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Pronouns: They/He
Location: The Bronx, NYC
Website: https://www.ggggrimes.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ggggrimes/?hl=en

Theodoor Gabriella Grimes is a Black trans digital artist known for his vibrant illustrations that center the queer experience under the moniker ggggrimes. Based in the Bronx, Theodoor is entirely self-taught. ggggrimes’ work is known not only for its dedication to uplifting queer people but also for its brilliantly colorful, lush, and peaceful depictions of queer life. 

Theodoor often describes his work as a portrayal of queer people of color living happy, beautiful, and sexy lives: highlighting joyous and free worlds that every queer deserves. Theodoor’s illustrations are full of incredible detail and texture: tattoos, body hair, surgery scars, blushes, and seemingly endless patterns. Inspired by graphic novels and manga, his portfolio boasts many comics with diverse characters and subject matter.

Inspirational Journey: Can you share a pivotal moment in your journey as a queer artist that significantly influenced your career path and creative expression?

On my 23rd birthday in 2018, my older brother gifted me my first digital tablet. This enormous Huion tablet has since broken and been replaced by a Wacom. Until then, I’d only worked with watercolors, acrylic, and ink. I’d take photos and upload them to my laptop, editing out shadows and digitizing paintings with just my trackpad. Getting a tablet completely changed my connection to my artwork.

Suddenly, creating was far more accessible. Even when I didn’t have money to buy new supplies, I could paint. My hands have always been a bit shaky, and suddenly, I could draw lines and fill in colors without my hand twitching and creating a huge mess. I started painting on my laptop at all hours of the day, staying up well into the night to finish pieces on my clunky tablet. I became a better and more confident artist by my own standards. I could post pieces on my Instagram feed as soon as I finished them. So many new doors opened for me when I fell in love with digital art. Now, I use Procreate on an iPad my lover gifted me in 2022, and my journey with it has been equally beautiful and liberating.

Creative Process and Identity: How does your queer identity influence your creative process and the themes of your work? Are there specific stories you aim to tell through your art?

My queer identity entirely influences my artwork. I exclusively paint queer people, and for non-commissioned work, exclusively queer people of color. I didn’t feel safe for most of my life for various reasons, including my queerness. As a result, safety is a huge theme in my work; you’ll often see people safely in their homes, leisurely, joyous, and with loved ones. You’ll also see bold expressions of sexuality without judgment.

Tentacles, group sex, body horror–I’ve done it all, and I have so much more I want to explore! I can’t separate fetish from queerness, nor would I even want to! I want my artwork to convey that you are allowed to be yourself no matter how weird or normal you are by society’s standards. I’m a freak to some, and I’m a prude to others, but however I’m viewed, I’m happy with myself and the work I do. I’m not ashamed and don’t want my audience to feel embarrassed when they take in my artwork. I think there’s more than enough shame in the world already. My work is for acceptance.

Challenges and Triumphs: What unique challenges have you faced in the creative industry as a queer artist, and how have you navigated them to build a successful career?

I’ve faced a fair amount of disrespect from clients. Transphobic feedback, demonization of sexuality in spaces that were supposed to uplift sexuality, racism, and a lack of value for my work. I learned early on in my career to make things clear to people and state my boundaries. I’ve learned how to talk about the disrespect I’m experiencing, which can make it uncomfortable for everyone involved. Being okay with getting uncomfortable has saved me from crossing my boundaries as an artist and letting others cross my boundaries, too. 

“No, I won’t paint cultural symbols or experiences that I don’t feel I have the right to.” 

“I’ll accept this feedback, but the way it’s been stated is transphobic; I advise that you don’t approach a trans artist with this language in the future.”

“I would love to take part in this project, but the budget is low for the deliverables. Is there room for negotiation?”

The biggest tools to my success have been communication and knowing my worth.

Advice for Emerging Queer Creatives: What advice would you give to emerging queer artists trying to make their mark in the creative industry or thinking about freelancing?

Stay true to what you know. Interrogate your intentions. Your audience will see the difference between work that comes from your soul and lived experiences vs. work that is your soul pretending to be someone else entirely. You’re unique enough; your life story is yours alone.

Fuck, Marry, Fear = Cher, Diana Ross, and Dolly Parton

This is based entirely on their birth charts:

Fuck Diana Ross because she’s for sure going to be a passionate but gentle lover. Scorpio rising, Venus in Pisces, Moon in Taurus, Sun and Mercury in Aries? There’s no way my life won’t be changed after that hookup. 

Marry Dolly Parton because I need a gorgeous career and fun-focused Capricorn Sun and Virgo Moon to tell me what to do (yes, my long-term partner/lover has these placements). Our relationship would stand the test of time, and our home would be gorgeous.

Fear Cher. We both have a Taurus Sun and Mercury, and a Leo Mars, but her moon in Capricorn terrifies me.

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Work-life balance tip of the week ✏️

Don't hesitate to reach out to your community for support, be it for emotional encouragement or practical assistance with your projects. Collaborating with fellow queer artists or delegating tasks can help manage workload, offer new perspectives, and strengthen community ties. Remember, seeking help is a strength, not a weakness, allowing you more space to enjoy your work and personal life. For this week's exercise, grab a pen and paper and jot down two individuals you view as pillars of your community.

Article of the week

Community as a Catalyst for Growth

Queer artists stand out through their vibrant and genuine artistry, profoundly connecting with audiences. The cornerstone of their growth lies in the dynamic power of our community, a space that offers much more than companionship—it's a launchpad for development, knowledge exchange, and a sense of belonging. Here are actionable steps you can take to engage further and embrace your community:

1. Showcase Your Identity: Proudly incorporate your unique experiences and identity into your work, using platforms like exhibitions and social media to share your story and challenge stereotypes.

2. Connect and Collaborate: Actively seek collaborations with fellow queer artists or allies. Joint projects can offer new insights, expand your audience, and foster professional growth.

3. Participate in Community Events: Whether it's exhibitions, performances, or online forums, getting involved helps boost visibility and opens doors to new opportunities.

4. Seek Mentorship: Find mentors within the queer artistic community who can offer guidance, support, and valuable industry insights.

5. Contribute to the Narrative: Use your art to contribute to the broader narrative around queerness in society, advocating for inclusivity and understanding.

6. Celebrate and Support Others: Attend other queer artists’ shows, share their work on your platforms, and offer support. Community strength lies in mutual upliftment.

By embracing these steps, you can harness the strength of your community and enhance your creative journey and professional development. This engagement not only enriches your practice but also amplifies the cultural impact of queer artistry, paving the way for a future where every queer artist's contribution is acknowledged and celebrated for its unique influence.

Empowering quote of the week 💪🏾

Resource of the week

While not exclusively queer-focused, Res Artis is a worldwide network of artist residencies that offers various opportunities for artists of all identities, including queer artists. This platform can be a valuable resource for finding residencies that support and celebrate LGBTQI artists, offering spaces for creative development in supportive environments.

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