Interview: Matthew Maione

Today we’re joined by Matthew Maione. Matthew is a phenomenal visual artist who also writes and creates fanart. He enjoys drawing faces and also does quite a lot of fanart. When he’s not creating visual art, Matthew enjoys writing and writes both fanfiction and original work. He’s particularly fond of historical fiction and crime suspense. It’s clear he’s an incredibly dedicated artist who loves to create 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 am a virtual artist and creative writer. I enjoy drawing faces and fanart.  I like playing with colour and texture a lot. I write almost entirely fanfiction and fiction. Historical fiction and Crime Suspense novels are some of my favourite to write.

What inspires you?

Music is a huge inspiration in my life, it can get me in certain moods that are perfect for writing. My fiancé often inspires me with the little things she does, dances around the house that make me want to write romance. Nature gives me a breath of life, revitalizes me and makes me want to draw.

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

It was actually my older sister, she is a cosplay and traditional artist. She is 5 years older than me and I, being a younger sibling, was jealous and decided I needed to be better than her. Now I do it because I love it, of course.

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 used to but since I lost most of my sight I’ve just been trying to re-explore what my art is. Playing with styles and shading to recreate it so I can still actually create, I used to sign my older works.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Don’t give up! Make your weaknesses your strengths! There is no reason why you can’t pursue art if it’s what you love. Always do what makes you happiest, not what others want you to do.

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I identify as Grey-ace. I don’t really experience sexual attraction, but if I have a strong romantic connection with someone I am able to connect with them in that way as well. But it’s more of a, I do it because I love them and want to make them happy. Not to say that is the only way to do so, there are many ways to connect with your partners and sex is never a mandatory part of a relationship, but it can enhance your romantic connection. Simply put, while I don’t experience sexual attraction, for me, being intimate occasionally makes me feel emotionally closer.

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

I haven’t really in my field. It’s not something that just casually comes up in conversation but those I have told have all been very understanding. A few people I told were even comfortable enough with me after the fact that they were able to come out to me as well. In my daily life a few people have said that it’s because I hadn’t met the right person, or claimed they could fix me, very common things to run into. I mostly just ignore this and do my best to stay safe.

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

That I’ll never be able to have a permanent partner or that it’s a phase. I have a fiancé who has no problems with it, we have been together for two years. She is always very understanding if I’m having a repulsed day, because there are good and bad days. Some days I’m totally okay with the idea of sex and others I can’t stand to watch movies with implied scenes in them. But if you’re worried about finding someone who will love you, of course you will. There’s somebody for everyone.

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

Being asexual, while it is a way to identify, does not define you. If the thought of it is new or uncomfortable, it’s just another part of wat makes you, you. It’s not something to be ashamed of or hide, there are so many people out there who will accept you for exactly who you are.

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

My Tumblr is Naoki-arts, I have AO3, Ammarettu. I’m currently working on getting my first novel published so any news on that will be found there as well!

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

Interview: Mick Greene

Today we’re joined by Mick Greene, who also goes by fiyhi.  Mick is an amazingly talented visual artist who works mostly in digital mediums.  They have a unique style and their work is stunning to look at.  The expression on the faces is absolutely remarkable.  My thanks to them for taking the time to participate in this interview.

WORK

Please, tell us about your art.

If I had to describe it, I’d say it’s a big mish-mash of colours, textures, and wacky expressions. I tend to exaggerate features and use a lot of different ways to highlight different characters like coloured noses, cheeks, fingers, and elbows/knees. Big curly hair is always fun. And of course a lot of anime sparkles. Sometimes there’s big bold lines, sometimes none, sometimes it’s coloured, sometimes black and white. People tell me they can tell it was me who made the art, that they can “see” me in it, but I certainly hope I don’t literally look like the characters, haha. I almost always work digitally with an intuos tablet and photoshop but I try to keep a painterly style when I can.

What inspires you?

My art has evolved so much throughout the years. It started off as a horrible lovechild of Johnen Vasquez meets Tim Burton. Then I went through my Homestuck phase (a four year long phase) and imitated popular fanartists. When I started drawing from life, I realized that I didn’t need to take directly from other artists to be a good one, I just needed to look at the world around me and try to inspire myself! I really love stuff with bright colours like flowers and succulents, and underwater things are also a huge inspiration. The one thing that’s never changed from the beginning is how much space inspires me (which is why my upcoming webcomic is set there!). I still take inspiration from other artists I love like Magnolia Porter, Michelle Czajkowski, Shelby Cragg, and Maya Kern to name a few.

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

Well, when I was really little I was convinced I was going to be a marine biologist (I thought dolphins were aliens and thought if I could just get close enough they would adopt me and take me to space). As I grew up, though, I realized that making art was something I really enjoyed and I just . . . kept doing it. I hope I’ll be doing it for a long time.

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 like to use a lot of star shapes in my art when I can fit them in and include varying little easter eggs for people to find. If you’re talking more along the lines of illuminati/conspiracy theory stuff then [RE҉DA̢C͢T̨E͘D]͏.

What advice would you give young aspiring artists?

Oh gosh where do I begin . . . I’d say the most important thing is, if you really want to be an artist, if you know that’s what you want to do, then you can’t give up. You may hate your art and everything you do, other people may seem way better than you, but you can’t stop trying. You have to be like a steam train. As far as style goes, you can’t compare yourself to others at all. If you learn from studying life, your style will emerge on its own. It may take time but it will happen. And another good tip: try your best to thrive off negative critique. Let it inspire you to work harder, keep trying, and achieve your goals, rather than bring you down. It isn’t something everyone can do, but it will help you a lot in the art world if you can manage. Overall: learn from life, don’t let negativity knock you down, and keep trying!

ASEXUALITY

Where on the spectrum do you identify?

I consider myself grey asexual and panromantic. It took me most of my life to figure out why other people seemed so focused on sexual attraction while I felt like it just wasn’t a big deal in my life. I’m glad I found a word for it, and that the info is out there for other people to find too.

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

I’m lucky to never have experienced any kind of ace-specific prejudice in my field or otherwise, mostly because it’s not usually something I talk about on Tumblr, let alone in real life. Most people find it “too complicated” so I just stopped trying to explain. Personally I’m comfortable enough to do this, but I feel like a change is really needed. People need to take the education on themselves instead of relying on others to do it for them. Remember: knowledge is power!

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

There’s a mile long list… People think you’re incapable of love, that you’re some kind of cold unfeeling robot (or b*tch especially if you’re dfab), that you reproduce like plants, or that you’re straight up a mean person because of your asexuality. This frustrates me beyond belief, especially considering what a simple concept it is!

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

You are valid. You are needed. You are loved. People may be confused, disgusted, or even hateful of you because of your asexuality. People may try to “convince” you, change you, tell you that you’re “too good looking to be ace” or that you’re wasting something by not wanting sex. You will come out of this struggle and be happy with yourself one day. You will find people who accept you and love you wholeheartedly. I love you and I don’t even know you! Everything will be ok. ❤

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

You can check out my art blog or my art tag on my personal blog!

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