Manny Dragyn: Painting Dreams into Reality
Manny Dragyn is an artist whose journey is as remarkable as the art she creates. What began as a personal escape evolved into a full-fledged career, with her work now displayed in the homes of professional athletes. On World Art Day, we’re reminded of how creativity connects people and shapes culture — and few reflect that more vividly than Manny.
A Hidden Hobby
Growing up in a hands-on, creative family, Manny was always making things — learning through watching, building, and experimenting. But her art? That stayed private for a long time. “Art was my escape. It wasn’t something I talked about. It felt personal — like therapy. I never thought of it as a career, just something I did for myself.”
What began as a personal escape has evolved into a full-fledged career, with her work now featured in the homes of professional athletes. When asked about the biggest challenges in turning her hobby into a profession, Manny said: “The biggest thing was opening myself up to criticism. When your work is out there, people have opinions. At first, I was nervous, but it helped me refine my work. Also, transitioning from painting for myself to doing commissions added pressure — people trust me to bring their vision to life, and that responsibility can be nerve-wracking.”
Creating for Athletes
From football stars like Vinicius Jr. and Xavi Simons to commissions filled with personal quotes and meaningful imagery, Manny’s work is rooted in storytelling. Manny’s art blends visual storytelling with the emotional highs of professional sport, living in spaces where ambition, identity, and nostalgia collide.
When asked about a particularly meaningful collaboration, Manny pauses before naming Xavi Simons. “That one was special,” she says. “He wanted a collection of his idols with meaningful quotes. He told me, ‘I want to wake up every day and look at something that inspires me.’ I had to make it feel cohesive — not just a collage. When I delivered it, he immediately took down another picture in his entrance and replaced it with mine. That moment was incredible,” Manny Dragyn says with a proud smile.
Her signature? Fine detail and depth. She mixes media — from colored pencils to oil pastels — to create texture you can feel as much as see. “People often say my work looks even better in person. That’s what I love — when the painting becomes more than expected.”
Living the Process
Behind every finished piece is a daily rhythm of intention, creativity, and self-discipline. Manny’s routine is grounded: morning matcha, long painting sessions, gym, and quiet nights. Her sanctuary? Her workspace — calm, cozy, and designed for focus. “I also travel a lot. Traveling gives me this sense of freedom — it stimulates my mind and emotions. It’s not always about seeing something visually and wanting to paint it. It’s more about the feelings that travel sparks inside me, and I try to bring that emotion into my art.”
Her process is as layered as the stories she tells through her art — intentional, intricate, and deeply personal. Each piece begins with understanding the client’s vision, but what follows is a creative journey of emotion, symbolism, and technique. From sketch to final stroke, Manny builds her work through stages that mirror memory and meaning, ensuring every painting resonates not just visually, but emotionally. “My goal is to capture emotion and translate special moments into art. Whether it’s a player’s debut or their first goal, i want my painting to take them back to that moment and feeling.”
Art as Legacy
While Manny’s current focus is on athletes, her vision stretches far beyond football. She sees her work not just as commissions, but as emotional touchstones — each piece capturing personal stories, sacrifices, and dreams. But the next chapter is about pushing boundaries. “I want to expand beyond football art. I love it, but I know I have so much more in me. I want to experiment with different mediums — maybe even build sculptures. And I’d love to have my own exhibition, something that solidifies Manny Dragyn as an artist with a distinct, recognizable identity. I don’t just want to create commissions — I want my art to stand on its own.”
Her hope is that people feel something when they see her work — not just admiration, but connection. That’s especially true for the athletes she paints, many of whom started their careers with little certainty and endless self-doubt. “I want my art to make people feel something — energy, joy, inspiration. For athletes, I want it to be a reminder of their journey, their discipline, their sacrifices. And for others, I hope it sparks something creative in them. We were all born to create — my goal is to awaken that in people.”
At the heart of it all is legacy. Manny wants to be remembered not only for her technique or client list, but for the emotion her work evokes and the belief it instills. “I want to be remembered as someone who inspires — not just through my art, but through the journey behind it. Art is more than a visual — it’s an experience, a story, and a reminder that dreams are always within reach.”
Curious for more? Read the full interview with Manny Dragyn in our latest issue — Life After Football Magazine, Issue 84.
