Gray Malin
Decorating an apartment, an office space or even a bedroom is always a more daunting task than it appears. And then finding the perfect finishing touch artwork to tie it all together? It's practically a Herculean task. But that's when Gray Malin saves the day.
With some of the most compelling photography on the market, a Gray Malin print is exactly the thing to upgrade any space from blah to brilliant (and if you're in the mood to shop, they're having a Memorial Day sale right now. Hurray!).
From classic prints to phone cases, wallpaper and even collaborations with Sperry, Gray Malin is changing the world of art and design one photograph at a time. So go ahead—read on to hear from this trendsetter at work himself!
What was your first job?
Assistant to the President of Paramount Vantage
How did you get started in your career?
I rented a small booth at a Sunday flea market in West Hollywood where I started selling my work. My images became noted in 2009 when I produced the Prada Marfa series, a sequence of photographs I created on a whim with the assistance of the local township in Marfa, Texas. It was the art generated from this shoot that propelled me to pursue photography fulltime.
What is a typical day like for you?
Typical days are atypical. I travel quite a bit for work so anytime I'm in the office, I'm really happy to be there because I feel like I can really get things done!
Tell us about your office décor. What was your inspiration?
I wanted it to feel like you were walking into my home. I like to think the studio marries the comfort of home with the technical focus of an office.
What's the best part of your job?
All of it! But seriously, I love how there is always something new on the horizon. The pace can be crazy at times but at the end of the day, I really do love my job.
What was the first camera you bought for yourself? Do you still have it?
It was a Nikon Film Camera and I absolutely still own it. It's actually prominently displayed along with a few other camera treasures on a shelf in my studio.
List five things that are on your desk right now: 1. Candle from the Parisian store, Colette where we recently had an exhibition 2. Wedding picture 3. Monogrammed mint julep cup to hold pens 4. Stationary 5. Alexandra Von Furstenburg tray and box
What are a few of your favorite places to shop for office/home décor?
One Kings Lane
What are your chief sources of inspiration?
Traveling, Reading, Art Books and long standing ideas that I eventually figure out a way to execute.
What's your guilty pleasure?
If you follow me on Instagram, you may already know this but I have a very real obsession with sprinkle-covered items.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
If a door is closed, go up and knock on it and if it doesn't open, find another one and open it yourself.
If you had a life/career motto, what would it be?
Believe in yourself. You know yourself better than anyone else so be comfortable in believing in your intuition. It's simple but there's a lot to be said for simply believing in who you are, what you want and having integrity is going after accomplishing what you believe.
Who are some of your career heroes?
Slim Aarons certainly is someone who worked hard and made a living at doing what he loved all over the world- I have nothing but respect for him.
What's the most daring career risk you've ever taken at work?
This career path has been a risk from the very beginning as I'm not a photographer for hire like a fashion photographer, for example. I conceptualize and execute all of my collections with my own funds, which I'm constantly reinvesting in myself. However, it is the biggest reward to see my art photography prints appreciated, purchased, and hanging in people's homes around the world. Unlike my contemporaries, the photography has expanded from images into multiple product categories as well as brand-aligned collaborations, all the while remaining strictly based around my vision. This very specific detail is what I believe stands me apart as a photographer and a lifestyle brand, and I hope it continues to stand as the strong platform on which to continue to create upon long into the future.
Finish the sentences below…
Next up, I'm traveling to… Italy; I just got back from Barcelona.
Today for lunch I had… fruit salad.
The first website I log onto every day is… Time Hop - I am obsessed with this new app!
My usual Starbucks order is… a drip coffee with some cinnamon and milk.
If I need a quick break during work, I usually… play with my dog, Stella, who I usually bring with because everyone in the office loves her.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would… most likely be a florist!