Society6 Artist interview: Aurelie Grand
Posted by Amy on Tuesday March 2, 2010
Awhile back I posted about collaborating with Society6 to pick out an artist every month (it’s more like a bi-monthly thing though!), and our third pick this time goes to Aurelie Grand. There were tons of applicants, and while it was no easy decision to make, Aurelie stood out because of her sense of style, and the various media that she uses. Here’s definitely one lady to watch!
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Name: Aurelie Grand
Location: Montreal, Canada
Website: www.aureliegrand.com
Shop: socuute.etsy.com
Blog: lilyk.canalblog.com
Illustration media: ink, digital, photography, acrylics, fabrics
Tell us a little more about yourself!
I was born in Toulouse «Pink City», France. I grew up in a small village closer to the Pyrenees. My dad has always been an illustrator (though he was also a full time dentist for a while) and I used to spend hours in his studio either watching him or doodling. As far as I remember drawing’s always been my number one occupation. I honestly never stopped. How nerdy is that?
I currently live in Canada with my boyfriend Max who’s also an artist.
Where do you live? What stands out about living where you are, and what is your daily schedule like?
I spent 3 fun years in Vancouver, Canada and I recently moved to Montreal, Quebec because I wanted to experiment the North American East Coast for a while and we have long-time friends here. Montreal is culturally rich, there’s a lot of artists, parks and bikes (and snow), that’s enough to inspire me.
I like to wake up early and start my day by sketching ideas, new projects etc… Then I have to say I’m not very productive in the afternoon so I’m networking, reading, having a nap, or just hanging around . My favorite shift at the studio is 9pm-2am. I guess I get more focus at night. I also like to take the bus home from the studio with drunk people.
How did you get your start in illustration?
I wrote and illustrate a book when I was 9 or 10. It was an elementary school project, a sort of novel inspired by a school trip. It was about 2 detectives (a dog and a hamster) who were investigating on missing horses in a farm. We sold the books to parents and friends at the school annual show. Ha!
I didn’t go to art school right after high school, even if I really wanted to (I wanted to be a graphic designer actually) mainly because my family did not seem to agree with the idea but I know now that I wasn’t ready anyways. So I went to university to study cell biology and animal behavior for 4 years which was seriously interesting but I soon realized life’s too short and I was wasting my time there.
Comments [5]
Artist Interview: Matthew Scott
Posted by Amy on Wednesday July 15, 2009
Matthew caught my eye with his bold and confident brushstrokes that can be found throughout his works. Matt inspires me (he’s a color blind illustrator!) and I am touched by his up-front honesty (he’s jealous of other people’s work) and I believe that reading through his interview, you’ll be inspired plenty. Read on!
Name: Matthew Scott
Location: London, England
Website: www.divinepaperhouse.co.uk
Shop: www.divinepaperhouse.etsy.com
Blog: www.divinepaperhouse.blogspot.com
Illustration media: pencil, ink, found media/textures, digital
Tell us a little more about yourself!
I’m a colour blind illustrator who found a good friend in Photoshop’s easy to adjust colour palettes. I’m constantly drawing from the moment I crawl out of bed to the time I eventually fall asleep to the sounds of the shangri-la’s at my desk, which these days seems to be surrounded by more and more drawings of bears or scribbled notes telling me things I need to do or should avoid doing in the future.
Where do you live currently? What is the best thing about living in your place, and what is your daily schedule like?
As I am typing this, I am living in a shared house in London though in a few weeks I am moving out of the city to live in Cambridge for a while.
The best thing about my house is the people share it with. I am lucky enough to live with my girlfriend who is also an illustrator and a team of animators who all give great advice and also work long hours which keeps me motivated and on my toes at all times.
My daily schedule varies but more recently I have been trying to draw out ideas early in the morning, even if it’s not successful or something that I will end up throwing away, I find that if I loosen up in the morning then I won’t find myself struggling later on in the day and banging on my desk in frustration when it comes to final artwork or designing.
Since starting work on my first children’s book, days all seem to merge in to one big ball of mess though, weekends and evenings seem to have lost their place, as I find myself stuck to my desk working away whilst the world passes me by.
I usually need to be reminded to stop and eat and actually do something else, as I get so caught up in my work that I forget that life exists outside. I tend to think everyone has a specific time when they produce there best work. Mine is any time after 10pm, which is great because it’s usually a time I can work without distractions like phone calls, emails, Jehovah’s witnesses or diagnosis murder.
How did you get your start in illustration?
I’ve been drawing since I can remember, I think putting crayons and paper in front of me as a child was the only real way my parents could gain any control over me without the T.V being switched on.
I was very lucky after graduating from university last June I think,
I knew I had put in the hard work but I still had no idea how people other than my friends and tutors would react to my artwork.
I’m very grateful to Nia and Emma from the publisher Simon and Schuster who saw my work at my degree show exhibition in London and gave me the chance to do something that I have always dreamed of doing since I was a child, which was to illustrate children’s books.
Since leaving university I won a ‘Best New Blood’ award at the D&AD awards and first place in the Cheltenham Illustration Awards.
Both of these helped me, but not in the sense I thought they would as I honestly don’t think I gained any new clients or contacts from winning any of those. I think how it helped me was to give me the confidence in my work to go out and sell myself.
I was also very honoured to be asked recently by Chris Duffy to produce a cover for the comic book section of Nickelodeon magazine. I guess I have been pretty non stop since graduating which is great from a work point of view, but I also think it would be good for me once my first children’s book is completed to step back for a bit and really look at my work as a whole and how I would personally like it to progress as I rarely give myself the time to stop and think too much.
Could you tell us more about your thought process when you start a piece?
I don’t think it’s possible for me to explain properly as it’s a bit of a mad rush of thoughts, and I think this is my biggest problem when it comes to illustration.
For instance if someone asks me to draw a tree, I would run around like a mad dog for hours drawing out and sketching anything even slightly related to a tree, I can spend a good day or so drawing various leaves, branches, roots, grass, hills, and wildlife. anything I can think of really. I would end up surrounded by piles of sheets and then do my best to pick out my favourite pieces from the sketches and mould them together in one final draft. It’s a process which sees me drawing way more than I need to and usually ending up with pencil drawings that are far more lively than my final pieces. I’m currently trying to limit my initial designing to a few sheets so I don’t lose anything in my final artwork.
Do you keep a journal/sketchbook, and would you mind if we had a sneak peek?
I really got in to sketchbooks whilst at university and produced some of my most treasured belongings doing so. I tend to work on separate sheets more now as I prefer to be able to lay everything down together at once without having to flick through and find certain pieces. I still keep sketchbooks but they are mainly for notes and small sketches whilst I travel. I am determined to get back into working on the kind of sketchbooks I produced at university but as most of my work lately has all been for clients I prefer to work on large sheets.
What or who inspires you?
Music plays a large part for me, without it I find it hard to work so there is always something on in the background whilst I work. Of course other illustrators and animators are hugely influential to me, I try to find the time everyday to look at other artist sites and blogs, it can be hard going as I can get very down seeing so much amazing work but jealousy is what keeps me going, without that initial feeling of hopelessness I wouldn’t have a burst of determination to work even harder and keep going.
The only problem with viewing so much illustration is that I tend to get too easily influenced which can lead me to stray away from my own natural creative path.
I also have a tendency to visualise my best images in my head whilst I am away from my desk outside doing something else, and it always seems to happen at that one time I don’t have paper with me to jot it down.
What keeps you motivated?
Other artists keep me going. Seeing other people produce work which is to me, hundreds of times better than mine and producing twice the amount of work in half the time gets me very angry and jealous, but I love drawing so much that I am determined to try and be as good as the people I look up to, it’s only when take the time to look back at my older work that I realise I am constantly improving and that all of time I put into this is paying off.
Also getting a REAL job is not an option for me, I tried it many times before when I was younger and I do not want to repeat those days, the fear of that is my greatest motivator. ‘Never again’ I used to swear after every shift, now that’s it’s come true I just pray I can keep it up…
What’s your favourite tool?
My personal favourite is by far my mechanical pencil, I tend to use it for almost everything I do. I can never get the same kind of fluid lively lines when I ink, it always saddens me when I look back at my original pencil sketch and think that it looked lot better before inking. If anyone ever invents a tool which transforms pencil lines into ink I don’t think I would ever look back.
Are you a full-time artist?
Thank the heavens yes…
There isn’t a moment of my day when I’m not working or thinking about my art, I find it very very hard to switch off.
What advice would you like to give people who are interested in being an artist full-time?
Never give up.
Don’t get too down when you see other artists that you think are better than you because there will always be someone who thinks that your work is better than theirs. It’s like a long ladder which sadly you have to climb in order without jumping places.
Don’t be put off or change your way of working if others disagree with it, if it’s right for you then keep going, do what you want to do not what you think will sell well or others will like. If you are happy it shows in your work, stay focused and you will eventually win the fight.
Where do you see yourself within the next few years?
Hopefully exactly where I am now, still drawing and enjoying every image I create.
What message do you want to send out to people about your work?
I don’t want people to read to much into my artwork, that’s something that has always really annoyed me about art in general, I don’t see why everything has to have deep hidden meanings or personal messages. I’d much rather people just look at my images and find something they like.
I guess I just create work with the intentions of creating something visually interesting or aesthetically nice to look at. People might find hidden messages in my work but I promise that it was never done intentionally, I wasn’t trying to ‘say’ anything.I’d hate to think of my work in that manner, as I’d rather people look at it than talk about it.
{Thanks Matt!}
For anyone who’s interested in Matt’s work, they’re also available as prints over on his Divine Paper House Etsy shop!
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Read our interviews with other artists over here
Comments [6]
Anna Bond: interview
Posted by Amy on Saturday July 4, 2009
You might remember the last time when I posted about Anna Bond’s work, and for the fans out there, you’ll be happy to know that Evie has an interview with the lovely Anna up at her blog.
P/S— I’m still very much in love with ALL her work, particularly the wedding invites she did.
{Thanks Evie!}
Comments [2]
Interview: Kerry Lemon
Posted by Amy on Wednesday July 1, 2009
Next up on our artist interview is the lovely Miss Kerry Lemon whom I’ve had the pleasure of discovering when she submitted her thoughts on personal style in the second issue of the Good to Know zine. I love her beautiful, intricate lines and the distinct repetition of patterns found throughout her works.
Name: Kerry Lemon
Location: Surrey UK
Website: www.kerrylemon.co.uk
Shop: kerrylemon.etsy.com
Blog: kerrylemon.blogspot.com
Illustration media: Drawing
Tell us a little more about yourself!
My name is Kerry Lemon and I live with my wonderful creative boyfriend Steve and our two tabby cats Champ and Chief. I set up my business as an artist/illustrator in October 2008 and I am so excited to be doing exactly what I love.
As a child I was always drawing, I would spend hours drawing every hair on a tiger’s face, or the close texture of a carpet. Drawing remains a daily passion, and my interest in line, pattern and repetition is evident in the scales of a lizard, texture of a biscuit or tiles upon a roof. I enjoy working out how to construct these inherent patterns, and once the pattern is developed, repeating it in order to complete the drawing offers a creative, repetitive, and rewarding task.
I draw highly detailed works in sketchbooks, often on location, and then scan and colour them digitally. I love the process and inherent beauty of drawing as a process and product, and I particularly enjoy drawing the natural world. The chance to capture the way I see the world using only paper and a pen offers endless subject, challenge and appeal; there is nothing I would rather do.
What stands out about living in the UK, and what is your daily schedule like?
I couldn’t say what stands out about living in the UK as I’ve never lived anywhere else, but I love the UK (even the rain!). I am very lucky to live where I do, in a quiet pretty village on the edge of Windsor Great Park yet close to the museums and galleries of London.
My drawing days start with feeding my gorgeous tabby cats, and then a giant cup of coffee whilst checking emails. I listen to BBC Radio Four all day long as I find it excellent company, but as soon as I start drawing I zone out and can’t hear it anymore. If the drawing is going well then I’m likely to remain in my studio (in the spare room of our flat) until Steve comes home. If the drawing is going badly then I’ll take a break by looking through my favourite art books and old sketchbooks, have another giant cup of coffee and have another go. My drawing days are really precious so I always make sure that I’ve planned out what I need to get done the night before to make sure that I get the most out of it. I’m a real list person!
How did you get your start in illustration?
I got my start in illustration from QEST, the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust. They awarded me a scholarship of £10,000 to study illustration in Cambridge which was completely life changing and I will always be very grateful!
Could you tell us more about your thought process when you start a piece?
Everything starts with drawing for me, ideally I would have the time to sketch and play for a long time but that’s not always possible. Often it starts with a lot of research, particularly if I’m illustrating a piece that I know little or nothing about.
Do you keep a journal/sketchbook, and would you mind if we had a sneak peek?
I am such a fan of sketchbooks, they help me to remember places and thoughts and have come in helpful providing a wealth of images for last minute commissions!
What or who inspires you?
I am influenced by everything, but particularly (and in no particular order) Outsider Art, Indian Miniature Painting, Islamic patterns, Textile design, Van Gogh’s drawings, Bonnard’s colour, Rococo chocolate’s packaging, Carll Cneut and Joanna Concejo.
What keeps you motivated?
It’s not something that requires motivation, I just really love drawing!
What’s your favourite tool?
Fine line black pens.
Are you a full-time artist?
Nope. I supplement my business income by working three days a week in Arts Development for the local council. The role of Arts Development is to support local artists, and to promote and provide opportunities for the community to engage in the arts, so it’s a really nice way to supplement my income, and a great chance to meet and network with other artists.
Where do you see yourself within the next few years?
I would love to attract more commissions and exhibitions and to have stopped biting my nails!
What message do you want to send out to people about your work?
I just hope that the work conveys how much I love to draw, I am so passionate about my practice.
Tell us something random about yourself!
I am a tiny 4? 10? person with size 3 feet and an excellent tap dancer.
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Read more artist interviews over here, and if you like what you see over in Pikaland, do sign up for our occasional newsletter for special announcements of giveaways and exciting stuff!
Comments [3]
Andrea D’Aquino
Posted by Amy on Tuesday June 23, 2009
Happy Monday! I thought I’d start the week with an interview with Andrea D’Aquino, an artist based in New York. Her work is a mix of collages and illustrations; and you can also find her work in Velocity, a gallery and showroom based in Seattle.
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Name: Andrea T. D’Aquino
Location: New York, NY
Website/Shop: www.andreadaquino.com / andreadaquino.bigcartel.com
Blog: www.andreadaquino.com/news/page.news.html
llustration media: Multi-media (drawing, painting, collage, digital)
Tell us a little more about yourself!
Well, I have lived several lives as an art director, already. I’ve designed ads for Giorgio Armani, done shoots with Kate Moss, been on film sets with great cinematographers for tv spots that I’ve written, and collaborated with some of the best illustrators and photographers around. But somehow, as wonderful as all that is, I still found myself somewhat creatively unsatisfied. So I slowed down. I spent several summers in Italy (France and Spain, too), learned to speak Italian. Got a schnauzer. Somewhere along the way, I rediscovered my own creative nature, and how to express it not for a client, but for myself.
Where do you live currently? What is the best thing about living in your place, and what is your daily schedule like?
I live and work in an NYC apartment. Not a bad size, by most standards, but it’s important to keep my space well-organized. I start each day with a long dog walk, Occasionally, I can be found hand-coloring paper with tea, coffee, and even beets, among other things, for use in my work. Other days, I have deadlines and a graphic problem to solve, and I generally enjoy the process. It mostly feels like play, which is the only way to do it well and not even feel like working at all! This is the truth, and I feel endlessly lucky.
How did you get your start in illustration?
I’ve been drawing all my life. Since childhood I have been extra receptive to images of all kinds, from Saturday morning tv shows, to great Art. I can still picture a Captain Fantastic Elton John album cover, from when I was maybe 8 years old. As well as painting in the Metropolitan Museum of Art of St. John the Baptist’s severed head on a plate. I drew photo-realistic pictures of the Beatles incessantly that my friends hung on their bedroom walls. A bit later, I learned about typography and classic design, and found myself working in the most creative ad agencies, where I met and worked with some spectacularly talented people. Now, I’ve returned to my original inspiration – drawing pictures, and here I am.
Could you tell us more about your thought process when you start a piece?
If anything, I try to empty my mind of any and all thoughts, as much as possible, anyway! I often find myself looking at Medieval Art and botanical/scientific/historic engravings. Psychedelic 70s graphics. Great typography. Listen to music. I try to stay open to free association so that any and every thought is welcome, unjudged… and mysteriously, things happen. Its like tuning in to a radio station that sometimes comes in loud and clear, other times, is a little static-y. I am just here to receive it and describe it.
Do you keep a journal/sketchbook, and would you mind if we had a sneak peek?
Yes. I draw. Though often, my version of “sketching” is cutting up paper and collaging/painting/gluing with abandon. I try not to worry about doing anything “good”. I am spontaneous, and let accident happen. Often, its utterly horrific. But sometimes, bits and pieces find their way into more finished work.
What or who inspires you?
Other artists, of all kinds. In no particular order: Guy Bourdin, Marc Bolan, Milton Glaser and Pushpin Studios. I am enamored anything 70s from graphics to film, Peter Max. Medieval Art, Jan Van Eyck, Eric Rohmer, Woody Allen, Joni Mitchell, Alan Watts, Lewis Carroll, Tadanori Yokoo, the short films of Kenneth Anger, Hipgnosis. The Wizard of Oz. The Virgin Suicides (the book), 9 Short Stories by JD Salinger. Fancy french pastries. Great perfume. Google one and all, worth the effort.
What keeps you motivated?
Looking at my work and thinking, “I can do better than that”, or somehow that I haven’t quite crystallized the images in my mind to paper quite yet. I enjoy looking at other artist’s work….though I find that in the end, it works out best to do my own thing, without thinking TOO much about what anyone else is doing.
What’s your favourite tool?
An eraser? I only said that because everyone says “ a pencil”. But, its true. A pencil. While I try to keep obvious digital effects to a minimum in my work, I admit, I am addicted to my computer. For researching random images, to being able to find a Kate Bush or David Bowie video circa 1977, I love it.
Are you a full-time artist?
Yes. I can handle offices for short bursts, need be. But for longer stretches, my spirit literally suffocates. Many people ask me if I feel isolated or bored being freelance…..well, occasionally. But the fact is, it suits me to spend long stretches by myself. Plenty of voices inside my own head. If I get tired of them, I go have a coffee somewhere in the neighborhood to clear my mind.
What advice would you like to give people who are interested in being an artist full-time?
We all get discouraged sometimes, but follow your own vision. Don’t gravitate towards trends just because they are popular. Most creative people struggle with balancing art and commerce. And its easy to get sucked into thinking that everyone else is doing great. Some are fortunate to hit on something, that for whatever reason, is in vogue. But do what YOU do, but be open to the reactions of others. I think you need a certain amount of backbone to hear it, take it in, but not be discouraged by it. Or ignore it, if need be. But continue and trust your own rhythms. Try not to freak out. Everyone’s are different. Hey, Bach Remedy Stress Relief Spray, why not. ;-)
Where do you see yourself within the next few years? I’d like to see my work in various mediums, from print to motion, and exposed to new people. Beyond that, I have a vision of myself painting like Jackson Pollock in a huge barn, with the luxury to be as spontaneous and messy as possible. Minus the part about drinking and driving into a tree.
What message do you want to send out to people about your work?
I suppose that its all about the exuberance and humor of childhood, along with a certain melancholy about the fact that it is gone forever. Both colorful and decayed.
Glittery but faded. I am trying to be true to myself.
Tell us something random about yourself!
I have a kind of obsession with making my studio smell nice, convinced that it enhances creativity. I have wide array of ambient room sprays. May I suggest lavender, amber, citrus, or any of the Diptyque scents? As long as its natural, nothing artificial or perfumey.
Comments [10]
Doodlers Anonymous: Ted McGrath
Posted by Amy on Saturday June 6, 2009
Hello, I am Amy and I am a doodle addict.
And since we’re sharing today, I’d like to also share that I love looking into artists sketchbooks to see their doodles, ideas and also sneak a peek into their process. Imagine my delight when I heard that Doodlers Anonymous (one of my latest favourite blogs, by the way) has just featured Ted McGrath’s sketchbooks in an awesome feature – an interview where he can only draw out his answers.
Interested to know how a pen can act as a voice? Well, head to DA’s fabulous sketchbook interview with Ted and see for yourself!
{Thanks OKAT!}
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I’ll be closing the comments for the Good to Know issue #2 giveaway in 12 hours, so if you want to get in on the action, better hurry! ;)
I’m hoping to cross off a lot of items on my to-do list during the weekend, so I’ll see you all on Monday!
Comments [4]
Artist Interview: Susie Ghahremani / boygirlparty
Posted by Amy on Thursday May 28, 2009
I’ve known about Susie’s illustrations since 2003, which was when I was first introduced to the handmade community. Since then I’ve seen countless shops closed down which made me very sad, but Susie is going strong and growing like there’s no tomorrow. Needless to say, she’s one of my heroes and is also a big reason why I love illustration (although I never quite put a finger on it back then!)
Name: Susie Ghahremani
Location: my sofa, my house, Normal Heights, San Diego, CA, USA, world, universe
Websites:
www.boygirlparty.com (website)
shop.boygirlparty.com (shop)
boygirlparty.etsy.com (other shop)
boygirlparty.livejournal.com
www.boygirlparty.com/wordpress
Illustration media: gouache usually. and sometimes ink, and sometimes Y
Tell us a little more about yourself!
I’m a painter of tiny paintings and keeper of tiny pet finches. I’m from chicago originally, and miss the flatness of the midwest. i also miss being bored and feeling like summers & vacations are too long, instead of too short as i do now.
Could you tell us what is your daily schedule like?
It truly depends on my level of motivation. sometimes I hop out of bed, put on a pot of coffee and do nothing but paint from 7am – 1am. some days, not so much. I’ve been trying to go with the flow more lately, instead of forcing myself to work, sweatshop-style, as i have in the past. Some days I wake up and go exercise for a couple hours, just so i can remember what it feels like to move. And then I paint, or respond to the insurmountable email pile, or excitedly design new products for my shop, or maybe read a chapter in a book, or watch a documentary about pale male…. the benefit to being self-employed is that you get to make your own schedule! but the downfall is that at some point, inevitably, you have to become that sweatshop i referred to earlier.
How did you get your start in illustration?
I played music in a few bands, and used to book a few shows around Providence, RI (my former home) and so I would illustrate posters, t-shirts, pinback buttons… I built a website to share my work back around 2001 or so, and word of mouth brought me some commercial work.
Could you tell us more about your thought process when you start a piece?
Depends on the piece, if it’s just for fun, i usually start by mixing colors. a certain color can remind you of a time, a place, a memory, and give you a foundation for an imagined world.
For commercial work, i always seem to start with reading: reading the article, reading the book, or reading the art director’s brief, and moving from there to many rounds of sketching, and from there, to a careful, calculated final piece in which i already know where every line and every color is going to be.
Such different processes!
Do you keep a journal/sketchbook, and would you mind if we had a sneak peek?
I try to throw a mini-sketchbook in all my bags so i always have one on hand. i don’t think of them as anything worth seeing, usually i just draw whatever’s around, like salt and pepper shakers on the table at a restaurant – and i often lose and misplace them. sometimes i find the book format restricting and end up tearing pages out (see attached photo). sometimes i just draw on computer paper. and when i write, i do so in my owl journal that chronicle books published (and i illustrated)
What or who inspires you?
Nature is always inspiring to me: whether it’s a walk in the woods, or watching close-up as a ladybug purposefully climbs around a leaf. i always feel a surge of inspiration after spending time outdoors, especially if it’s a place i’ve never been before where i can tune in surprised at everything i see. i recommend going out on a rowboat on a quiet lake for a few hours and see if you don’t agree!
also: polaroids and analog photography! the colors are always so unexpected. i could look at & enjoy photography (like lomography & cross-processed photos) for hours, days, years. also: vintage children’s books, letters from penpals, old timey cartoons (like ‘flip the frog’),…
What keeps you motivated?
An exciting idea i can’t wait to execute, or fresh art supplies! new supplies always make me want to use them, and if i’m having a hard time getting started on a project i have to do, sometimes the greatest remedy is to get a new paintbrush or a fresh block of wood to paint on so i become excited again about the act of painting.
lately i’ve been struggling a lot with motivation, and it’s helped me as well to just play with my work: doodle a little or a lot for no reason at all, motivation to get started on something i ‘have’ to do comes naturally once i’m on a roll!
What’s your favourite tool?
Opposable thumbs, or a 10/0 liner paintbrush, or the internet – the internet is the reason why i get to be a painter instead of, like, a video store clerk. (no diss to video store clerks intended)
Are you a full-time artist?
Yes!
What advice would you like to give people who are interested in being an artist full-time?
Know who you are & what your work feels like before you jump in! i see many young artists trying to follow in other established artists styles and what not, and it’s just very sad to see for all involved. also, be very good at managing your time! being self-employed requires extreme commitment and self-motivation and managing your time is the key to all that i think.
Where do you see yourself within the next few years?
Honestly, i’m not sure! i’d like to be more free: traveling some (my last vacation was for a week in 2007) and painting just to paint, not for a deadline or show in mind… i’m getting married this october, so i guess within the next few years, i will be living the probably-not-any-different-than-my-life-now married life!
You’ve been doing this for a long time now – are there any issues in the crafting/art community that you feel strongly about?
Be yourself!
Artists hurt each other and their community by failing to be creative, original and personal. art is all about offering a piece of yourself to the world, not what you think could make you successful…right?
What message do you want to send out to people about your work?
A website that wrote about my work a while ago (i forget which one) said this about my work & what they think i must think & i agree:
“‘sup, ma: i love the environment!”
Tell us something random about yourself!
I’m 5’2” and ate only pb&j for all meals during my childhood.
{Thanks Susie!}
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Susie is now running a special promotion in both her shops to celebrate her birthday! Orders placed now through Friday, May 29th will be entered in a raffle to win a $25 gift certificate, and the winner will be notified by Sunday, May 31st which is her birthday!
She’ll also be in Marichelle of Heart Handmade’s Shop Live 30-Minute Sale on Thursday 28th at 7pm EST. I’ll be popping in to see what I can snap up, so I hope to see you there! ;)
Comments [10]
The Good to Know Project
Posted by Amy on Wednesday April 15, 2009
I know, I know, I’m already up to my neck worrying about how tonight’s event at Etsy will turn out, but I have been putting off this project for the longest time and so I thought that this would be a good time as any for the reveal!
A while back I emailed artists & illustrators and asked them a question so that I can fit their opinions on the blog. It turned out that I received so many responses that I could not have turned it into a blog entry here. So I had to improvise and one thing led to another and well, the Good to Know project was born.
The Good to Know project is full of advice + inspiration from artists/illustrators/designers on creativity, business and life. You can read what the participants wrote in full glory, but I’ve also printed zines that would make reading much easier if you’re into touching paper, which you can purchase over in Pikaland’s Etsy shop.
Right now there’s also a PDF version of the first issue which I will be sending out to everyone who is on our mailing list, and for non-subscribers, I’ll email the link to download the PDF to you if you sign up for our mailing list! I’m sorry, but I will no longer send out the link for new subscribers. You can download the PDF for a small fee though over here.
So head over to the our new Good to Know section and let me know what you think! :)
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Artist Interview: Xin of Doinky Doodles
Posted by Amy on Sunday March 29, 2009
Ever since I stumbled onto the fabulous work of Xin of Doinky Doodles (previously of Maki Squarepatch), I was hooked. I am amazed at what she does — she draws, illustrates and sews, and to top it all off, she has a little brick and mortar shop of her own in sunny Singapore. Her philosophy of using recycled materials is fabulous, as is her knack of mixing found fabrics to create awesome creatures! I think her custom creations are RAD (I kid you not. See her flickr stream to see why.) Read on about why the name change to Doinky Doodles, and how she names her creations!
Name: Pixin
Location: Singapore
Website/Shop: www.doinkydoodles.com
Blog: www.doinkyupdates.blogspot.com
Illustration media: sewing & painting
Tell us a little more about yourself!
Hello! My name is Pixin and I am the workaholic behind Doinky Doodles, shop of handmade madness. During my final year in art college , I was cutting up found infant and toddler clothing (party dresses, school uniforms, even an old Christening gown) and reconstruct them into dolls. I fell in love with using these reclaimed clothing as they had so much possible histories and stories in each of them. That final year project really kickstarted my interest in creating colorful, happier objects using recycled clothing and fabric scraps.
So how is it like living in Singapore?
Living in Singapore is good in that- it is small and resources are limited. So it forces you to work within limitations in order to come up with something as interesting as someone else who has more choices/resources to tap from.
How did you get your start in illustration?
Hmm, I think I begin to illustrate a lot more when I started making zines or illustrated journals, and these zines were made to document feelings of absolute failure after a break-up. I think I started illustrating more intensely and constantly when I got dumped. Gee, I must really thank that guy for dumping me:D
I remember that your art was sold as Maki Squarepatch, until a while back when it became Doinky Doodles instead. Could you tell us why the name change?
Maki Squarepatch was a label started by my elder sister and I. She was working as a marketing person behind the label while I designed and created the pieces. After two years working together, there came a point I felt I could be doing a lot more if I am on my own. So Maki Squarepatch had to go. Like a breakup, the name leaves a not-so-feel-goodness in the mind. So I opted for a name change in order to start anew.
How did you manage the aftermath of the name change? (I know it’s not easy to transfer to another business name while Maki Squarepatch was already very well-known in the craft circle.) Was it difficult for you emotionally?
To be honest, I had been really lucky. The name change only made sending information to the media confusing as they would think Doinky Doodles is trying to do a pirated-version of Maki Squarepatch. I had been lucky in that, the shops that I place my goods at still support my work, whether it be named Dinky, Poinky, or Wonky. Curators whom I’ve worked with to provide exhibition-pieces for their shows in the past are still keen to showcase what I do. So I learn to be hopeful and just keep on creating because that is ultimately the more important part of my task.
So what’s the biggest difference between Maki Squarepatch and Doinky Doodles?
The biggest difference is the freedom to decide on what I want to work on next.
Past customers had been wanting to buy gifts for their male friends and couldn’t find a thing at the shop as most of the things I made for Maki Squarepatch was more suited for girls & women. With Doinky, the first goal was to include something for male customers. One day, an artist/friend whom I admire and respect a lot, Kelvin Tan, showed me his sketchbooks filled with drawings of strange mutants and creatures. These drawings would soon become our collaborative effort in broadening the product range with printed mutant-t-shirts, buttons, postcards, as well as soft toys made based on his mutant drawings.
Could you tell us more about your thought process when you start a piece?
It seems to often start with an strange story, character or scenario. For instance, I recently made a set of 10 handmade toys for a friend’s wonderful floral boutique/shop. I was imagining a man buying flowers for his lady and that he may like a toy that represents him to go along with the flowers. So I made these characters and gave them names like ‘Pink Nick’, ‘Brocolli Boy’, ‘Mr Privacy’… Okay, it makes not much sense now…but back when I was preparing the toys for her flower shop, it was this scenario that was the thought process.
Do you keep a journal/sketchbook, and would you mind if we had a sneak peek? (a couple or a few images would be good, if you can manage!)
Yeah here’s a sketch in my book!
What or who inspires you?
Mostly what I find funny or absurd inspires me.
What keeps you motivated?
Maybe it is a self-indulgent obsession- I really do create to be happy. Nothing beats completing a toy that makes absolute senselessness so fun to hold, pinch, squeeze and give it super names.
What’s your favourite tool?
Color markers.
Are you a full-time artist?
Aye eye!
What advice would you like to give people who are interested in being an artist full-time?
You have to be sincere and have real love for it, because that itself will keep you constantly on the move to create. You’ll never worry about having blocks, because you love what you do. Don’t become an artist just because you like the idea of yourself being a mystery to others- not cool!
Where do you see yourself within the next few years?
Would be great to have more overseas galleries showcasing my toys, while collaborating on more exciting new projects with artists/friends.
What message do you want to send out to people about your work?
Each Doinky Doodles creation is handmade using recycled clothing and fabric scraps. No two Doinky creation is alike as no rulers or templates are used in creating the pieces. Individuality, Colors and Absurdity are elements that prevail in every piece of creation.
Tell us something random about yourself!
I am a bread freak like my dad. We both get absolute thrill just looking at bakery shelves filled with bread.
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{Thank you Xin!}
On another note, I will be away from tomorrow until Thursday, 2nd of April. I won’t have internet connection or my laptop with me, but I’ve already prepared some posts for you to enjoy along the week but the email replies will be a tad slower (not that it’s lightning speed anyway when I am here… oh well, I’m working on that!)
As well, I’m hoping I won’t go bonkers from being totally cut off! See you all soon!
Comments [5]
Artist Interview: Stephanie Levy
Posted by Amy on Monday March 16, 2009
I love Stephanie Levy’s work the first time I laid my eyes on her work — they are a lively mix of line drawings + vibrant colours! Every time I look at her collection, I always find myself admiring a new angle that I seemed to have missed before. She also has another wonderful blog called Artists Who Blog where she interviews artists (who blog, of course!) and it’s one of my favourite blogs to read when I need a pick-me-up. There’s so many that she’s already talked to (and most of them are my favourite artists, including Camilla Engman, Helen Dardik and many others! We put her in the interview seat this time — and find out more about Stephanie, who now lives in Germany with her husband and two daughters.
Name: Stephanie Levy
Location: Munich, Germany
Website/Shop: www.stephanielevy.com, stephanielevy.etsy.com
Blogs: stephanielevy.blogspot.com, artistswhoblog.blogspot.com
Illustration media: mixed media, collage, acrylic, ink, paper
Tell us a little more about yourself!
I’m an American artist living in Munich, Germany. My husband is German, and we have two very cute and sometimes challenging little daughters, ages 1 and 3. I studied art in the US and in Berlin, Germany, and I’ve been living in Europe for the past 13 years.
What stands out about living in Germany, and what is your daily schedule like?
Sometimes I miss living in the US – there is more space, people are somewhat more laid-back, you can find cranberry juice in every supermarket :)
On the other hand, it is very exciting to live abroad, and what I love about Europe is that there is so much art and culture, beautiful architecture, and delicious foods – everywhere you look! It is very cool to be able to drive or take the train to Italy, or Austria, or France in a matter of hours. Of course I miss my family and friends in the US, but my mother comes to visit at least a couple of times a year, and I try to keep up with my friends by email and phone.
My daily schedule has a lot to do with my two young daughters at the moment. After waking up, I take my oldest daughter to pre-school, and then I usually make my daily rounds of shopping and going to the post office with the baby. What I enjoy about this – and what is in my experience very European – is that I can do all of it by foot! Where I’m from in Tennessee, this would normally involve a lot of driving around by car. After returning home, I usually check my email, update my blog, and plan the rest of the day. When the baby is sleeping, I do as much artwork as possible. Afternoons, we go to pick up my oldest daughter and I play with the children for a couple of hours. After my husband gets home, we all have dinner and put the children are in bed. At night, I often return to either the computer or my art table to finish my work for the day. In September, my youngest daughter will be starting pre-school, so I hope to have a lot more time during the day for my artwork this fall. I have had a serious sleep deficit for the past couple of years!
We know that you also interview other artists for your blog as well — how did that idea come about?
Last spring, I started my own studio blog to document and present new artwork online : www.stephanielevy.blogspot.com. I was inspired by what I had seen on other artists’ blogs and found it relatively easy to make contacts with many fresh, emerging artists. I was really interested in why these artists had decided to start blogging, and how/if having a blog had influenced their work. There seemed to be many personal interviews of artists online, but not so many interviews where the focus was on blogging itself. This is why I called the series “artists who blog”. The interviews are now posted on their own site : www.artistswhoblog.blogspot.com
It’s been a great experience in getting in contact with many artists whose work I admire, and I’ve had nice feedback from readers who tell me they enjoy the interview series.
How did you get your start in illustration?
I was trained in painting, rather than illustration, and so far the illustration projects have come to me – mostly through my website. I would describe myself as an artist who sometimes makes illustrations. However, I love illustration projects, and I hope to work on more of these in the future.
Could you tell us more about your thought process when you start a piece?
Most of my artwork starts with a drawing, of an interior that has inspired me, or perhaps of a still life or a design object. After my ink drawing is finished, I then find collage materials and colors that seem to “fit” the drawing for me. I work on combining colors, materials, and patterns with the drawing until I have a composition that I am satisfied with. The next step is to attach this to a support, which varies between heavy handmade paper, canvas, or wooden panels. I use acrylic medium and archival glues to secure the collage, then as a final step I add details and highlights with acrylic paint.
Do you keep a journal/sketchbook, and would you mind if we had a sneak peek?
It’s funny, I used to keep a sketchbook, but for the past year or so, I have just been writing myself lists and notes about what I want to do. Not very visually interesting from an artist, I know.
I did receive a book for Christmas called The Creative Entrepreneur by Lisa Sonora Beam, which is full of beautiful examples of artists keeping “visual journals.” I was very aesthetically moved by these examples, and plan to start my own “visual journal” soon!
What or who inspires you?
I am inspired artistically by artwork created by many artists I see on the web, in galleries, in magazines. Also, just looking at my art supplies often gets me itching to create!
Personally, my husband and children inspire and support me every day!
What keeps you motivated?
Selling my work online and keeping a blog have been great motivators for me this past year. I love getting instant feedback from people all over the world. It has been wonderful to discover a thriving community of artists and illustrators through the Internet.
What’s your favourite tool?
I love working with different papers: transparent paper, origami paper, exotic papers with dried flowers… I am always on the lookout for new, unique materials to add to my collages.
Are you a full-time artist?
I would say that I am a full-time artist AND a full-time mom. Not so easy!
What advice would you like to give people who are interested in being an artist full-time?
Follow your dreams, but be prepared for everything. It is a good idea to have a financial back-up plan. On the other hand, I am a firm believer that you should do what it is you most love to do. It is somewhat of a balancing act for most of the artists I know. Be persistent. Believe in yourself, and stay in contact with others who encourage you with your art.
Where do you see yourself within the next few years?
I will continue to work on my artwork and illustration and plan to have several illustrated book projects completed. I would love to create a series of illustrated children’s books and illustrated cookbooks. I hope that when my children are in school, I will have the time necessary to create all of the things that have been going around in my head for quite a while now! I also want to buy a house with a garden, travel a lot internationally, get more exercise and more sleep, eat delicious, healthy food, and relax and enjoy life more :)
What message do you want to send out to people about your work?
Happiness, color, joy, festive, positive, art, design, interior, home, better living, celebrate!
Tell us something random about yourself!
I have curly hair and I like dark chocolate :)
{Thank you so much Stephanie!}
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To read more about our interviews with past artists, click here!
+ And if you haven’t entered the giveaway for March’s round of the PikaPackage Project, see below to enter. Hurry, there’s only a few hours left!
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