Outdoor Graphic Designer & Illustrator, Rachel Jung
Introduce yourself to our audience. What's your story? How did you get started?
My name is Rachel, and I am a graphic designer and illustrator, adventure addict, dog mom, and the face behind Rayco Design. While I am originally from San Diego, CA, I have lived outside of New Orleans, Louisiana, for the past five years along with my husband and two dogs. We love the South, but we are so excited to be moving this year to Red Rock, Utah.
As a child, I would constantly feed my creative side through drawing, living in my imaginary world, and immersing myself in nature. However, this pastime turned into a passion after college, when I started Rayco Design.
During high school and college, I struggled to find my style, my niche, and what I enjoyed creating. Although it felt forced, I pursued the field of art because nothing else called to me. Once I decided to follow this business and, in the process, discovered my style, art felt pure and beautiful again.
When I took the leap to go full-time in self-employment three years ago, it stretched and broke me down in ways I was not prepared for, but the reward was far greater. As my company grew beyond my belief, so did I. This past year, my little design business has turned into something more powerful; a way to show the world the outdoors through my lens and voice to make an impact, show positivity, and encourage others on this journey. I can’t wait to see where it continues to take me.
What are your favorite tools to use when you create your digital art?
I recently transitioned to the iPad for digital art which has been a real game-changer. It has developed both my drawing style and my confidence. However, the greatest tool for me is purely natural... the outdoors. Creating in the outdoors is a tool that I will always run back to. It fuels my creativity to the max.
Who are some of your favorite artists at the moment?
I have so many favorite artists who inspire me daily. I love the illustrative style and fun, creative content of Sam Larson, I enjoy the intricate, graphic work and typography of Josh Noom, and I am always inspired by the natural and organic designs of Emily Kelley of Land and She.
What does art mean to you? How has art influenced your lifestyle?
Art means a whole lot to me. It is my safe place, my hideaway, my happiness, my comfort, my peace, and my own world to escape to. It has changed the way in which I see the world. Art has opened my eyes to the beauty in every day; the creativity all around us. It brings me out of my comfort zone and out of my fears. It has grown me in the most beautiful ways. It has built confidence within myself that I never knew existed. Art has pushed me to become a better human and to take care of the lovely world all around us.
What are some dream brand collaborations?
I have always dreamed of collaborating with two of the largest outdoor brands, REI and Patagonia. They are the peak of outdoor retail; working with them has always been a dream of mine. I never thought that this goal would be obtainable, but, if there is one thing I have learned in these past three years, it is to never say never.
What do you look forward to this year?
I have so many exciting life changes and experiences ahead of me this year. My husband and I just sold our home in Louisiana and are about to head out on a few months-long adventure from Mexico to Montana and back down the West Coast. We are super excited to be settling down in Utah later this summer, where there is inspiration in each rock and yucca. I am looking forward to growing Rayco Design even further while traveling this year, and, also, experiencing many National Parks and wonders. I think I am most excited to have nature as my new office space! □
Article Credits
Rachel’s Website: https://raycodesign.com
Rachel’s Instagram: @rayco.design
Photo of Rachel Drawing: @currents_creative
