An Inspired Chat with Chase Granberry of Cleveland

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chase Granberry. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Chase, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I’ve been playing a lot more video games lately. I spend a couple of hours after work playing a few different games, and I try to make it a point to play every day as a way to decompress a little. Other than that, I enjoy taking care of my pet and my bonsai tree, that I water almost daily. I’m also getting ready to set up an iwagumi-style fish tank.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Otherwise known as Chxsen on the internet, I created this brand called CODED that makes a harmonious connection between life, death, and above all else —time. Through multimedia art applications, all of these concepts are brought to life originating from paper and canvas and translated onto the viewer’s screen.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Since childhood, I’ve often moved between my mom’s and dad’s houses. On weekends, I would alternate between their homes. I was a sad kid, honestly, but I hid it well. From the outside, you would have never known since I tended to smile and joke around a lot. My friends thought I was happy. I had a lot of stuff to keep me preoccupied, like video games, music, football, and staying up late at night to draw and watch cartoons. My grandma taught me how to cook and we had a lot of different conversations about life while my mom was flying high in the sky during her tenure as a flight attendant. But, those late nights, I couldn’t help but fall into the abyss. Ignorance truly is blissful.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Definitely. 2 years ago, I felt like I hit rock bottom. I lost many friends, spent the entire year job searching, and ultimately felt like a failure. However, on the bright side, I achieved my goal of a healthier lifestyle. I was also able to draw every single day to perfect my craft and in hindsight sight, I got to see a lot of improvements in my style.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I’ve never been one to fake my personality, but there are times when I subtly enhance certain aspects of it, which I view as simply amplifying my true self. Overall, I’m quite down-to-earth and relaxed type of person.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope they reminisce about the good times and celebrate life. Assuming it won’t be that many people, I hope they can find stories to share about me that still makes them smile. I always felt like nobody truly cared if I was here or not, so just knowing they would talk about me would be satisfying at least for my soul’s sake.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Coded.Studio
• Instagram: @chxsen.11 | @coded.studio
• Twitter: @chxsen.11
• Youtube: @chxsen.11