Interview: Amy Valentine

Today we’re joined by Amy Valentine. Amy is a phenomenal visual artist who does a lot of art journaling. She uses mostly colored pencils, watercolors, and various markers. She’s also an art student, so she works in a variety of mediums. When she’s not creating visual art, Amy also writes quite a bit of fanfiction. It’s clear she is a dedicated and passionate artist with a very bright future ahead of her. My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

Green Lady

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

On my free time, I do a lot of art journaling, which is basically having a sketchbook expect I put more effort in decorating the pages to fit with my current mood. I also enjoy writing, mostly fanfictions, but I’m very eager to write something of my own someday.

I’m also an art student, so at school I also do paintings, photography and whatever else, and hopefully after school I could practice painting at home, too.

For art journaling, I like to use watercolors, color pencils and different kind of markers. Sometimes I just glue things in.

What inspires you?

Music is a big inspiration for me, because I’m almost always wearing headphones. I also get a lot of ideas from movies – When there is a scene that is just so pretty to look at, I always want to draw my own version of it.

I also take a lot of inspiration from my own feelings, since art journaling is kind of something that you do to express your emotions.

I also draw a lot of women’s nude bodies as a way to start learning to love my own body, so I guess they also give me inspiration. Don’t know what to draw? I’ll draw a torso. The headless statue of a woman is always there to save me from art block.

Kissing Watercolor

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

Yes, definitely. As a kid, I loved drawing comics and other cute things. I was really into manga back then. I would always be sketching at the edge of the test paper, even if the teacher told me not to.

At school, we also wrote a lot of our own stories, and I was always told that the stories I wrote were good and unique, so I got more inspired to write every day. I guess I can safely say I have always wanted to be an artist/writer. At this moment, I think I’d want to be a writer more than an artist.

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?

At the moment, I don’t think I yet have my own style or my own unique thing. In art, I’m still figuring out what I want to create and what kind of a style fits me the most. In writing, I’m trying to experiment a little to see what kind of stuff I want to write and how. So, for now, no unique signatures or anything.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Practice, practice and practice. And do not compare yourself to others. I did that and only felt worse about my skills. The first 6 months at art school were rough because I kept thinking everyone else was better than me. But when I learned to just focus on my own work and did my best, my drawings ended up looking a lot better. So just don’t give up. We’re all at different skill levels here, so just focus working on your own thing.

Big Painting

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I’d say I’m somewhere between being a demisexual and asexual.

I did just find the term ‘aegosexual’ that fits me quite well, but, I’m still trying to figure myself out. And that’s okay.

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

When I told my parents, both of them were confused but supportive, thankfully. Before I tried to get into art school, I told my school nurse that I felt like I was close to an asexual, and they said to me ‘I WILL find the right one’, and if I wouldn’t, I should seek medical help. I also told my friends that I was in the ace spectrum, and they said that wasn’t possible.

I’ve also been in two relationships before and in both of them I felt like being asexual was wrong. I felt like saying ‘no’ to sex was wrong, and that was used against me. I’m still healing from that.

I think the best way to handle any kind of prejudice is to know that you aren’t broken, and that there is nothing wrong with you. Also, calmly explaining to them what asexuality is can help them understand it better. And honestly, never, EVER, do something that feels uncomfortable to you just so you could please someone else. Listen to your own feelings.

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

Probably the one where they think that if I’m in the ace spectrum, I can’t feel any kind of sexual pleasure, or that I can’t have sex, or that I can’t include sex scenes in my writing, and so on. Asexuals aren’t 100% sexless – some can be, but some asexuals are okay with having sex for their partner, and some asexuals masturbate. Some people don’t seem to get that.

The other misconception is people thinking asexuals can’t experience romantic feelings. And the third one that my school nurse one suggested – that being asexual meant you were afraid of sex.

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

It’s OK to not be sure where in the ace spectrum you are, and it’s OK to change labels later on, and it’s OK if you’re still searching for yourself. Just know that there is no rush. You are what you are, and even if you aren’t 100% sure what your label is, then that’s alright. You don’t have to put yourself into a box if you’re not ready yet. Just take your time with your inner self, love yourself.

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

Tumblr: https://paper-star-fight.tumblr.com/
AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/users/ValentineRunaway

Lake

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

Interview: Cyr Pavleszek

Today we’re joined by Cyr Pavleszek. Cyr is a wonderful visual artist who also does fanart. While he mostly draws his original characters, Cyr also draws some fanart for various fandoms. He uses drawing as an outlet and his work is brimming with bright colors and detailed expressions. It’s clear he’s a dedicated and talented artist, as you’ll soon read. My thanks to him for taking the time to participate in this interview.

Cochlear

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

My art is a mix of original characters and fandom drawings. I tend to draw whatever comes to mind

What inspires you?

My inspiration comes from my art teachers and media I watch, such as anime, medical dramas, cartoons, and comics

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

My art started as a coping mechanism for chronic pain and mental illness, but I haven’t always wanted to be a professional artist. It came about recently when I took art classes and my teacher said I had a good chance of making a living professionally as an artist

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 don’t think I have a unique signature.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Just keep drawing, keep on doing it. Don’t think about it either! Overthinking your art could lead to you becoming self-conscious about your work and giving up. Don’t give up either!

Henry Clothed

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I would say asexual, somewhere between asexual and demi-sexual. I haven’t quite figured it out yet.

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

I don’t openly share my sexuality because of prejudice, when I do it’s to shut it down. I learned to handle ignorance by reminding myself that the person is usually uneducated. If they’re not willing to learn, I just ignore and move on.

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

That we’re all prudes and can’t stand nudity of any kind. As an artist I look at naked bodies to better understand anatomy, I wouldn’t be able to learn without it!

Vent Art

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

I know it’s hard, but once you finally accept and understand that you’re on the ace spectrum, and fully accept it as a part of you, it’s rewarding, fulfilling, gratifying. Please keep true to yourself and I promise it will all be worth it in the end.

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

Right now you can find me on a Tumblr-alternative called Writscrib under the username Cryptid, and I have my own website with my portfolio: http://www.cryptidartworks.com/.

Tiefling!

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

Interview: Margaret Rose

Today we’re joined by Margaret Rose. Margaret is a wonderful young writer who specializes in poetry. She already has a poetry collection entitled I Don’t Have One, which can be found on Amazon. Margaret’s poetry is very personal and she is incredibly passionate about writing, as you’ll soon read. My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

I love to write. I have been writing since a young age, I wrote a novel on a dare once (which now sits on my book shelf). But mostly I write poetry and keep track of anxious thoughts and questions in journals and on my phone. I usually don’t share anything out of fear. I submit to poetry contests under anonymous, and it’s nice when your work wins but then it’s a little sad when nothing comes of it because I don’t attach a name.

I also paint and love photography, but not nearly as much as writing, and writing is where I would hope to succeed.

What inspires you?

I find watching people over-come their personal obstacles really inspiring and people who really embrace their personality no matter how weird people may think they are. Sometimes liking yourself and accepting yourself can be a really powerful thing. Sometimes people really suffer trying to fit in, trying to please others and it really takes away from their own person. And it can really be a struggle, but hearing those stories about people getting to where they are happy or are on the way to discovering who they are, are really inspiring.

Tyler, the creator and Camila Cabello, if celebrity inspirations are of curiosity. I think they sort of had to make the decision to stay true to themselves and its paying off. Which I like to see. I like to know it’s possible to follow your own path and people will embrace it because they relate. Too many artists, I think, change to fit what is expected of them.

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

I used to journal a lot when I was younger and write stories and then later read them back and see how I reacted to certain things. As I got older I could see where I grew and where I was stuck. And I started to think about things that happened in books or songs see if they applied to me. Then I thought maybe my struggles and my triumphs could help other people, but it took me a long time to share any of my words. I haven’t always wanted to be an artist, but I always wanted to help people. Eventually I realized I loved writing even if no one saw it and maybe in time I could turn that into something.

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 exactly. Sometimes I will place a very specific reference from a time with someone and work it in to a piece just as a little surprise for when they read it. So it’s not something broad that everyone would notice but I think it’s nice for people to read something and be like ‘hey, there’s a person in here, that really did happen, I remember this’. I think friends reading my stuff is terrifying because my writing voice is very different from my everyday voice. Sometimes people are like ‘is that really you writing that?’ So I think of the references as reminders like yes, it is me, hello.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Just go for it. there are so many ways to share your work today that you might as well give it a try. And if you’re stuck or trying to find your style don’t get discouraged. Keep making, keep creating. Create bad shit you want to throw away get it out of the way, that’s when you will come onto something you will be happy with. I write stuff all the time that I just trash, that sometimes leads me to a really nice place. Same with painting and photography.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

Asexual, aromantic would be the easiest way for me to put it. Although, I think a lot about demisexual but I think that’s a hope. In the past I have fallen in love with the idea of a relationship with a person, but then the real life aspect I’m just like.. nope. Which is hard sometimes.

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

In writing all the time. I’ve had a publisher ask “how can you be relatable if you do not relate to most of the population?” I have also been asked, or it was kindly suggested, that I do not mention how I identify because then people will not know how to interpret your work. Which is discouraging because I struggle myself with concepts of love and relationships. So to hear that no one else will get you or want to get you, is tough. It’s also frustrating that all my other writing gets over looked because publishers are concerned about who or what the love aspect applies to. I write a lot about depression, anxiety and other struggles/subjects that deserve attention.

I have always just taken these comments in stride, I am happy with myself and I expect eventually the people in charge will see that people want more representation and when that happens I will be here, willing to share. I’ve also always told people that I just write the words, and truthfully, you may do whatever you like with them.

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

That I just haven’t met the right person. Or that asexuality is a choice. I have had and still have moments where I think and wish for a regular relationship. Conversations with people would be easier, no one would make backhanded comments when your sexuality gets brought up, that sort of thing. But then I also know I would not be happy with that life.

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

I would say that it’s okay to struggle, I have days where I am at a loss when I think about the future. How easy would it be to fit into societal expectations for love? Easy. But you have to make a decision to be yourself. And that the people who love you will love you no matter what. You’re not a freak, a plant or have just never had good sex. You are a person who has valid experiences. Don’t rely too much on what society has to say about love and relationship expectations. And if you feel alone reach out, there are SO many people out there in groups and on the internet, where you can remain anonymous, who will just talk to you and not make you feel weird and strange.

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

My writing has been taken from my blog posts and journals and I have selected some of it for my poetry collection, “I don’t have one” which can be found here on Amazon: amazon/idonthaveonemargaretrose

Full link in case above is broken http://a.co/6TFGtjZ

I don’t sell paintings or really post them anywhere I just sort of give them away as people ask.

Instagram: mrg.rose

I have a Tumblr you can check out here: http://aparttimepoet.tumblr.com/.

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

Interview: Simon

Today we’re joined by Simon. Simon is a wonderful young artist who is quite versatile and enjoys working in a number of mediums. While he does some writing, Simon prefers visual mediums and does a variety of visual art. It’s very clear that he’s an incredibly enthusiastic artist, as you’ll soon read. My thanks to him for taking the time to participate in this interview.

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

I do a lot of different art. I love writing, drawing, painting, digital art, chalk drawings, minor calligraphy; I do video editing and photography if I have the time.

What inspires you?

Day to day life style. Especially if I’m just past a hard time like I am now. (A bit of teen gossip and stupid stuff with my “friends”). Long story short I found out who actually cares and dropped those who didn’t and I feel so much happier, and ready to create. I love watching other artists create as well, and even looking at how-to books to get ideas.

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

This is going to sound a little redundant, but I think where my appeal to art comes from is because when I was younger all I got for my birthday was school supplies, and I was never good at sports or anything else, so I said “what the hell, let’s try this,” and it was probably the best choice I’ve made.

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 do! In all my recent pictures you’ll see a fish with a crown and in the fish it says “Fishermen” and underneath “Prince” in cursive. Made after a character I designed and fell in love with.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

If you’re friends we’re like mine, in which there was another artist in the group, or even another artist in general that is “better” than you, do not, under any circumstances allow yourself to be below them. Keep doing what you’re doing because you aren’t doing it for them. You wanted to do this, and one day your stardom will come. No matter how much better they seem, I promise you one day you’ll get there. I promise you you’ll regret giving up and giving into them. I almost did and I could’ve lost it all. You keep working on yourself and if anyone shadows over you, know you will progress and get better. I know it’s hard to not compare yourself to other artists, but believe me, it’s so much easier that way. Just because they’re progressing further doesn’t me they’re better. It just means they progressed further. I’m sure your art is rocking and you’re doing your best. And that’s all you could ever ask.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

Oh boy I’m here. I am somewhere between flat out asexual and Demi, I guess. I feel like if I forged a strong enough bond with a romantic partner I could feel sexual attraction, but I know I don’t feel sexual attraction like everyone else does, if that makes any sense. I guess I’m “asexual until proven otherwise”? (I don’t mean any offense I’m just trying to make light of my situation ;))

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

I can’t say because so far I’ve never run into it.

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

Ugh this where I wish I was more active in the Ace community because I can’t answer this either. I guess it’s that they cannot have sex, but like I myself, when I’m older, I’d be willing to do it if my partner wanted it. That’s about all I know, I’m sorry.

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

Goodness child, if you’re asexual, that’s a-okay! I didn’t even know being asexual was a thing until maybe two years ago. I’m glad I know now, because it’s cleared up quite a few things. Such as when everyone fans over someone for being “hot” or “sexy” and I didn’t feel any emotions towards who they were talking about, just that they were somewhat good looking but I didn’t see all the fuss. This also doesn’t mean if your ace you can’t find people hot or sexy. Just if you don’t, that’s okay. If you don’t feel sexual attraction, it’s awesome, it’s all good. You’re okay. Besides if you identify as ace and figure out you’re not, that’s also fine! You don’t have to stay Ace for your entire life.

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

Haha my Tumblr under (at nest-friends-are-best-friends) #my art or my Instagram at fishermenprince.

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

Interview: ImprobableDreams900

Today we’re joined by ImprobableDreams900. ImprobableDreams900 is mostly a dedicated fanartist who does a little traditional fanart, but specializes in fanfiction. She’s currently working on some great fics. ImprobableDreams900 also does quite a bit of graphic design by trade. She also has a very clever way to apply her skills in graphic design to her fanfiction, as you’ll soon read. She’s incredibly passionate and it makes for a great interview. My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

Aziraphale and Snake Crowley

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

In the world of fandom, I’m primarily an author, with my best work in the Night Vale and Good Omens fandoms. I really wanted to be an author when I was young, but I knew it wasn’t a very economically feasible career path, so I switched my aspirations to something a little more likely to allow me to pay rent: graphic design. I’m also a visual artist, with a few pieces of traditional fan art under my belt, but I find myself doing a lot of fandom-related things using my graphic design skillset — I’ve laid out, designed covers for, printed, and bound my own fanfiction, for example.

What inspires you?

There’s nothing I regularly go back to for inspiration, because I usually have more ideas than I could possibly execute, but I do draw a lot from history. Due to my current interest (read: obsession) with Good Omens, I spend an inordinate amount of time reading very old books on early Biblical mythology at the library — not weird at all, right? But they’re great mines for information I can spin into stories.

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

As I said before, I always wanted to be an author. When I was very young, I used to take pieces of paper and write all over them and pretend I was writing a book. I’d only get about a page done before I started just drawing squiggly lines on the paper, though, lol. When I got around to actually writing, I didn’t start with fanfiction. I cranked out several “books” in middle school — a pursuit my mother encouraged far too much — and when I was in junior high I spent a summer writing a 200k novel. It was pretty terrible, but all of this writing (along with an incredible amount of reading) taught me how to write well, and at a relatively young age. In addition to art, I also seriously considered careers in history or physics (particularly astrophysics, particle physics, or quantum physics), but history doesn’t pay any better than writing does, and the day-to-day work of a particle physicist isn’t half as interesting as reading about the conceptual aspects.

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 really, though most of my fanfiction is fairly angsty; I exact an unhealthy pleasure from severely injuring and killing off my characters. I nearly always abide by the ‘angst with a happy ending’ tag, though, and I do my very best to leave them in a better place than I found them. I’m an optimist at heart, you see.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Oh dear — I think technically I’m still a young aspiring artist, lol. If you’re interested in writing, though, 100% the best advice I can give is to read and write a lot. Trial and error and learning by doing are really the best ways to improve, in my opinion.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

Generally speaking, I’m just very confused, but my current state of mind is gray!ace or demi (and possible biromantic on top of that); I’m leaning towards demi at the moment, because I’ve noticed that it takes an incredibly long amount of time for me to form any sort of emotional attachment to anyone. I really take the friend-to-relationship route, and haven’t had a relationship yet where I wanted to even consider sleeping with the other person. Most of the time I was struggling with whether or not I even wanted to cuddle.

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

I’m glad you asked! I haven’t seen a lot of prejudice personally, but I have seen some ignorance, even within the queer community. I was reading a fanfic the other day, and the author introduced a great many original characters, of which practically every one ticked a different box on the LGBTQ+ checklist. I didn’t have a problem with this, but I did notice that the author hadn’t included an ace character (though ace-exclusion was by no means the author’s intention). So in my latest fic, I decided to form an asexual relationship between the two main characters. Due to some complicated plot shenanigans, one of the characters ends up walking into what is basically a porn shop created by his subconscious — meaning that he walks into a porn shop completely devoid of porn, and instead populated with things he cares about, and finds romantic. I put in a lot of little ace Easter eggs, because I’m beginning to realize that if I want to see more ace representation, it’s not going to write itself.

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

Someone I know very well in real life came out as asexual before I even had a suspicion that I might be, so I haven’t had a lot of firsthand experience with misconceptions of asexuality. I think the most common misconception is either that a) you just have a low libido, b) you’re going to grow old and die alone as an old cat lady (this being a pitiable fate), or c) that you’ll grow out of it (which is admittedly not helped by the fact that a lot of people seem to do just that).

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

Don’t worry about it so much, especially if you’re young. If you’re demi or gray (the only orientations I feel comfortable dispensing advice to), I find it’s rather hard to force romance to happen. I know I don’t have that ‘look, that person is hot’ instinct at all, so I just try to make friends with people I think I might like, and see if anything happens from there. Also, if you’re having trouble finding someone who’s right for you — and again, especially if you’re young (that’s under 30 in my mind) — remember that you are under no obligation to be in a relationship. Mainstream media has misled you and societal norms have shaped your thinking, and I don’t think it’s just asexuals they’ve done a disservice to. Sex isn’t the end-all-be-all, but neither are relationships. Don’t undervalue the advantages of being single — I know I for one really love having enough free time to write all those fanfics!

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

I’m ImprobableDreams900 on AO3 (fics) and Tumblr (occasional bit of art). The fanfiction behemoth I’m currently working on is a series called Eden!verse for the Good Omens fandom, which is GONNA BE AWESOME when I’ve finally finished writing it. If you’re interested in reading the asexual porn shop scene I mentioned, it’s in Chapter 4 of The End of Eternity in that series, starting about halfway through. If anyone’s interested in commissioning a printed book of their fanfiction (or another author’s, with their permission), send me a message on Tumblr, and I’d be happy to give you more information!

Thank you, ImprobableDreams900, for participating in this interview and this project. It’s very much appreciated.

Interview: Sturm

Today we’re joined by Sturm. Sturm is a wonderful musician from Germany. He plays with a band that sounds as though they play quite an eclectic assortment of music (a mix of Rock, Punk, Metal, and Core). He’s an incredibly passionate musician, as you’ll soon read. My thanks to him for taking the time to participate in this interview.

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

Currently my art is the music I put out with my band. I write all lyrics, as well as the music. Our style is hard to grasp, even for us. We describe it usually as “music with distorted guitars” therefore something between Rock, Punk, Metal and Core. Since my band mates are apparently not really interested in the topics of the lyrics, I’m free to write whatever I like to. Therefore many of the songs are LGBTQ-related or in one case explicitly ace-related.

What inspires you?

Basically everything. I believe that not the topic, but the situation makes the inspiration. If something touches me on “that certain level” it might be a piece of inspiration for me. Social, politics, personal, it’s all more or less a part of the life you live, and a part of your art.

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

I started playing guitar after a friend introduced me to the metal scene, as well as the guitar as an instrument. While staying in the metal community, different styles of guitar music influenced me and formed my musical progress. After many years also Jazz and Prog-music got me.

Since I started early to dream the dream of being a musician, the idea behind it is just as old. I mean “Playing music and make money” is  just THE dream. Being an artist is better than sitting in a regular company all day.

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 really. I try to keep the songs groovy and catchy. Even though we do not play a very hard style, we use 7-string guitars to have a heavy sound for the guitars. Maybe that is a signature move.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Never give up. There are bands being successful with more or less bullshit. Whatever your style is people will listen to it, and like it. The first step is always to bring your music out.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

Asexual, but with the possibilities of being gray- and /or demisexual

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

Unfortunately way too often. It’s usually the old stereotypes. I can laugh them off, mostly because the people, who make those jokes don’t know one thing about asexuality or the LGBTQ community

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

Basically the general stereotypes. “You hate sex” “You have to find the right partner” “You seem like a lost child.” Stuff like that. And of course that I’m “faking it’.’ Why would I do that?

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

First of all. RELAX

And then, take your time to be, to discover, and to realise yourself.

Yes this might take some time, but it’s your time, and therefore, so important.

You and yourself are more important than any ideology, i.g. religion.

So: Be always sure that millions of people stand with you, and know exactly what you feel right now

Or short

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

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

Currently not at all, but soon our FB page will be active

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

Interview: Cierra

Today we’re joined by Cierra. Cierra is a phenomenal visual artist who specializes in digital art. She’s also a wonderful Pokemon fanartist and she dabbles in animation. Cierra is a versatile artist who obviously loves what she does. Her work shows an incredible eye for detail, as you’ll soon see. My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

I mainly focus on digital art, since it’s easy for me to use and easier for me to share with others. My art is mostly expressing my love of character design and interest in creating diverse characters. To me, my art is a way for me to focus all of my scrambled thoughts into a single flowing idea, and I love nothing else more than to express my ideas in a visual manner! I also love to create art meant to appeal to people with the same interests as myself.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by people. I’m inspired by their personalities and appearances, their thoughts and their emotions, and I’m inspired by their ideas as well. Everyone is unique to themselves, with their own individual traits that make up who they are. I love to be able to create unique personalities and characters and settings, because it only makes the art work come to life more than it would have before.

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

Ever since a young age, I’ve always drawn the things I saw around me, whether it was a person or an animal, or even a toy. I constantly scribbled on MS Paint, eventually drawing cats of various colors and personalities. Around middle school I was introduced to manga and anime, which brought the realization that it was possible to do something with this hobby I loved. Of course, being a mangaka was a silly dream, but it motivated me to become better and to become a part of bigger artistic communities I would never have known about! Now that I had this motivation, I drove myself to improve and express myself to the world. I would still love to make a career out of my art and nothing else, although for now I’m fine with keeping it to commissions every now and then. I always loved being an artist, and I still do!

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 don’t believe there’s anything I really include in my work that’s specific to me…well, not on purpose, anyways. I’m a huge fan of colorful overlays to make my work more vibrant, and eyes are always going to be featured somewhere in the work. Heck, I even focus on them a lot sometimes by making them glow, or by adding an effect to them! Other than that, however, I don’t think I have any specific signature to my work.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Never, EVER give up on drawing. If you love drawing, then do it, it’s as simple as that! You will improve with time as you draw, but in the meantime, simply draw if that’s what you love to do. Your skill level is irrelevant, because the main reason you should ever be drawing is for yourself. I could go on for hours about why you have to keep pushing forward to improve and get better, but I feel like that’d bore you more than anything. Just remember: Even if you think you’re horrible at drawing, it’s okay to be bad at what you love. It’s your love and motivation and passion that counts in the end! (Wow, that was all really cheesy.)

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I am somewhere between graysexual and demisexual on the ace spectrum! (I’m still working it out, but it’s somewhere around there I guess?)

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

I encountered a lot of it from a partner, actually. They were very negative towards it and kept pushing that I could get past my asexuality and do things I simply had no interest in doing. Other times, whenever I mention it to people they simply seem not to believe that it’s possible, although they never outright say it to my face. I just keep pushing forward and staying within my limits, and I generally don’t mention it unless it’s brought up. I always have a bad habit of going out of the way to make everyone happy, but I’ve found that it’s much better to worry about yourself above anyone else.

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

The most common one has been that asexuality is simply not having sex at all, or hating sex. People don’t realize that asexuality is simply the lack of sexual attraction, meaning that we can go throughout the day and not feel a sudden urge for sexual activities that other people might feel. Asexual people can be sex-repulsed or sex-positive, they may even enjoy several sexual activities! In the end, however, they still lack the sex drive many other people have. That’s the best I can explain it, anyways, although I’m sure there are much clearer explanations than mine. There’s also parts of the spectrum to include, but that’s more detail than we probably need here.

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

Don’t even worry about trying to label what you feel in regards to attraction. It feels a lot better to have a label for what you feel, but first and foremost, don’t upset yourself over it. If you think you’re on the ace spectrum, then great! If you change your mind later on, that’s fine too! It’s not easy to understand what you feel or who you are, and whatever you feel is valid. In addition to that, don’t let anyone tell you that your identity isn’t real or right, because no one should dictate how you feel. I also advise to eat a lot of food you like once in a while and buy some nice things. That doesn’t have to do with asexuality, but you probably deserve some nice stuff anyways.

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

I have multiple places with my work! I have a DeviantART which is GlitchWifi (http://glitchwifi.deviantart.com/), my art blog is artsy-wifi (http://artsy-wifi.tumblr.com/), and my Pokemon art blog is at mega-luxrite (http://mega-luxrite.tumblr.com/tagged/artsy-wifi). All three have different content to them, but all of them are still very much active. I’m glad to have had the chance to be a part of this interview. Thank you so much!

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