Meet the Artist

Memphis native Allyn Fraser is this year’s Double Decker Arts Festival poster artist.

Interviewed by Emily Welly | Photos by Madi Aldrich with Kelly Ginn Photography

Inspired by her city, her family and the people who love her art, Allyn Fraser creates interesting, colorful canvases, does live portrait work and even has a new mail club. We talked to her about her background and being chosen as this year’s festival poster artist.

Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a full-time artist?

A: I have absolutely always wanted to be a full-time artist, but I know how challenging that can be to actually achieve. I graduated with a degree in drawing & painting from Southern Miss in 2014, and even my professors made it clear that a full-time artist career was probably not in my future — which was heartbreaking. Feeling defeated, I didn’t paint for many years after college. I held many different jobs in creative fields, but the desire never went away. I didn’t become a full-time artist until 2023 after my son was born. He was the push I needed to actually chase after what mattered to me.

Q: What inspires your artwork today?

A: I think a lot of artists will tell you that it’s hard to find inspiration when you’re happy — but my son’s presence has made my art brighter, happier and way more fun. I am also heavily inspired by music, my faith and my city. When I struggle for inspiration, I usually find it by connecting with other creatives in Memphis and by reflecting on the culture of living and growing up in the South.

Q: What is your experience with Double Decker and other art festivals? 

A: 2025 was my first year at Double Decker, and I fell in love with it. I love the energy of Oxford, and everyone was incredible. These days I am pretty selective about which festivals I attend. If I’m able, you will always find me at Double Decker and the Cooper-Young Festival in Memphis.

Q: What made you enter a submission in the Double Decker poster contest?

A: Creating a festival poster has always been a dream. I happened upon the post for entries and had a cool idea, so I went for it! Having my art used in so many ways and seen by so many people has been incredible. When I got the email telling me that my art had been selected, I actually started jumping and screaming in my studio!

Q: You do live painting. Tell us about that.

A: I do! I began live painting at a friend’s wedding in 2021. Initially, I only painted classic bride and groom portraits on canvas, but, in 2023, I also started doing live guest paintings in gouache. I knew I could paint fast and some friends in the wedding industry gave me a shot. It’s now one of my favorite things to do, and I think it makes incredible gifts for guests at any kind of high-end event.

Q: What is your Good AM Mail Club all about?

A: 2025 was my busiest and most exciting year so far as an artist. I wanted that to continue, but, in many ways, I also wanted to slow down. In 2026, I wanted a project that would help me be more intentional about experimenting with and creating art and also provide a way to connect with the people who liked my work on a deeper level. That is how the Good AM Mail Club was born. It has only been running since January but has already been phenomenal. Every month, members receive an exclusive 5x7 print, stickers and a handwritten letter about whatever I am working on, obsessing over or even struggling with that month. I truly feel so connected to everyone I get to send mail to.

Follow Fraser on Instagram @allynmakes or visit allynmakes.com.