Meet Alayah Dudley | Publisher & Illustrator

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

Hi Alayah, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?

For the longest I believed that I needed a multitude of clients to have sufficient income. I no longer believe that to be the case. If you are straining to onboard clients because you need to meet a quota, that may be an indication that your pricing is off.

When a client request services, they’re getting more than just a service! They are acquiring your mental energy, time and resources. They get to live in your brain for the next few weeks (however long a project takes) and this should not be taking place “rent-free.”

When I understood how to charge appropriately, I could work with 2-3 clients and generate enough to cover my expenses for approx. three months!

Regardless of your industry, the notion of working smarter (by pricing your worth), not hard, applies. Learn your trade, demonstrate your ability to do the job, and price your worth. Client will not only respect you for it, but they will also return to you because they know you’re pricing quality.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am most proud of my most recent piece, which I completed for the World of Winter Festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This two-month-long festival is the Midwest’s largest winter event.

My piece is entitled, “3-DC GRow.” I pushed the envelope with the project in many unexpected ways. The canvas is seven feet square and features two separate pictures that overlap. The vivid images, one in red and one in blue, represent three unique Grand Rapids children and their adult counterparts in industries related to their childhood interests. I wanted this piece to convey that dedication to your profession may transform childhood hobbies into sustaining passions in adulthood.

This piece was created entirely by hand with colored pencils. A specific set of glasses is required to isolate each of the images. I had these made in life-size size, about five feet tall by five feet broad. Throughout the process, I was unsure whether the “science” of separating the images with the glasses would even work! Throughout the process, I was continually doubting myself, but the outcomes were well worth it. That self-doubt motivated me to work even harder.

How did you get to where you are today professionally?

I attribute my professional success to my support system. Everyone likes an underdog story of how you defied all odds to become this fantastic artist or entrepreneur on your own. In reality, that cannot be entirely true. We are humans, and we rely on one another. Someone at some point put faith in you for you to continue pursuing your career or trade.

My father introduced me to the art community at an early age.

My mother encouraged me to develop the skills I have.

My sisters would provide constructive criticism on some of my pieces.

My grandparents, aunts and uncles would attend my exhibitions and express their heartfelt congratulation on my accomplishments.

True, I’ve gotten to where I am now because of my own skill sets and self-discipline. I’ve even had my moments of self-doubt. Even so, I couldn’t have done nearly as much as I have without the help I’ve gotten over the years.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned?

The most important thing I’ve learnt is that I don’t need six figures. Clients will arrive as you continue to work. You don’t have to be a millionaire; all you need is enough money for yourself! That amount will vary from person to person. So don’t focus on flashing what you make around, just hone in on your skills.

What do you want the world to know about you?

I would like the world to know how proud and privileged I feel to be able to do what I love every day. It is not always easy, but I have a special sense of pride that I’ve gotten to choose the job that gives me purpose and the most flexibility.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

When I have friends in town, I like to show them various aspects of Grand Rapids. There is so much variety in our little city. It’s January, so here’s the itinerary for cooler weather. First off, GR has the World of Winter Festival that will begin January 12th. This festival features food, ice skating shows and various art installations around Downtown Grand Rapids. It is most fun to see the art installations at night when they all light up. For a day-by-day itinerary, here are a few ideas:

On Monday, after sleeping in a bit, go to the Eastown/Wealthy area for window shopping! There are various adorable stores and it’s a great walking neighborhood. Hancock would the restaurant of choice. They have an array of chicken-based dishes that are delicious. Afterwards, you could chill at Outside Coffee Co. in an igloo with your warm drink of choice. To end the day, grab dinner at Forty Acres and a movie at Wealthy Theatre.

Tuesdays are for tacos! Best authentic tacos in GR are Tacos El Cunado on Burton, off US 131. You could take your tacos to Feng Cha, a new boba spot on Kalamazoo Ave, near M6. As you get older, sometimes you need something to bring out your inner kid. What better place then Sky Zone?! I know I’m a grown woman but being on the trampoline takes me back and I love it!

Wednesday is a great day for Eastern Deli. This amazing deli has the best steak sandwiches in the area. If your friend is a bookworm, head to the Grand Rapids Main Public Library in Downtown Grand Rapids. Finally, if you like puppies, Barking Boutique is a great place to go play with little cuties! You can play with up to two puppies per visit.

Thursday would be more of a chill day. Hit up Pho Anh Trang, my favorite Vietnamese spot. Their pho and mini eggrolls are delicious. Nothing says cozy like a warm cookie from Crumbl. If you’re a gal who likes her nails done, Allure Nail Spa on 44th St. is the place to go! Their customer service and cleanliness are top notch.

Friday is your fun day! Start the day with breakfast at Bobcat Bonnies. Across town, is a fun thrift store: Changing Thyme with all sorts of unique treasures. Of course, there is nothing like the Goodwill in Cascade or Jenison too! Later grab Korean fried chicken from CM Chicken off 28th St. Toastn’ Tea or Jade Tea is a great place to grab a boba. The inside of both places are great hang out spots. To end the evening go ice skating at Rosa Park Circle as the lights twinkle around you!

Saturday head to Real Café, hands down the best old school diner breakfast around. Next head to Rivertown Mall or Tanger Outlets for a little shopping spree. Downtown Market is a great plae for lunch and you can choose any one of their delicious cuisines there. To end the day, you could put your friendships to the test with an escape room or a rage room!

Sunday should be the most relaxed day. Head to Morning Belle for a lovely breakfast of eggs benedict. For lunch, go to New Holland brewery for their delicious American style cuisine. The Happy Cat Café is a great place to get a little dosage of cute little kitties along with a nice drink of your choice. For dinner, go to BJ’s Brewhouse. It recently opened here in Grand Rapids and has gotten great reviews. If you have a sweet tooth, Furniture City is the spot to have delicious homemade ice cream with all natural toppings.

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?
Ah’Nyah Dudley is an amazing illustrator I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with.

Website: https://alayahdudley.wixsite.com/portfolio

Image Credits
Layla D.