I get so many messages at this point asking the same questions that I figured I may as well post the most frequently asked questions as well as answers...
How did you learn to draw? What art classes have you taken?
I started drawing as soon as I could hold onto those oversized crayons they make for kids. I drew on walls, re-illustrated the picture books my parents gave me, and generally did what i could to desecrate every clean surface in my house with colours.
Why do you work with such grotesque/morbid/disturbing subject matter? Why do you only draw girls?
I portray images/subjects that I find relevant or worth exploring. Eating disorders, drugs, violence, sex, and nudity are all as much a part of life as the happier, fluffier subjects(like cupcakes and octopi). I don't necessarily condone or believe in self-abuse, but I do understand the underlying epidemic of self-loathing found in pop culture. I draw girls for the mostpart because a) it's what i know and b) who doesn't enjoy a pretty face? The girls are just a metaphor for any state of being.
What tips would you give to a beginning artist?
Don't confine yourself to the opinions and ideals of others. Do not shy away from experimenting with unfamiliar media. It's good to have muses and inspiration, but don't be scared of creating something that is your own. And most definitely do not steal from other artists; it's rude and unnecessary.
What tools do you use for drawing? What programs do you use?
Mirage paper is the best tooth/weight for heavier media, so that's what I use in terms of a standard drawing surface. Painting wise, canvas and plywood. Media.....drawing inks, watercolours, various markers(prismacolours, copic markers), charcoal, and paint pens. Acrylics for actual paintings. Most of the pieces in my collection are mixed media...not everything is a canvas painting...a little bit of photoshop is used for glare/colour correction. I'm also fond of stamps and stencils for making patterns.
What/who inspires the art? What artists do you admire?
Anything and everyone. The weather, my mood, the music I'm listening to, the people I keep company with....all play a role in my art. Sometimes, something as basic as a line in a song will dictate a whole piece. As far as other artists go, I love Mark Ryden(I've been collecting his art for as long as I can remember)...Camille Rose Garcia, Niagara, Liz McGrath, Hussar, David Stoupakis are all phenomenal as well. I also love photography.....michelleXstar has been an amazing source of inspiration, as well as David LaChapelle, Yuri Elizondo, and Lithium Picnic.
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Why do you put watermarks on your artwork?
Because I am feigning theft prevention! People unfortunately like to steal art and pass it off as their own. So due to several instances of theft(and rudeness when I politely ask to be credited/linked), I have to put a watermark/copyright on every piece. ((Some may say I only make the art, and that doesn't mean it's mine...but guess what....it is mine. My hands, my mind, and my heart all work together to create any given piece. I draw from past experiences and traumatic events, and for people to call me names when they're in the wrong.....just don't do it. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...but an insult is an insult and there is rarely a true need for name calling.))
Do you take commissions?
Yes! Portraits, logos, tattoo designs....you name it, I'll probably do it. For an idea about pricing, refer to previous FAQ blog.
Will you draw me for free?
And I'm sorry, but no. I just can't afford to draw artwork on request, it is too time-consuming, and supplies are expensive.. As it is, I barely have time to do my own projects and commissions.
Can we make an art trade sometime? Or a collaboration?
Just drop me a line. I love trading with other artists and craftspeople....
Collaborations are few and far between. I'm picky about who I choose to work with on projects. It's not just your skill that I'm collaborating with, but your personality as well.
Can I use your work for [a school project, tattoo design, etc]?
Please ask me before using my art on your websites, for school projects, or for tattoo use. Certain pieces are too personal for me to just allow for outside use. I'm generally open to people getting tattoos of my work, in fact, I think it's amazing when people ask. But certain pieces are OFF LIMITS. The Mute, The Mute II, A Fine Mess, and My Cell are non negotiable in terms of borrowing/use. If you are interested in getting ink, let me know. A few pieces have already been tattooed on people, so if you want to be sure you aren't doing something that's already been done, drop me a line. There was recently a situation where someone asked permission and got the ink...after the fact, another person contacted me, peeved because theyd already gotten the same art on them....if they had let me know, it could have been prevented. Also....if you do get inked with my art...send me pictures! I love to see how different tattoo artists interpret the lines/colours.
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I've seen your artwork on [someone else's myspace, deviantart, etc]... Is that you?
Probably. I've done quite a bit of logo design for various independant magazines, publishing companies, and indie designers...I have a myspace(obviously), as well as a deviantart account, an etsy shop, and an official website(callowlily.com). If people do use my art on their pages....link back to me!