Life & Work with Octavia Ink

Today we’d like to introduce you to Octavia Ink. 

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?
Originally from Chicago, I moved here to Grand Rapids for love and found an art community that embraced me and made me feel like home. I graduated from DePaul University with a degree in graphic design. I taught myself how to block print and illustrate and everything took off from there! I got where I am today with the help of my community. I started illustrating Black women because that’s what seemed to be missing from the industry. I want to illustrate women who look like me. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been a struggle trying to fight forces that try to keep you in a box. I’m capable of so much more than that. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a printmaker an illustrator, a graphic designer, and a muralist. I specialize in printmaking and digital illustration. I am known for bright, fun illustrations that depict black women as bright bold beautiful characters but also Black, radical and liberated art that explores the Black diaspora and African culture. I’m most proud of my pieces that depict lesser-known Black women who contributed to society in so many ways. I’m most proud of my mural at the South East Market that depicts positive affirmations and Black historical figures along with liberation and growth. I think what sets me apart is my ability to think and rethink. I use my creativity to create art in different ways. I try to remind myself I have no restrictions, no boundaries. Art can be anything. Art is everything. 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I taught myself how to block print. I was on Instagram one day and saw a video and immediately fell in love and was determined to learn the medium. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.prettyininkpress.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyininkpress/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrettyInInkPress/
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/prttyininkpress
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/prettyininkpress

Image Credits
Rachel Britton photo