I had a bright red coat when I was in high school, and I’ve never gotten over it. All my friends used to joke that they could always see me coming because of it. In retrospect, I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing. But maybe it explains why I’m always drawn to them on other people, like Danielle.
What do you do?
I’m an art student at Hunter, in painting.
How did you know that’s what you wanted to study?
I’ve always liked it, always done it from a very young age, so I’m pursuing it now in school.
What’s your favorite class?
Classical figure drawing.
Oh, interesting. What do you like about that?
It’s a good way to improve your drawing skills, and you get to look at a lot of history, a lot of statues. That’s the fun part–if you’re into history, which I am.
Who are the artists that you’re looking at right now? Or do you look at other things for inspiration?
I do look at other things, but I look at a lot of artists too. I look at a lot of illustrators, like James Jean. Another artist [I like] is Audrey Kawasaki.
Any other illustrators you’d recommend checking out?
Andrew Hem, who’s a fine artist/illustrator also. Jillian Tamaki. I like a lot of comic book artists and graphic novelists too.
Like whom?
Joshua Middleton. He works for Marvel.
Have you ever made a graphic novel?
I’d like to, but I don’t know if I’m as good as those people. They have to know how to draw everything. If I have to draw something I don’t know how to draw, it takes me a minute.
If you were to give some advice to somebody who wanted to learn how to draw, what would you tell them?
Draw a lot. If you have some extra time, you should be drawing.
Any special materials you’d recommend to somebody starting out?
Whatever you like to use. Pencil, pen, crayon…
Just hit it, whatever it is.
Yes.
Do you have a style philosophy?
No. I just like to wear comfortable shoes. I loved to wear high heels when I was younger, but I can’t anymore. So now I’m all about flat shoes.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t wait for people to do things for you.
Do you have a life philosophy or code that you live by?
I’m just trying to make my way through life and learn, to figure out what my life is about.
