Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Dawn Brewer.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My art journey has been an incredible ride filled with passion and creativity that has shaped my entire life! From the moment I helped create a Christmas mural in second grade to designing magnificent sets for plays and drawing breathtaking murals in high school, art has always been my calling. Growing up in the beautiful Appalachia, specifically Hocking Hills, I was surrounded by nature’s wonders, but opportunities to pursue a career as an artist seemed limited to my family. That’s why I initially pursued a college education in teaching at Ohio University, as it offered a stable career path in my hometown. However, fate had something else in store for me.
When computers took the world by storm in the ’90s, I couldn’t resist their allure, leading me to switch gears and study Information Systems. I proudly graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and a Master’s in Information and Telecommunication Systems. Little did I know that this change would allow me to combine my love for creativity and technology in unimaginable ways! Today, I get to channel my artistic talents into creating and managing websites, crafting captivating graphics, and exploring various digital media platforms. It’s like a dream come true!
While my professional journey soared, my personal life was filled with joy as well. I proudly raised three incredible daughters, each showcasing their own unique creative flair. I couldn’t be prouder that they also chose to attend Ohio University, carrying on the tradition! And now, the creative torch has been passed down to our grandchildren, who share our love for art. Witnessing their blossoming creativity fills my heart with sheer delight.
Having a strong support system is paramount for any artist, and I am incredibly blessed to have my husband, Bryan, by my side. We’ve known each other since we were just twelve years old, and even back then, we shared the same art class in high school! Not only is Bryan an artist in his own right, but he also served as an Air Force Master Sergeant for an impressive 22 years before retiring. Together, we form a blended family, and I am grateful for the three wonderful boys who became part of my life. They’ve inherited their father’s artistic talents and, combined with our six children; we now have a total of five cherished grandchildren.
In 2019, I stumbled upon Augmented Reality, and it sparked a whole new level of excitement in my artistic journey. With Bryan’s invaluable support, we painted the very first Augmented Reality mural in Stark County, right at Belden Village Mall. It was a groundbreaking collaboration with Artivive, an app based in Austria, available for free to anyone in the world. The beauty of this technology is that it brings my art to life! With just a mobile device and the Artivive app, viewers can experience the magic by simply pointing their camera at my artwork. It’s mesmerizing! You can even try it with a photo of me standing proudly in front of that very mural. I absolutely adore how this technology allows me to blend my passion for art and tech, and I relish the opportunity to teach others how to embrace this wonderful fusion. Supporting my community is incredibly important to me, so I actively promote and uplift fellow artists and local businesses. Together, we create a vibrant artistic ecosystem that brings joy and inspiration to all.
I am truly thrilled to be on this incredible art journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next. The possibilities are endless, and with the love and support of my family, the sky’s the limit. Let’s continue to spread creativity and make the world a more colorful place, one brushstroke at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Challenges and lessons have truly been the guiding lights of my artistic journey. They are the fuel that ignites growth and development, and honestly, who wants to travel down a smooth road all the time? It would be downright dull! I thrive on the excitement of trying out new materials, experimenting with fresh methods, and diving headfirst into unexplored opportunities. Let me tell you, the first time I had to work on a mural using a lift was an absolute nail-biter for me. You see, I have this fear of heights that turns my palms into mini–Niagara Falls! Thankfully, my amazing husband, Bryan, came to the rescue and braved the heights to tape off the towering 16-foot mark. Even reminiscing about it now gets my heart racing!
Over time, I managed to acclimate myself to the lift, but boy, was it a colossal challenge for me.
Just like any artist trying to make their mark in this world, I face the same struggles that keep us all on our toes. Imposter syndrome? Oh, you bet! Marketing oneself? It’s a constant learning curve. Confidence in your own style? It takes time and self-discovery. Finding your tribe, your people who resonate with your work? It’s a journey of connection. And let’s not forget the eternal quest of competitively pricing your artwork. These are the hurdles I confront, and I tackle them head-on.
One valuable lesson I’ve learned is the art of diversifying my work. I’ve discovered that failures and setbacks can be transformed into fresh opportunities. For instance, when my submission for a local mural project didn’t make the cut, I refused to let disappointment overshadow my creativity. Instead, I embraced the design I had created and decided to transform it into products. And you know what? People absolutely loved it! Not only that, but the very location that initially rejected my mural now sells those very products. You can catch a glimpse of that artwork on the bag in the images accompanying this story! I couldn’t be more thrilled that the Visit Canton Welcome Center now carries those items at their Hall of Fame Village storefront. It’s a testament to the fact that setbacks should never derail your dreams. Take a deep breath, keep pushing forward, and let your passion guide you. And guess what? You’re never too old to learn a new skill or immerse yourself in fresh knowledge. Education is a lifelong adventure, and it’s never too late to embark on a new chapter.
So, embrace the challenges, savor the lessons, and always remember to keep moving forward. The path may not always be smooth, but it’s in those twists and turns that we discover the true essence of our artistic souls. Don’t let anything hold you back, because there’s a world of creativity waiting to be explored, and you’re destined for incredible things!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and crafter! My artistic repertoire knows no bounds, as I embrace various methods and techniques to bring my imagination to life on a daily basis. One of my go-to practices is digital drawing, and I can’t express enough how much I adore using my iPad and the incredible Procreate app. It’s become a delightful routine for me to create surface pattern designs, quirky characters, and captivating portraits before I dive into my workday. I find immense joy in drawing animals, nature, and people—those subjects truly ignite my artistic passion. Now, let’s talk animation!
Frame-by-frame animation is my jam, even though there are faster tools available for auto-animation. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking traditional pieces, importing them into my programs, deconstructing them, and making them come to life. It’s like breathing fresh energy into classic art. I often collaborate on community projects with fellow artists, and animating their stunning creations brings me an immense sense of fun and fulfillment. I’m always eager to explore even more collaborative opportunities with other artists because there’s nothing quite like the magic that arises from creative minds joining forces.
And let’s not forget the magic of Augmented Reality (AR)! AR brings a whole new level of engagement to art, captivating viewers and creating a bridge between youth and the wonderful world of creativity. It’s truly incredible to witness the connection it sparks. I must admit, it tickles me that here I am, a grandma, diving headfirst into this delightful realm of techie-fun art! Oh, the wonders of the digital age!
I’ve had the incredible privilege of illustrating book covers, and let me tell you, it’s been an absolute dream come true! But that’s not all—I also took on the challenge of writing an AR book titled “One Wacky Week,” which you can find on Amazon. This project was a massive learning experience, and I can hardly contain my excitement for the next one I’ll create!
Last year, I had the honor of designing the cover for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Balloon Classic program. It was fully AR! Even the matching t-shirt offered alongside the program came to life with augmented reality. The possibilities of infusing AR into various products truly thrill me, and it’s become somewhat of a trademark in Stark County. Speaking of which, I take immense pride in the canvases I’ve crafted and auctioned off to support our local food pantry, Stark Hunger Task Force. It warms my heart to know that my art can make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
During the pandemic, I participated in a call for crafts by NBC’s show “Making It!” And guess what? My mobile made from socks was chosen as the winner by none other than Nick Offerman and Amy Poehler themselves! Thanks to that incredible win, Stark Hunger Task Force received a generous $1,000. I still can’t believe it—it was an absolutely surreal experience!
Supporting fellow artists and fostering a community of encouragement is something I hold dear. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of creativity and the profound impact it can have. While I may not be alone in this sentiment, I possess the skills and knowledge to help fellow artists take their work to new heights. It’s a small touch of uniqueness that sets me apart and allows me to contribute to the thriving artistic tapestry.
Let’s celebrate the boundless wonders of creativity together. Whether through digital art, animation, AR, or any other medium, let’s support and uplift each other as we share our artistic visions with the world. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to witness the magic we’ll create!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
One of my most cherished qualities is my innate ability to think quickly and creatively. While I work in marketing for my 9-5 job, which may not be considered a traditionally creative industry, I infuse creativity into every aspect of my work. Managing websites, orchestrating social media strategies, developing podcasts, and crafting captivating animations and videos are just a few of the ways I exercise my creative muscles. But here’s the secret: I don’t stop there.
My curiosity knows no bounds!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.tracydawnbrewer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brewtifully
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brewtifully
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracydbrewer
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tracydb70
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@TracyDawnBrewerOH
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gettingsmallwgrandma
