We had the good fortune of connecting with Rae Fort and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rae, why did you pursue a creative career?
Art is something that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Coming from a family heavily invested in the arts, it was a part of me that I had been encouraged to express from a very young age. Something I’ve always loved about art is how it gives one the ability to share immense stories through a single picture. I had always been captivated by artists who were able to establish such detail in tone and setting through their work, and this later became a driving force in my growth as an artist and the impressions I wanted my own work to give to others. My aspirations in art are to tell stories through various forms of media. My favorite part of the work that I do is world building and character development and design. I find myself becoming fully immersed in the worlds that I am creating, and the joy I get when I am able to share these worlds to others through my art is immense. I want to share my stories with people and inspire them just as I have been by the artists I look up to.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work is heavily inspired by a combination of various horror artists and Gothic paintings. I especially love art with detailed and graphic lines, which has influenced the way I draw now. I currently run an online store where I sell various kinds of merch such as prints, charms, and stickers, and I have recently started participating in Artist Alleys at conventions. I hope to expand my store into making zines, art books, and apparel, and continue working on my comic projects. I am just starting my journey into professionalism and still have much to learn, but I would not have half of the knowledge I’ve obtained if not for the incredibly helpful online art community. My journey through art has shown me how important community is and how opportunities present themselves to you the more involved you make yourself. No matter what field you are in, it’s important to interact and connect with your community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I personally frequent the El Gato Cat Cafe and always have a great time there! I also enjoy hopping the many art galleries here and could easily make a whole day out of it.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my family for being so supportive in my aspirations, as well as my friends and fellow artist peers for encouraging me along the way through my growth in my identity as an artist.

Website: doraemae.bigcartel.com
Instagram: instagram.com/doraemae
Twitter: twitter.com/do_raemae
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5PKLY5qeyOP9rjvo2SjhVA