She's Elegance, She's Grace
It's truly a craft to develop a style that is both effortless yet composed, but illustrator and videographer Grace Mazh has managed to accomplish that feat across art forms through her YouTube and drawings. There is nothing normal and everything extraordinary about Grace's eclectic style which manifests itself into videos inspired by Greek Goddesses and drawings that look like they accompany a stories about distant, magical worlds. Grace has otherwordly and ethereal qualities that match her (for lack of a better word) cool style that French girls dream they had.Ā I had the pleasure of delving into Grace's creative process which embodies the notion that art can arise from any source organically. Individuals as dynamic as Grace perpetuate the concept that art should never be stagnant. With her constantly evolving yet consistently chic style, Grace's content is always engaging to view. Keep reading to learn more about Grace's art and style!
Can you please briefly describe all the different art mediums you work with:
I make videos, and I draw with pens (mostly).
Ā
Your illustrations are absolutely beguiling! Where do you find inspiration for their ethereal yet psychedelic content?
Aw thank you! I think I'm just really in love with nature, magical creatures and stories. I would say mythology is my main inspiration, especially nymphs.
Do you think social media is to the benefit of society or do you think it imposes an archetype for how we should all be?
It's so funny that you're asking me this, because I've been thinking about social media a lot, lately. Don't get me wrong, social media is an amazing tool, it gives us the opportunity to share our work, connect with people, make contacts, and so on. But as a creative person, it can also be really oppressive. Especially if you're someone who doesn't have much self esteem [...]Ā The reason being, you're constantly seeing talented people growing, getting better, already knowing who they are, what their art style is, and so on. You start doubting yourself because you're not growing, not finding your own path. There's so much talent, so much inspiration, and you get lost in it, you can't come up with something original, something that feels yours and that makes you happy. I've been thinking about taking a break from social media, but we'll see [...]Ā I think we all need to find a balance with it.
How would you compare and contrast your approach in creating YouTube videos versus drawings?
I would say what they have in common is the aesthetic. I love nature, and pinkish tones, and I think you can tell with both my videos and drawings. While with my drawings the approach is to always get inspired by something, and then create, with my videosĀ it varies every time. The times I enjoy filming the most are spontaneous times.Ā When I'm filming the world I completely forget myself and the things that bother me. I feel like a kid, I feel curious. My eyes are never resting, always in search of little details and beauty to capture. I no longer care about people judging me, I don't even notice them. It's just me and my camera, walking down the streets. It is an escape, just like sleeping or reading or watching a movie. It is wonderful.
And do you have a favorite type of art to create?
I think it's everchanging. Right now I like to use black paint, which I NEVER enjoyed until now. I like the fact that it's so unpredictable and freeing. I don't have to be so perfect and careful with it like I am with pens.
How did you find your vision amidst a vast internet full of aspiring content creators?
As I said previously in the social media answer, I don't think I've found my vision yet, but I'll keep working on it!
Often it appears as if your YouTube videos tell stories. How do you go about planning and creating them? Do you have a routine or is your creative process spontaneous?
I would say it's spontaneous. I'm not one to write down a script or plan out all the different shots, which is probably not the best way to go about it.Ā I've been quite inconsistent lately!
What do you think influences your style? Do you look up to certain individuals or do you gather inspiration from the world around you?
It's definitely both, I follow lots of talented artists and it's hard not to love and get inspired by them. I want to break free from that a bit, and just take inspiration from the world, especially if i'm traveling.Ā It's hard to be inspired in your home town, so most of the time I just take inspiration from pictures on the web. [...]Ā Not always though. Yesterday I was really inspired by the illustration of a pepper on a chilli powder packaging! Sometimes inspiration can be found in the weirdest of places hahah.
What are your wardrobe staples?
Ā high waisted skinny jeans, classic Vans sneakers, and a faux fur coat!
If your style were a place in the world where would it be?
Ahhh I really don't know. I think people in London are so funky and cool, I'd like to fit in there :P
We've been coveting the calendar and prints you designed! Do you have any other plans of expanding your brand?
Maybe! if it becomes more successful in the future I'd like to design some tote bags :)
Grace's socials: YT: primgrace Instagram: gracemazhĀ Store: gracemazh.bigcartel.com
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