By Nordia Henry, Staff Reporter
Tracey proudly displays his most memorable piece. - Ricardo Makyn / Staff Photographer
HE IS fun-loving and kind but serious and passionate about his artwork. Production Manager Charles Allen of CGR Communications Group's art department confirms that graphic artist Terrence Tracey is indeed talented. Not only that but he went on to say that, "Terry is a very pliable person. Someone who you can talk to, not someone who displays a know-it-all attitude. In fact, I believe that his personality is something that has got him ahead to where he is today because he is an excellent designer and he grew up right here at CGR."
Terrence Tracey, a past student of Manchester High School and who grew up in Manchester, has an innate artistic talent. However, he confesses that he didn't know much about designing until he went to art school. For almost two years, the 31-year-old has been working at The Creative Unit of Jamaica National Building Society on Holborn Road, St. Andrew where he's the art director. "My talent for drawing started when I was very young, I always liked drawing but I didn't know about art fully until I went to Art School. I worked at CGR Communications Group for seven years and then went on to Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. There I learned the intricacies and the different disciplines of art. Even though you may start out with something on paper, most of the finished artwork is done by computer." Tracey told Flair as he spoke about his love for art and why he has chosen this field as his profession.
When doing a piece of artwork... the nature of the environment is not always ideal but I have learned to manipulate my mind to acclimatise to certain surroundings, because you don't always have things ideal. Even though solitude brings out more creativity because you are able to absorb yourself and bring forth the best without distractions, sometimes it's not possible. So I've learned to maximise and work with what I have since you don't know when you will have ideal circumstances.
TIME
The time to finish an art piece... varies but depends largely on other factors such as the client, who is the most important person. If the client is fussy and indecisive a two-month job can take six months. Also you have to consider the intricacies of the piece, the information incorporated and the design elements (like photographs) used.
After completing artwork... for the most part it makes me feel good, the final result of a piece is always gratifying. I mean when you go to places and see large products of your works displayed, it leaves you with a sense of accomplishment and gives you energy especially when people get excited and think a piece is excellent. Their gleeful reactions motivate you, boost your self-confidence and gives you the desire to keep producing quality work.
My most memorable moment... in this profession was summer 2003 when I designed the cover of 'Walls', a book my mother wrote for primary school students. She had the concept but I brought it to life and with my expertise in art she allowed me to do whatever I wanted but I didn't change much. She did the sketches and I made them more professional. She was very elated. It's comforting to know that your mother, who has nurtured you from birth, guided you in the right direction and helped mould you into the person you have become, you can use your talent to do something that will make her feel confident and proud.
Drawing is... a way of relieving stress but for me, art is a way of expressing the unspoken. It's not good to keep things inside because sometimes it tends to eat you away but through Art you can reflect what's inside. I think it is a good way of allowing people to become aware of what's going on inside, that's why more people should become involved in Art, it alleviates the pain and strain.
When asked how he exhibits his artwork, the Sagittarian says he does not believe in working for commission. "My chosen field is graphic art so I don't get to do a lot of paintings, which is what I would ultimately like to do. Graphic art is kind of restrictive, but painting allows the artist enough freedom and expression and some day I'm thinking of doing this."
