We recently had the chance to connect with Destin Cramer and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Destin, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely, I personally prefer someone who I can relate to on a personal level, and who is friendly and down to earth but still delivers a professional level of work. I also believe that I’m incredibly driven, especially due to the obstacles I’ve had to face as a nonbinary individual with disabilities. I had to work extra hard to make a name for myself and make my work known, while simultaneously working harder than others due to my disability in order to make ends meet. It was and still can be a struggle, but the fact that I made it work is testimony to my work ethic and ability to find creative solutions to challenges.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a full time artist and creative specializing in acrylic and oil painting, digital illustration, and am currently branching into making handmade products like crochet purses and clothing. I have a unique story in that I utilize my artistic voice to speak up and raise awareness for humanitarian issues that have affected me throughout my life, from mental illness and addiction, to homelessness and PTSD, I use my art to voice my experiences, but also to bring hope and healing to those who can relate to my personal life experiences.
My landscapes hold a special place in my heart as they symbolize the unique healing that nature can give us, and remind me to always remember the importance that the natural world has on us mentally, physically, and spiritually.
My illustrations are more about my personal experiences with trauma, but I also draw and create stickers of things that bring me joy and hopefully will bring others joy and inspiration as well.
Ive also been branching back into political activism in my art, as it’s a stressful time under our current administration for individuals like me. I worry about my friends, family, community, and my own future because of the changes that are being made, and the political charge throughout the country. It is a scary time, but art is a way to process that, document it, and raise awareness and unity, by voicing what may be censored otherwise.
I have always been an activist for the transgender and queer community, but I am now utilizing my artistic platform to promote fundraising for those who need it most, like refugees in Gaza, trans and nonbinary individuals without health care, immigrants that have been wrongly targeted, and more.
I believe that art has the ability to bring people together and to educate those who may not have access to traditional, expensive, education that has also whitewashed the experiences of minorities. Art can teach people empathy, compassion, and understanding, where words may fail.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
As a child I was raised to be a “good christian girl,” and those around me were telling me that I had to want to get married and raise children, and that my career and my wants should be put aside to please my husband. This is something i vehemently oppose to this day, and I rebelled throughout my teen years (sorry mom and dad, lol,) but I eventually found myself and became comfortable in my identity. I discovered that I’m nonbinary and very not straight, and while my church didn’t agree with it, i found a chosen family that accepted me for who I am. I am currently engaged to my best friend in the world, and she’s the best thing thats ever happened to me and my parents are supportive. I no longer consider myself a christian, but I did learn a lot from my childhood understanding of spirituality and found my own path that prioritizes loving everyone but also loving and respecting myself.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
When I was with my ex fiancé, I felt trapped and exhausted. I was being hurt what felt like daily, and was unable to leave for a long time. I was seriously depressed and was unable to keep up with my business after I eventually left him and my shop closed for a while. I felt so hopeless but I kept working on my artwork and eventually was able to reopen my shop and have an even better business afterwards. I am now selling commissions, original paintings, and prints of my artwork online through multiple different platforms and I never would have dreamed it was possible for me to do my art business full time, but that’s my entire life now, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I believe my friends would say that most important to me is honesty and respect, but also showing kindness and compassion. I am loyal to my friends and value having a close family like relationship with them. I dont have a large circle of friends, but I do have a few amazing close friends that I wouldn’t be able to live without. They have saved my life a few times, and support me endlessly- even when I perhaps don’t necessarily deserve it.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m working on a painting on my balcony at home, and I have all my paint surrounding me with my headphones blasting my favorite playlist. That’s me in my truest form, in my natural habitat.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://destincramer.carrd.co
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/destincramerdesigns
