Interview: Sarah Pickard

Today we’re joined by Sarah Pickard. Sarah is a phenomenal writer who specializes in genre fiction. She writes a variety of genres and has a wide array of LGBTQ+ characters populating her work. Her passion and enthusiasm shines through in her interview, 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.

While I’ve been published for poetry, I mostly work writing LGBT+ genre fiction. In my experience as a reader, too much of LGBT+ media is focused on the coming out process, so I try to fill a niche of writing fantasy, steampunk, cyberpunk, etc. novels that has a full LGBT+ cast. There’s none of the angst that comes with the discovery or coming out process. Instead we have a cast with a full range of gender identities and sexualities who are out living their lives, commanding airships or working in underground street-racing teams. When you already had to live through the experience, sometimes you just want to see a lesbian punch a dragon.

(I also have a personal pledge to only ever write one straight character, which to this day I’ve maintained.)

What inspires you?

I think every comment about ‘pandering diversity’ or ‘if you want representation, go out and make it’ fuels me to take these genres that have been traditionally very heteronormative and queer the fuck out of them. For anyone who widely reads fanfiction, the transition back to reading traditional literature is always a jarring one as you remember how white/straight/cis everything really is. And there’s no reason it has to be! Diversity breathes life into plotlines – not stifles them. Why close yourself off to possibilities? I mean, when we add nonbinary people to high fantasy, think of all the curses/prophecies that get foiled. And why deprive yourself of all the puns? Yes, that’s it. I’m inspired by all the pun-possibilities.

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

I’ve wanted to be a writer…always. Honestly, my first written work was dictated to my grandmother at the age of four. And in some ways it’s terrifying to have no idea who I’d be without writing, but I count myself very lucky that I found my calling at such a young age. There was never any specific moment or event that triggered it. I probably came out of the womb this way.

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?

Yes! So, I basically write my own novel length AU fanfiction. That is, I have a set cast I work with in all my novels and genres, and the fun comes from exploring how they and their relationships grow and change and develop under different circumstances and settings. And most of my readers find comfort knowing that just because their favourite character died in one novel doesn’t mean they won’t survive the next. How many works can boast that?

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

If you really love something, do it. Do it in every free moment you have. If you wait for inspiration, you’ll never be inspired. Writing is hard work (no matter how easy Stephen King makes it seem) and it never gets any easier. Most of the time it gets harder as the years go on! You start worrying about sentence structure repetition and never using the word ‘was’ and staying in the active voice and before you know it you’ve rewritten the same sentence ten times because something’s wrong with it and you can’t figure out what. Yeah, some days words will fly off the keyboard like little fairies with minds of their own, but most of them time you’re going to slog through it one word at a time.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I identify as asexual, and I have no idea what my romantic orientation is.

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

While I haven’t personally encountered any writers who are against asexuality, I have run into the old rhetoric of asexual characters being boring to write about. But honestly, if you need sex to move your plot along, you have a pretty terrible plot?

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

That we’re all either Childish, Sociopaths, or Geniuses instead of actual people.

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

Right now, Tumblr is probably the worst place to be if you’re struggling with your asexual identity. Nearly every LGBT+ space I’ve encountered in person has been warm and welcoming and accepting. So just forget all the bullshit about whether or not you’re a part of the community – because you absolutely are – and figure everything out on your own terms. Also aromantic heterosexuals and heteromantic asexuals are 100% queer (no take backs) and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

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

I’m afraid I don’t post any of my work online. I’m soliciting my first novel right now and it can’t be previously published – and some publishing companies consider posting online as ‘previously published’. But if anyone wants to Beta any of my work, they can contact me at reallifeisfiction@gmail.com. I’m always happy to get feedback and constructive criticism!

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

Interview: Fawndolyn Valentine

Today we’re joined by Fawndolyn Valentine. Fawndolyn is a phenomenal versatile artist who has tried her hand at just about everything. She’s most dedicated to illustration and dabbles in steampunk jewelry. When she’s not doing that, she also does makeup. It’s very apparent that Fawndolyn is an incredibly dedicated and passionate artist, 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’m kind of a jack-of-all, master-of-none, but I chiefly work on illustrations, and frequently dabble in making steampunk jewelry, and practical/special FX makeup.  In my illustrations, I mostly work in watercolours and Copic markers, but it’s Inktober now, so I’ve been concentrating on my ink work this month.

And when I say jack-of-many, I mean give me something interesting to do, and I’ll damn-well give it a shot!  I’ve made hobbies of cake-designing, woodworking, costuming, violin, making comics, translating French, urban exploration, making comics, writing, bookbinding, prop-making, acting, web design, painting, medical experimentation, and a cornucopia of other things.

What inspires you?

Other artists.  I’ve never been one to say, “I’ll never be that good” when looking at better artists’ work, but I tend to say, “I can draw that!  Let me try to draw that.”  That’s how I practice.  I learn techniques and styles from other artists so I can better understand how to develop my own style (even though I’m still trying to settle).

I’m also inspired by faces. I do a lot of portraits, so an interesting pose with well-defined features are particularly inspiring to me. If we’re friends and I have a picture of you in a striking pose or making a goofy face, you’d better believe I’m going to try to draw it.

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

I’ve been drawing since I was four years old.  I can’t remember a time when I didn’t draw – except a few years back, for a few years during a severe depression.

I haven’t always wanted to be an artist.  Sort of. I was kinda forced into it – my mom and grandfather were artists, so their legacy needed to continue.  Most of my time spent in college was skating around other majors, trying to be anything but an artist.  I felt like I was pre-destined to it.  Not to mention, my family always ragged on me about not making money with my talents, which really spoiled it for me.

It wasn’t until I was about to run out of financial aid that I finally decided “FINE!  I’LL DO IT.”  And of course, that turned out to be my saving grace.  Highest marks all around.

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?

When I was young, I watched a great documentary on Al Hirschfeld, and I loved how he would hide his daughter Nina’s name in his work.  I tried to sneak something into my drawings, but my type of work didn’t really allow for it.  Not enough detail.  In the age of internet art theft, I’ve reconsidered sneaking my name into my work, but I haven’t really been able to figure out how just yet.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Keep drawing.  If you suck, pick one of the things you suck at and find out how to get better at it.  Keep going down the list of things you suck at until you don’t suck anymore (or you could go the way I go and just avoid drawing the thing you suck at).  I highly recommend taking a life-drawing class. They’ll start you with the basics (drawing your own hand) in a number of different ways, but you’ll learn how to draw what you see.

Reference photos are amazing.  Many artists use them.  If an artist says they don’t ever use references, they’re lying – every artist has referenced something in their lives, even if they don’t use references anymore.  Not using references is possible, but why torture yourself while you’re starting out.

And for ultra-beginners, here’s how I really got going: When I was in 7^th grade, I would draw by holding paper against a paused TV screen and trace the blurry shapes of Ren and Stimpy and Sailor Moon, or whatever show I liked, just to get the feeling of drawing those lines.  Man, that helped.  Tracing to copying to referencing to working from imagination… it’s all about leveling up. I still pause movies if I can’t find a good reference photo.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I identify as graysexual (I know it’s gray asexual, but it just rolls off the tongue better the other way).  Panromantic. But I just say I’m asexual and allow for gentle prodding, if questions occur.

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

The first person I came out to was a friend who I had a fling with in the past.  His follow-up questions were so abrasive that I felt attacked, and it took me two years getting over the fear to come out to my own boyfriend (when I did finally come out to him, his reaction was, “well obviously!”  And he was completely okay and understanding about it).

My asexuality and the aforementioned terrible coming-out experience came up in casual conversation with an acquaintance and he said, “I can understand why someone would get mad about it, if they like-liked you.”  Can you believe that crap?  Like sex is the only thing I’m good for?  Like already having a goddamn boyfriend isn’t your bigger obstacle?!  Piss off!

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

That we can’t have or enjoy sex.  And that we’re a challenge to be fixed.

Trigger warning.  Before I ever even heard of asexuality, before I realized I wasn’t broken, I dated a piece of shit who treated sex like part of the girlfriend package.  Like I owed him.  Having sex was fine, but he poured on the guilt whenever I didn’t want to.  My circumstances of being homeless at the time, plus the guilt trip, made me feel like I did owe him.  He thought I would enjoy it when he got it in.  And I always faced away to hide my tears.  I was young and didn’t know I didn’t deserve that.

(end Trigger Warning)

Despite that, I have, after that relationship, still enjoyed sex.  I don’t have it anymore; haven’t for a few years now, and I don’t intend to. My boyfriend is okay with this.  I also still masturbate.  That’s part of the “can’t enjoy sex” misconception, though I don’t do it for fun (I mean, I sometimes try to have fun with it).  I do it to silence the baby-making hormones that rear their annoying heads every month (my boyfriend was shocked when I told him I only take care of myself once or twice a month.  I guess that’s a low amount).

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

Take as much time and experience as you need to figure out who you are, who you like, and what you want. It took me til I was 32 years old to realize I’m asexual.  In high school, I didn’t understand why everyone (even the nerdiest of nerds) were having sex.  I felt embarrassed and a little attacked for having feelings for someone and then my friends teasing me that I’m “a big ol’ horn-dog” who wants to bone everyone.  I couldn’t understand why having a crush meant wanting to have sex to everyone but me.  When I grew up, I had a lot of enjoyable sex, but it never felt like anything but a hormonal satisfaction (not connected to romance).  Mostly, I had sex because I thought I was supposed to.  When I discovered that asexuality is a thing I could finally identify with, I felt like a huge chip came off my shoulders.

I feel like, nowadays, we live in a world of sexual autonomy, and more people understand that they have the right to say NO or YES whenever they need to.  Don’t let anyone make you feel like you owe them.  I still feel weird for being ace, and I think it’ll make any future dating I do pretty difficult, but I think that comes with the territory in a sex-driven society.  But listen.  We are not weird.  Okay, some of us might be a little weird, but it’s not because of our (a)sexual preference.

And if you’re stuck somewhere in your self-discovery, ask for help.  Find like-minded people online.  Ask questions to google or to forums.  We’re out there.

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

My art: https://www.facebook.com/fawndolyn/

Instagram (this month is mostly inktober and SFX): https://www.instagram.com/fawndolyn/

Steampunk jewelry: https://www.facebook.com/honeyinmygears/

And just in case anyone wants to read the boring details of my life, I still use LiveJournal: https://diello.livejournal.com/

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

Interview: Mary

Today we’re joined by Mary. Mary is one of the awesome aces I met at C2E2. We had a really great chat about writing and her projects, which sound absolutely incredible. I’m always thrilled to meet a fellow ace who is as passionate about writing as I am. Mary is a very versatile writer, who does both original work and fanfiction. She has worked with different forms of writing as well. My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

I write a lot of speculative fiction, both fanfic and original works. I’m bad at finishing however, but the attempt is what counts right? I prefer writing Fantasy and steampunk to sci-fi, and I write both poetry and prose. On my blog I’ve lately been doing media reviews “I did the thing so you don’t have to,” meta talk, and random snippets of work.

My favorite original projects are a poetry chapbook on Camp Douglas, a Union prisoner of war camp from the American Civil War that was built in Chicago; and a historical fiction/magical realism chapter book about a spy in the American Revolutionary War.

My current Fanfiction projects are “The Salt in the Ashes” an AU of the video game Dragon Age: Inquisition, and a series of one-shots dealing with Madelyne Pryor and Bucky Barnes from Marvel Comics.

What inspires you?

History inspires me a lot for my original stuff, you can make great stories out of little historical facts just by expanding on them. Then blend fact with fantasy and you can come up with something new, or at least something potentially interesting.

With my fanfiction it’s a lot of fun asking “what if?” and then applying that to a setting. Also I end up working though extremely salty feelings concerning how some of my favorite characters are treated by the male writers who have used them.

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

I’ve always had been a reader. The story about me learning to read is that, to all appearances, I was told “you should be reading on your own by now” and so I did. That evolved into an interest in writing, but my brain works weird, so it’s hard for me to write because my brain moves a lot faster than my fingers can. In fifth grade we were given these typing things that could print what we wrote, and that opened up me actually being able to write more consistently.

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 do. Maybe it’s that I have a habit of using run-on sentences a bit too much. I could be wrong though, or if I do have a unique feature it’s been so normalized to me that I don’t notice it as unique.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Writing is as hard as it is easy, but you shouldn’t give up on yourself, even when you feel like you’re writing shit that no one will read.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

Bi-romantic asexual. Bi over Pan, because I internalize a definition of being bi as “mine and other genders, and “Pan” as attraction regardless of gender. When I like someone in a romantic sense, their gender is part of that make up that is part of why I like them in a romantic sense.

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

Not so much in my field, but I have been dismissed by family and some people close to me. Not that they deny that asexuality exists, but in that they deny that I could be asexual because it is “rare.” Or they just get confused enough that I don’t see a point in continuing the track of conversation.

I end up handling it by not handling it, and finding folks, like my glorious set of internet friends, who understand and help me validate my own feelings about myself.

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

A sort of continuation of the above question, the misconception I’ve seen most is that because asexuality is “statistically rare” then it’s impossible for someone to know another person who is asexual.

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

Surround yourself with a safe space of friends who love you and accept you for who you are. And to remember that you are not broken, and you are not wrong, even, and especially, on the days where everything seems to tell you that you are.

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

I have a Tumblr, (at) mwritesink and I also post work on AO3 under the handle InkSplatterM

Tumblr link: www.mwritesink.tumblr.com

AO3 profile link: http://archiveofourown.org/users/InkSplatterM

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

Interview: Galaad spectre

Today we’re joined by Galaad spectre. Galaad is another first for Asexual Artists: she’s a model (an alternative photo model to be precise). Galaad is from France and has been involved in alternative photo modeling since 2010. She specializes in a number of themes, including fantasy and steampunk. I always love learning about different sorts of artistry and Galaad’s is absolutely fascinating. My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

I’m an amateur alternative photo model since 2010. By alternative, I mean I work mostly in Gothic, fantasy, dark, whimsical, steampunk and cosplay themes. I usually make the projects by myself with the help of motivated photographers. I know what I want to do so I choose the theme and costume and photographers answers if they like the idea- of course, they are free to request and suggest their own ideas. Being a model is like a therapy for me: when I was younger, kids at school rejected me and insulted me because was different and “ugly”. As a teenager, I entered the Gothic subculture and found myself in it. This gave me strength to search for my identity and assume who I am. Becoming a photo model has reconciled me with myself. It takes courage to dare to have our picture exposed to the eyes of the world. I also want to show that you don’t need to be a tall and skinny fashion blonde to be a model. Everybody can do it if they want to.

I like to disguise myself and become someone else for a moment. But, paradoxically, it also reveals me as I want to be. Since I was a child, I dreamed to look like a fairy, a vampire of a witch and photography permits me to do that. Dressing like we want is part of the freedom of speech.

What inspires you?

I’m usually inspired by the things I like: literature, ghost stories, fairytales, cinema, theatre, music, myths and legends from the entire world and of course personal feelings and experiences.

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

When I was in a transition class from high school to art school, I met someone who introduced me to photography and modeling and also had photography class where I learned the basis. I always used to love pictures of all kind and create some. Photography permits to transform the ephemeral to eternal and freeze the things we love in time, saving them from a complete dissipation. Photography also allows to bring things immaterial to life: this is true magic to me.

Yes, I always wanted to be an artist, but the art school has bruised my dreams because the teachers have discriminated me because of my style and I was disappointed to realise that the art school community in France is so full of closed minded peoples. But my love for art is still present and today I wish to work in a museum to take care of what already exists. I think that art is the greatest creation of mankind, this is what makes our humanity. Art is more important in our life than we thought. If someone’s tell you that art is useless, just respond “try to spend your life without and you’ll see”.

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 so, but there are some characters I really like to play like witches, ghosts and scorned brides because I can identify myself to them: I know what it is to feel different, forgotten and heartbroken. I’ve got ‘Spectre’ in my name (which means ghost), as an asexual person, I feel close to a ghost because he’s pure soul and doesn’t have to use a body. Some of the characters I portrays in my photoshoots are androgyn and asexual characters. I’m fascinated with the codes between genres. I’m not transgender but sometimes I feel nor woman nor man inside my head.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Go, do it and have fun! Don’t let anyone judge you. Do what you like to do, this is more than your right.

If I have to give an advice: take your time to observe, try and find what fits you. Do it by steps, it will be more easy this way.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I identify myself as hetero-romantic asexual. I’m attracted to men but not in a sexual way. Sex doesn’t interest me. It disgusts me and I see it like something that destroys. I don’t understand why it is so important for others – I’m sure many of them never asked themselves this question, they just do it because mostly everything around them told them they should.

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

Yes but if I didn’t say it, nobody notices. It’s sad because when I tell peoples I’m asexual, suddenly they avoid me or doesn’t want to talk to me anymore as if it was a contagious and fatal disease. The most violent reaction I used to encounter was someone who once told me “You are useless if you don’t f**k, what a waste you are”. I suffer a lot because of this. I feel lonely and I’m quite sure I’ll never find a companion to live with. I’m OK with my asexuality and won’t change for anything, it’s the others that doesn’t understand (and don’t want to try). Guys, there’s so many other things than sex in life, open your eyes and your mind. Hopefully, I’ve some nice friends that doesn’t judge me on this.

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

Sadly, asexuality doesn’t exist for most peoples in this world. As mostly asexuals, I’ve heard the traditional “You just didn’t found the right person yet. It’s just a phase, it will pass”. Yeah quite original, I know. I’ve also heard: “it’s an excuse because you’re too shy/too ugly” and “It’s in our nature, we are animals” ← I responded to this one: “So would you like to be treated like an animal?” He immediately changed his sentence.

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

Your orientation is not a choice and the best way to be fine is to embrace it. Don’t be afraid, don’t be ashamed. The opposite of bravery is not cowardice but conformity – so dare to be different! You are not alone.

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

You can find my work on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GalaadSpectreModel/
Or on my Deviantart Gallery: http://galaad-spectre.deviantart.com/

Thank you, Galaad, for participating in this interview and this project. It is very much appreciated.

Interview: Rebecca

Today we’re joined by Rebecca. Rebecca is an amazing and versatile artist who sent along some truly beautiful pictures to go with her interview. She’s a visual artist who works with digital mediums. Rebecca is also a very productive writer who specializes in the speculative genres: fantasy, sci-fi, cyberpunk, and steampunk. She is truly a passionate artist. My thanks to her for taking the time to participate in this interview.

Android Girl

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

I’m a digital artist and writer. My artwork is mostly created with Paint Tool SAI – I use a Wacom Intuos tablet for illustration work and a Cintiq for comic work. Most of my art is of my original characters and I like to work with bold, sharp lines and bright colours.

The novels I write tend to fall into the fantasy, steampunk and sci-fi genres. My current project, Wired, is a cyberpunk story about an android living undercover among humans and those who are sent to track him down.

What inspires you?

Everything! I know a lot of comic artists who I’ve been fortunate enough to meet in person at conventions and it’s always really motivating to see their work grow and watch them improve. I often get ideas from music too – just one line in a song could inspire a full illustration – along with fashion and books.

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

I’ve always wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember, along with wanting to be a writer. I was set on being a professional artist until I attempted freelance work for a year and realised it wasn’t for me. I’m not the kind of person who can churn out drawings constantly without losing motivation. So now I work on my art and writing in my spare time and find it works out a lot better for me.

Decay

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. My signature has always just been my initials because I’ve never thought of a good alias for my work!

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone else struggles with their work as much as you do and everyone learns at their own pace. Turn envy into motivation. Also, practice! Yes, it can be boring drawing the same thing over and over, but it will pay off in the long run.

Dorian

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

Aromantic asexual.

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

Not intentional prejudice, but a lot of people who just don’t understand and ask questions that aren’t really appropriate. I’ve also been told I’ll change my mind when I’m older – so many times it’s become tedious. I’m 24 – I’m not sure how much older they want me to be before my identity is seen as valid.

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

That it’s just ‘an excuse for people who can’t get laid’. And that makes me want to tear my hair out in frustration. Asexuality is the simplest concept and yet so many people can’t – or don’t want to – understand it.

Either that, or that we’re all plants.

Wyntercon Poster

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

You are valid, and there’s nothing wrong with you. I only discovered asexuality was a ‘thing’ after the AVEN group popped up on my Facebook news feed because one of my friends was a member. That was only a couple of years ago and I wish I’d found it sooner. Do your research and discuss it with people you feel it’s safe to talk about it with – it’s such a relief to finally find a community you fit in with.

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

My main website –  http://rb-illustration.co.uk
Tumblr – http://rb-illustration.tumblr.com
Facebook – http://facebook.com/rbillustrationart
YouTube – http://youtube.com/rbillustration

Egyptian Girl

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