Cindy has worked as a professional artist, illustrator and designer since 1992. She expresses her whimsical, colorful style in a variety of media including pencil crayon, block prints, pen and ink and electronic images. Cindy enjoys observing people and incorporating their unique expressions and personalities into her work.
In her spare time, Cindy works in her home studio, painting, printmaking and making pottery, often while listening to old blues or alternative rock, and finishing off a pot of coffee.
MP: You are a professional artist, illustrator and designer. How does each play a part in where you are today with your creative life?
I think they are all one and the same. It's my entire life. My day job is spent creating, and my play time is crammed with creating.
MP: What are two art supplies you don't think you could live without and why?
Hard question! Being a multimedia and ceramic artist, it's hard to decide!
1. Sharpies - I use them for a lot of my inking work. They are really durable and can write on most any surface.
2. My Windsor and Newton watercolor travel kit - My absolute favorite watercolor set in the world. It has all the basic colors I need, a small brush and water dish and it's small enough to fit in a purse.
MP: Is there any time of day that you find you are the most creative? Do you try to schedule studio time or do you prefer to follow the muse?
In the evening at home, after the nightly chaos is over, I have a chance to unwind with some art. Usually it's while watching TV with my husband. (He's great. He got me an art table which I can work at on the couch. He also transformed an old microwave cart into “the Art Cart” which I can roll around the room and shove out of the way if we have company.)
I pretty much follow the muse. Since I have such a hectic life running my business, I fit my art in where I can, and when I feel I need to. I try to do something artistic every day. I make a lot of drawn ATCs. ATCs are great - since they are small, they are low commitment! I can do several in a sitting very quickly and it gives me a much needed dose of creativity.
MP: Describe your creative space.
I have several creative spaces. One is described above, the living room desk and art cart.
And the front room of my house, which is supposed to be the formal dining room, has been transformed into a full studio. I have several desks and tables covered with all sorts of art supplies and works in progress. There is an easel, a flat file filled with papers, bookshelves with lots of inspirational books and magazines. I also have a computer station in this room. It's light and bright with hardwood floors and room for my dog Luna to stretch out on her bed under one of the desks.
We converted our garage into a pottery studio as well. There are big tables and a counter to work on, shelves to stack artwork and supplies on, a pottery wheel, a kiln and all the supplies for ceramics. (My husband also makes pottery. Art is a big part of our lives.)
MP: As an artist, we have many roles, which do you find to be the most rewarding and which the most challenging for you?
My day job is owner of a graphic design and web company. I find it to be the most challenging of all my roles mostly because I am constantly creating art for other people, not myself. But what can you do? It pays the bills! *LOL*
Being boss to several employees is difficult too. I have to be constantly on the ball coming up with ideas to give them direction. Sometimes, I can't think of a darn idea and it creates a lot of pressure for me.
The most rewarding thing would have to be giving a graphic designer on my staff rough ideas out of my head for a project, or a scrap of paper with a rough drawing, and having them come back to me with a wonderful design for a client. It amazes me every time.
MP: How do you manage to get in your social networking time?
I need my social networking time. *LOL*
My job is demanding and time outside of work is limited so I find I need connection with the outside world. I've met some really awesome artists I'd never have met outside of the social networking outlets.
Luckily, being the boss I have more freedom to get online. I'm also really good at balancing my time.
MP: When you’re not working, how do you spend your time?
I try and cram as much art time as I can get in my spare time. I enjoy hanging with my husband and our dog. I like making pottery, gardening, watching movies and TV, and just chilling. :-)
MP: Is there anything you would like the art world to know about you that we did not cover in our interview?
Make art every day, and peace out! ;-)
Visit Cindy to learn more about her fun artistic life and see more incredible works of art.
Websites:
My Official Website:
www.couling.com
My Blog:
www.lunagraphica.blogspot.com
My Design Shop:
www.lunagraphica.com
Cindy, thank you for sharing with the Marketplace readers.
******************************
To
-----------------------------------------------
This article is courtesy of the MMCA Marketplace Blog, a
-----------------------------------------------
Comments