and design development to prep and installation, my team and I create one-of-a-kind hand painted designs for clientele looking to create alternative forms of artwork for public engagement and commercial use.

Please tell us about your art.
I create art with the intent to make people feel. Whether it is for a commercial production or public display, I hope that my art gives people a moment to pause and feel the effects of a large painted piece. I love that my work can be touched and used and felt and sometimes even walked on. This is how I want my designs to live – to be experienced through first hand connection.

I am immensely inspired by the emotional effects of hand painted art through detail and scale. I practice the belief that in art and in life, imperfect is perfect. This is art that draws people in and gives viewers an attachment to the design – making murals and hand painted pieces a powerful way to reach people.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
I think a big challenge facing artists today is the need to feel accomplished on social media. While digital platforms are an incredible way to share art and connect with others (I have social media to thank for so much of the success of my business!), I think we have to be intentional about maintaining a healthy balance of social media use in our lives and our creative careers. When we set our standard of success to be one that is defined by followers or likes, we miss out on so many other ways we can reach our fullest potential as artists.

I hear a lot of creatives today saying he or she feels behind or “it’s already been done” because of the content that is constantly flooding into our feeds. If we can minimize this fear of being too late to the game or this belief that my voice doesn’t matter, we can contribute authentic content back into our feeds – allowing us to breathe some encouragement back into ourselves as creatives and humans. I have found that I don’t perform my best and I get lost in self-doubt when I am trying to create quick content or artwork to please followers. Instead, I practice using my socials as a platform to learn about what people are talking about, what others are creating and experiencing, what people are responding to within my feed and engaging with communities and stories that I might not have direct access to. It’s a tool to learn and expand my thinking so I can find inspiration in my art and be informed on how I can continue to grow my business.

I am constantly reminding myself that my career and (ESPECIALLY) my worth is not defined by how well my most recent post performs. My artwork does not lose value or purpose if I only get 100 likes on my newest design. Posting on social media is a vulnerable thing for creatives. You are putting something out there that means something to you. You put effort into it. You are giving it new life by showing it to others. That can be scary and criticism can come quick. So when our measure of success is how well that post of that thing I worked really hard did, then we are missing the point. I create not for approval or additional followers, I create to express something new from within and hope that someone connects with that expression. I am whole and my work is enough with or without the approval of others.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have murals in cities all over the country! You might even have seen some of my designs in commercials or print ads. My most recent mural was just installed on a basketball court in Lomita, CA at Harbor Hills Housing. I would definitely go check that one out!

I am always looking for new projects to take on –  the more out of the box, the better! Right now, I am on a mission to do more projects that help bridge the gap between art and athletics. Similar to the basketball court design, I’m eagerly looking to partner with organizations or brands that want to see more original art in conjunction with athletics.  I am also always eager to collaborate with brands and business looking to engage with audiences through original murals and artwork installations. I would love to put a permanent mural up in Los Angeles! Let’s make something beautiful together!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ErinMillerWray.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @erinmillerwray
• Facebook: @erinmwray

Image Credit:
Heirlume Photography
Valerie Noell

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