Interview: Alison

Today we’re joined by Alison. Alison is another amazingly versatile artist who does a little bit of everything: sculpting, painting, animation, cake decorating. Her work is spectacular and she has such a wonderful enthusiasm for her work. She’s currently working on a game for her senior project. It’s obvious that this artist has a very bright future ahead of her. My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

I do a stupid variety of stuff – painting, sculpture, 3D modeling and animation, drawing, jewelry making, decorating fancy cakes, etc.

I usually just make whatever I’m in the mood for, but I’m looking to get more into sewing so I can fill my dorm with little stuffed foods. I also make cosplay stuff for people sometimes, but I’m really too cheap to make it for myself with any frequency – that stuff is expensive!

Recently, my time’s been taken up by making Mirrors of Grimaldi, a game for my senior project (semi-shameful plug: we’re actually looking for play testers now, if you have at least 2 Xbox controllers, you can download our alpha build here: http://51standfire.com/play-now/)

What inspires you?

I draw inspiration from the things other people have done as well as nature and the random stuff around me. In my most recent batch of paintings, I’ve taken an interest in the screenshots I perpetually take of my boyfriend and his cats while we Skype – they’re quite funny.

(see below paintings 1-2 for examples of screenshots turned into paintings; fun fact: they’re the same guy in both paintings…)

I also do a bit of writing, which often involves ace characters. In the coming weeks I’m actually going to be writing a series of short pieces about asexual experiences in relationships (both commonly encountered and personal) and the miscommunications and misconceptions that often arise. I’ll be posting about that later on my blog if anyone is interested…

Mostly though, I just kind of do whatever I’m in the mood for whenever I start doing something, though I often times have kind of a morbid flair to my stuff

(see below cakes 1-2 for example of morbid cakes)

What got you interested in your field?  Have you always wanted to be an artist?

I’ve been into crafting ever since I was little – my mom and granny are both pretty crafty and my dad was pretty into woodwork for a while. Presently I’m studying 3D Animation (until I graduate and am released into the real world in a few months – a truly terrifying thought) but have realized I want to take my “career-art” into a more game-based direction. For my hobby art I prefer the more traditional mediums like paint or charcoal… usually just whatever I’m in the mood for when I reach for my art supplies.

Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in your work that you’d be willing to reveal?

Not that I can think of. Sometimes I’ll put little spades in my stuff, but that’s usually in my personal stuff or blatantly ace-related artwork. The stuff I make to sell I usually put any signature marks into except my actual signatures.

Though, like I said before, I do have a tendency to make my stuff kind of morbid or unsettling sometimes. I don’t really know why, but it’s satisfying to hear people go “eww” or “wow that’s weird” when they look at my stuff.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Find the type of art you enjoy doing and a style that works for you. If you’re just arting for the sake of arting, just have fun with it! If you want to make a living off you art, learn to promote yourself – set up internet shops, go to local events, brand yourself. And, while it’s always good to go for what you really want, make sure you have backup plans because making a living as an artist is bloody hard.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I identify as plain ‘ol asexual. Also aromantic-ish (I’ve stopped trying to work out a label for the romantic side of things 😛 )

Suffice it to say I don’t mind being in romantic relationships or having sex with my significant other if I super-trust them and it’s a thing they want/enjoy.

Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field?  If so, how do you handle it?

In my field? Not really… It doesn’t really come up that often though. That being said, I actually know other 2 other ace peeps in my major/year (which is a pool of 12 people :P). I was in a 4 person group once and 3 of us were ace so we were joking that the other guy was the token sexual person on the team. It was quite funny.

I have encountered a fair bit of not-great reactions from guys I’ve dated in the past or random people I’ve explained it to, but in general most of the people I surround myself with are super cool about it.

If I’m faced with prejudice or ignorance I usually just try to stay calm and explain what asexuality is. Normally that works pretty well if people are open to what you have to say… Though if they’re not, then I usually just agree to disagree as long as we can behave respectably towards each other. However, if people insist on being obnoxious about asexuality (or most other things) I tend to respond with intelligent snark (I hope it’s intelligent).

One thing I will say though, if you’re dating someone and they refuse to accept your asexuality or give you a hard time about it, it’s a good sign the relationship is probably not going to work out… At least that’s been my experience…

What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?

Apart from confusion about what it is, I guess just curiosity about sexual interest/practices or that ace can’t do relationships with non-aces. I’ve gotten a lot of random questions about how much I masturbate (from my roomie’s boss!) to questions about whether or not my boyfriend cares that I’m ace…

I think the biggest thing I encounter is people having a hard time believing asexuality exists or that people can survive without being interested in the sex, which, frankly, isn’t terribly surprising given how sexualized the media is these days.

What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?

You gotta make peace with who you are. If you want to identify as ace (or anything really) go for it – how you choose to identify/describe yourself is your choice and nobody else’s. It’s not always easy, but then nothing in life really is…

Just know that how you choose to identify or how you feel doesn’t mean your broken, so don’t let anyone tell you that you are. They’re not worth your time.

Finally, where can people find out more about your work?

This’ll be a list… aight…

Here’s all the places where you can find pics of my stuff…

Portfolio Website: http://alison.friedlander.me/
A giant amalgamation of my best works in almost every medium I work in

Tumble Blog (Too-Asexy): http://too-asexy.tumblr.com/.
‘Dis is just ma tumblr blog XD

Mirrors of Grimaldi (game I’m working on): http://51standfire.com/
OK, one more semi-shameful plug for my team’s game! Hope you guys don’t mind!

Here are the places where I actually sell things:

Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackBunnyCrafts
Paintings, wire wrapped jewelry, polymer clay jewelry

Shapeways Shop: https://www.shapeways.com/shops/grumpyalison
Ace rings (sizes available upon request), a triforce ring, keychains. More coming soon!

Red Bubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/grumpyalison/shop
Ace shirts, other misc shirts. More coming soon here too!

Thank you, Alison, for participating in this interview and this project. It’s very much appreciated.

Interview: Jam

Today we’re joined by Jam.  Jam is an incredibly talented visual artist and fanartist who does a lot of video game art.  Judging from the attention to detail in the work they sent along to go with their interview, they have an incredibly bright future ahead of them.  My thanks to them for taking the time to participate in this interview.

Ace

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

I’m mostly a digital artist and I like to draw stylized figures and fanart of video games. I’ve also done some traditional work such as painting, sculpture and charcoal. Lately I’ve been branching off into more original work so I can build a college application portfolio. I want to expand into doing landscapes and environmental art, too (both 2D and 3D)!

What inspires you?

Video games are my main source of inspiration. I want to become a video game artist, so I’m always amazed whenever I see the work and the beauty in the virtual space of a game, or the concept art of the characters.

What got you interested in your field?  Have you always wanted to be an artist?

I only started drawing when I was a kid because my sibling started to, and I always copied what they did at that time. It’s thanks to them that I’ve gotten this far.

Cake

Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in our work that you’d be willing to reveal?

Nope! I just sign either my alias or my full name.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Instead of being disheartened when you see the work of more skilled or more experienced artists, I think it’s better to be inspired by them. For me, I would see amazing artists putting out absolutely incredible pieces of work, and I remember thinking that I wanted to be that good, that I wanted to improve. I very rarely started feeling down about my own art. Looking up to other artists is what helped me improve.

Also, don’t feel bothered about having a style! My drawing style changes all of the time. What’s important is to keep exploring new areas of art and to keep creating.

Cha1r

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I’m an aromantic asexual.

Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field?  If so, how do you handle it?

Not particularly. I’m in a pretty tolerant community of artists, so there hasn’t been much prejudice. Although, there are many people I know who aren’t aware that I’m asexual.

What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?

A lot of people seem to think that asexuals haven’t found the right person yet, or that sexual attraction is like a switch that suddenly flips on when you’re older. I dated one person without realizing that I was aromantic and asexual because the media celebrated romantic and sexual relationships, and I was in love with the idea of being in love (I frequently pretended to have crushes so I could fit in with my friends and their romance troubles).  In the end, I learned that I just didn’t truly experience romantic attraction nor did I experience sexual attraction to anyone, and it was fine.

Mee

What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?

I think it’s important to realize that experiencing “love” romantically and sexually isn’t that important. A lot of the time, people think that dating and loving someone is what it means to be human, but it really isn’t. Once I learned this, I became much more comfortable with my identity and my life. There is so much more to life than dating someone.

Finally, where can people find out more about your work?

Here is my official website, which will turn into a portfolio site in the future. http://www.jasmineling.com/
Here’s my Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/jasminelingdraws
I’m most active here on my Tumblr. http://jamdraws.tumblr.com/
And here is my YouTube, where I occasionally post sped-up recordings of my drawing process. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ia0O1jideP4qAdvEwaRdQ

Thank you, Jam, for participating in this interview and this project.  It’s very much appreciated.

Interview: Painted Vulture

Today we’re joined by Painted Vulture.  Painted Vulture is a fantastically talented visual artist who has a passion for mythical creatures.  Their work is quite stunning to look at.  The use of color is absolutely beautiful.  My thanks to them for taking the time to participate in this interview.

Antelopey

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

I mainly work with digital and traditional art, but lately I have been trying new things like clay and 3D modeling. A large portion of my work is dragons or other mythical creatures, but I also draw dogs and cats every now and then.

What inspires you?

I’m heavily inspired by nature, and the patterns within nature. It’s fun to play around with existing patterns and turn them into something new.

What got you interested in your field?  Have you always wanted to be an artist?

I became interested in art because I wanted to be able to recreate these imaginary dragons I had in my head, which is a little silly, but I was in second grade at the time. I have always wanted to be able to draw ever since I can remember, although it is a bit frustrating at times.

Blazing Spirit

Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in your work that you’d be willing to reveal?

I have a signature that I sign all of my art with. It was originally based off of a wing, but now it looks more like a key, and above it I write “SDL”. Those aren’t my initials but I made it up in sixth grade because I wanted to start signing my work but my mom didn’t want me using my real name. It stands for snake and dragon lover, which is a tad embarrassing to admit because it sounds so childish.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Keep drawing! Everyone hits a rough patch with their art where they feel a little hopeless, but all you have to do is keep searching for ways to improve. Also, don’t let art get in the way of your happiness. It seems like strange advice, but I have seen a lot of artists (myself included) stress themselves out over a piece of art, or become worried they can’t draw a fully finished piece every day. Art can be tiring, it’s a huge mental workout and a strain on your wrist. Don’t be afraid to take a break!

Fizz

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I identify as asexual and possibly aromantic, but I’m still a little questioning.

Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field?  If so, how do you handle it?

Not in my field specifically, but definitely in life in general. I’ve definitely gotten my fair share of “you’ll change your mind”, “you just haven’t found the right person yet!”, and “Everyone wants to get married”. It’s best to handle it by trying to explain first. Sometimes people just need to be introduced to the concept. If you have explained your sexuality to them and they still pressure you to get married, ect. Then it’s best to tolerate them or distance yourself from them, which can be hard sometimes, but arguing with someone who is not willing to understand you is not worth your time or effort.

Luxray

What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?

I haven’t really encountered a lot of misconceptions, mainly people either have no idea what it is, or they are ace themselves.

What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?

Sexuality can be a fluid thing, you don’t have to decide on one thing and then be that sexuality for the rest of your life. So if you want to identify as asexual, don’t be afraid to! People change a lot throughout their whole lives, and orientation is a huge part of that. Just make sure that whatever you identify as, it makes you happy.

Finally, where can people find out more about your work?

I post the most on my instagram: https://instagram.com/painted_vulture/ but it has personal posts too. My deviant art ( http://paintedvulture.deviantart.com/ ) is where I post only finished pieces of art.

Thank you, Painted Vulture, for participating in this interview and this project.  It’s very much appreciated.

Interview: Logan

Today we’re joined by Logan (also known as Dekpi).  Logan is a fantastically talented visual artist.  He does a bit of everything, though he specializes in 3D modeling.  The images he sent to go with his interview are really cool and eye-catching.  My thanks to him for taking the time to participate in this interview.

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

I generally do multiple media types when it comes to art, but my favorite is 3D modeling, (because that’s the one I’m best at, I think.)

I also do digital art, sprites, I’ve made games, and I make the soundtracks for them.

What inspires you?

Life inspires me.  Events, something funny that happens, a movie, just things in general.  I draw things and ideas that appeal to me.

The music things though is sort of another story though, harder to describe what inspires me like that. I just make what I think sounds nice. As for lyrics though, if there ever are any, I write them about how I feel or I write stories with them.

What got you interested in your field?  Have you always wanted to be an artist?

I’ve been drawing for as long as I remember, honestly.  Since I was a little kid. Started out drawing traditional stuff, but then when I got into using computers, almost all of it went digital. I’ve always wanted to be an artist, but what type of artist I’ve wanted to be switches all the time, which is why I do so much stuff.  I’m starting to think I like all of them and should stick to multimedia.

Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in our work that you’d be willing to reveal?

Not particularly, but I used to hide my signature in there, which was a combined L and an R, which are my real initials. (I’ve gotten lazy lately though, so I’ve just been bluntly signing them with my tumblr handle.)

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Don’t stop drawing, even if you think someone else’s is better. First of all, it’s not true, don’t compare your art to anyone else’s because it’s yours, not there. All art is perfect, because you can’t ever replicate it. Just keep practicing, and maybe you’ll like your own art too.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

Panromantic Ace. And I’m a full blown ace too, the idea of those sort of intimate actions disgust me. However I would love to date anyone of any gender, but I have yet to find someone who would be willing to go out with me minus those extra tidbits. You know.

Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field?  If so, how do you handle it?

Ehh, not really sure what to say about that because only my close friends know that I’m an Ace really.  My family doesn’t even know what that is, so I’ve kept quiet.

I’ve heard jokes like “Do they asexually reproduce??” or “Do they…Have sex with themselves??” and that sort of stuff.  Haha, laugh it off!  When the zombie apocalypse starts from a sexually transmitted disease, we’ll see who’s laughing then?

What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?

I think most people who aren’t an ace just don’t grasp the concept.  Being an ace myself, it’s kind of reverse roles.  I can’t even imagine what it would be like to be sexually attracted to someone else.  It’s a mystery!

What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?

Pff, switch ‘em like you’re trying on clothes to see which sweater fits the best.  Who cares if it weirds anyone else out.  “But I thought you like (this) and (this).”  Well, now you don’t, isn’t that something!

In all seriousness though, find something that actually explains you. If it takes a while for you to find it, no problem. If you never find it, no problem. Labels are just words to identify what you are, they don’t change what you are.

Finally, where can people find out more about your work?

My tumblr or my soundcloud, probably. I’m not as active on my soundcloud, though: https://soundcloud.com/data-syndrome

I had a deviantart before, but I’ve been cleaning it up getting ready to get rid of it because I rarely use it.

Also on Tumblr: www.dekpi.tumblr.com

Thank you, Logan, for participating in this interview and this project.  It’s very much appreciated.

Interview: Aria Gale

Today we’re joined by Aria Gale.  Aria is an incredibly talented and versatile visual artist who does a bit of everything.  She sent along some truly beautiful examples of her work to go with her interview.  I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.  My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

Aria Gale logo

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

I mainly work with digital art but I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. I of course draw and paint, I knit and crochet, make jewelry and armor and have dabbled in cross stitching, sewing, sculpting and 3D modeling.

My art used to be an outlet for me, I’ve loved art ever since I could hold a pencil. In the last couple of years I’ve learned how passionate I truly am about it. I could draw all day and never be bored of it, and I’m constantly working to improve my art and learn new ways to go about it. My art shows another side of me, and I’m hoping I can inspire at least one person to do the same.

What inspires you?

That’s a tough question, a little of everything I suppose. Beauty is definitely a main source, and there’s beauty in everything.

Another big inspiration for me would have to be stories, whether it’s fan written for something, original or from a book. I don’t just read the words, I see it play out in my mind and I’d like to be able to share them visually because I know not everyone can see it in their mind.

Fantasy would have to complete my trifecta of inspiration. It’s easy to lose yourself in it, and your problems. Running away from problems is never good but to lose yourself and forget your worries, even if for a little while is nice.

What got you interested in your field?  Have you always wanted to be an artist?

I can’t really say anything in particular got my interested. I have always wanted to be an artist.

It was the first real dream I had as a kid, I later abandoned it thinking it was stupid, but I just can’t seem to truly let it go. So instead of trying to go about life “normally” I’m going headstrong after my dreams. I’m not normal by any standard of our society so I’m done trying to be.

I’m determined to make my passions and dreams a reality and I’m helping as many other struggling artists as I can on my way.

Do you have any kind of special or unique signature, symbol, or feature you include in our work that you’d be willing to reveal?

I don’t always add a signature or symbol. Sometimes I’ll put a watermark of a musical note wrapped in a gust of wind, or I’ll put the date I finished the piece in the bottom left corner, with the letters JG above it in cursive.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Artists are always doubting themselves, so don’t let your doubts hold you back. If you doubt it, work more on it. You’ll get it!

Don’t be afraid to pursue your passion. I backed away from it for fear of failure, and thanks to that I lost so much time I could have spent improving what I love.

Believe in yourself and work hard to learn and improve, if you keep at it you just might go beyond what you thought you ever would.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I am a Demiromantic Asexual. I’m also borderline sex repulsed.

Have you encountered any kind of ace prejudice or ignorance in your field?  If so, how do you handle it?

I haven’t encountered any prejudice personally, but that’s mostly because I’ve not told those who I know would be prejudicial.

I have encountered ignorance, I simply sit down with them and explain to them what asexuality is. I try to be as informative as I can and patient with them because it’s not easy for some people to understand.

What’s the most common misconception about asexuality that you’ve encountered?

That it’s not a sexuality but how some plants reproduce.

What advice would you give to any asexual individuals out there who might be struggling with their orientation?

Don’t worry too much about it. You are the same person today that you were yesterday. The only thing that has changed is that you can better describe yourself to others.

Read up on it, about other sexualities too, that way you know what’s out there and you can find what you feel is the best fit for you. It helps to be able to properly answer any questions someone else might have, and to answer your own.

You aren’t broken, you are you, and you aren’t alone. You cannot be fixed or cured because there is nothing wrong with you. Wherever you may land on any spectrum, you have a friend in me, and others.

Finally, where can people find out more about your work?

ariagaleart.tumblr.com

My art commission blog. I also take requests from time to time. I hope to see some of you on there at some point.

Aria sunset

Thank you so much, Aria, for participating in this interview and this project.  It’s very much appreciated.