HI ANGELA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA I WUV ///////YOU/////// 😭💕💜 💕💜 💕💜 💕💜 GOD I’M SO SORRY FOR THE LATE REPLY BUT HHHHH SEEING THIS IN MY INBOX MADE ME SO HAPPY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR KIND ASK ILYSM<3333
It’s always fascinating to see how huge the Homestuck art community is all over the world - Where are you from?
I'm from Washington!
We’re in love with the tarot deck! Can you tell us a little bit about how you became involved?
I heard about this project from people who I worked with for the Homestuck Vol. 5 Track Art Fan Anthology. I had an amazing time creating artwork and interacting with other artists for that project, so I jumped onto this one as soon as I heard! I was actually originally slated for a Major Arcana card, but I had to back out due to scheduling issues, haha. Thankfully, I was invited back, when I had more free time, to make art for Ace of Pentacles. It's very exciting to be featured on this deck.
Tell us a little bit about the artwork you contributed to the deck – how does the art tie in with the meaning behind the card?
My card is Ace of Pentacles. The main focus of the card is Dream Ghost John, finding the Ring of Life in the dream bubbles. Its composition takes direct inspiration from the original tarot card, which symbolizes prosperity, manifestation, and opportunity. To be honest, I don't remember much about this card because it's been way too long since I've made it; I think the idea speaks for itself, though.
How have you grown as an artist over the years and what has helped you grow?
I believe I've grown in an immeasurable amount of ways. Over the years, I've learned more about the basic foundations of technical art, expanding my imagination, and learning to become more experimental - and smarter - with my art. My family members, teachers, and friends really aided me, for the majority of it. I'd like to thank them so much for encouraging me when I needed the help. It's a bit difficult to consider all my factors of growth, but I know for sure that I'd like to thank the amazing people around me and my environment.
What’s your process? Where do you find inspiration?
I normally start off by looking at artwork that inspires me, or songs and topics that I enjoy. Typically, I look through a file or blog full of other art by my favorite artists and I study how they tackle a certain concept or style, then I try to apply that to my own work. After figuring what I want to draw, I create multiple thumbnails and go with what catches my eye the most; I usually ask for help from my peers during this time. From then, my artistic process depends on what type of medium I'm working with. My inspirations tend to change pretty frequently, depending on what style I am experimenting with. My favorite medium right now is the pen and marker, so I've found the works of Mabel Ye and Kim Jung Gi to be especially unique and creative. I'd like to push for my own style to be just as innovative as theirs.
What kind of impact has Homestuck had on your life and art?
Oh jeez. Considering that I started reading it at age 11, I think it's safe to say that Homestuck has had an immense impact on me as a person, a writer, and an artist. I've met some of my best friends through this webcomic, and it helped me through harsher times during my middle school years. Additionally, because of Homestuck and my intense desire to make fanart, I learned how to use a tablet! The comic exposed me to new ways to use colors, eclectic ideas and concepts, and an array of amazing artists whom I took inspiration from during my early days of art. I truly don't know where I would be right now without this webcomic.
What advice would you give to a younger you?
Experiment more. Don't be so afraid of showing your art to the public. Fanart isn't the only type of art that exists. Use different mediums, go outside your comfort zone, and really involve yourself in the community. Sharing art can be terrifying, but it can seriously help you to improve in the long run. Go big, and reach for new styles and ideas. Learn how something works before you break it. Stay creative. Keep reading. Please, for the love of God, do your homework.
