Today’s UE artist on Tumblr feature - Jordan Piantedosi!
Could you introduce yourself and your work to us?
My name is Jordan Piantedosi and I’m a maximalist artist, means more, more, more! It’s the opposite of minimalism. Maximalist art should induce a sense of mania. My webcomic is called Perfect Stars, and my rap alias is mermaid machine.
What are your favorite mediums to create art?
I love drawing, painting with oils, acrylics, and goauche
In your opinion, what is your favorite piece of art that you have created?
Earlier this year I spent over 120 hours on one painting, like it was a final fantasy game.
Most of your artwork have very vivid colors. How come? How do you decide what colors or combinations to use?
I like bright colors, like sweets, and I’d like to have a more sophisticated palette, but I’m too self-indulgent when choosing colors sometimes.
What is the most challenging thing about being an artist?
The most challenging part of being an artist for me is the slow, slow climb to financial security. I’m 25 and I live with my mom. But, we’re very happy.
Which part of the creation of an artwork is the most fun for you?
Creation for me is alchemy, it’s a drug, it’s a job, it’s my main activity, and who I am. Sometimes it feels painful and sometimes it feels euphoric. Ever since I was two I’ve spent most of my time drawing and making stuff. Other than that I like dancing, dressing up, eating, swimming, shopping, walking around, reading, telling stories, etc.
What country would you most like to visit?
I want to visit a tropical island with beautiful food, please.
Check this artist out on Tumblr / her webcomic
For more UE interviews go here!
Today’s UE artist on Tumblr feature - Lewis Golland!
Please introduce yourself to us!
My name is Lewis Golland. I was born in 1991. I am growing up in a suburban setting on the south-east coast of England. I like to make things
You usually do collage works. Do certain images inspire you to make an artwork or do you think of a composition and then look for a way to actualize it?
I like to work with my materials in the moment of creating a piece. I enjoy watching my work develop into something unplanned. I find it all a very therapeutic experience that I guess could be described as a form of meditation. Parts of the processes I use to create my work are very structured and then other parts seem to rely more on the freedom of my expression. I believe there’s a balance between the two that I try to attain.
What is the purpose of art to you personally?
Art has always allowed me to freely communicate my thoughts and feelings in such a vast open context. I believe that it’s about extending your own consciousness. Expanding your own perception of what your work is about, how you fit into it and extending the meaning of what you do.
How important gender roles could be in an artwork of yours?
I seem to have an agenda of themes in my mind that bleed into my work. People seem to be the main subject in a lot of it. I like to play on the ideas of triviality in human nature, habits, traditions and superstitions. The things that characterise this giant organism that we are all a part of, I like to bring them to light within the context of my work, and more particularly, the ideologies that I have been subjected to whilst growing up.
Most of the photos used in your collages are rather vintage. How come?
I love the beauty of imperfection. There’s a quiet poetry in the scars of old remnants. I see these glorious images that portray a kind of idealistic lifestyle, once brilliant in colour, now faded and toiled with age. It creates an irony that is fun to play around with.
What are the perks of being you?
I’ve always been interested in design. Combining or rearranging materials to form something new creates an endless amount of possibilities. I’m also a bit of a hoarder. I think that collecting things over the years has contributed to a huge influence in my work and as we progress forward into this technological era, I find myself collecting and organising more and more digital archives. I almost feel torn between both worlds and it is very exciting to be able to live between the two.
Check this artist out on Tumblr / Facebook / deviantArt
For more UE interviews go here!
Today’s UE artist on Tumblr feature - Eno Swinnen!
So please tell us a bit about yourself and your work! How did you come up with the idea to create gifs?
Hi, i’m Eno, an animation student from Belgium. I mainly work with rotoscopy which means that I draw over filmed footage frame by frame (in the age of the internet this can be almost anything). I started by trying to make the source material more abstract which in turn grew to a more computer-like analyzing of the pictures I was drawing. After that, making gifs just made sense to me. that and my animation almost always benefits from the looping nature of gifs. Most of the gifs that are on my blog now will be part of my master project, which will be an animated short that’ll also completely be online in gif form.
Do you need special preparations to make a piece (getting inspired, looking for references and so on) or do you just sit down and make an artwork?
The only preparation that I need is the photocopies I draw on. When I find a youtube vid, or something else that I can record, that inspires me I turn it into frames which I get printed at a copy shop. The next part is just me drawing on the back of these photocopies frame by frame. This part is definitely just me sitting down making everything up as I go.
How long do you take on a single gif? Which programs do you use and in comparison which one is more advanced for which features?
I mostly draw in batches of about 500-700 frames and when I’m doing good I draw about 50 or 60 frames a day, sometimes only like 30. On average I do about 3 weeks on a certain part and then I turn parts that I like into gifs. As far as programs go I use After effects to turn videos into frames and Photoshop to turn the scanned frames back into gifs, basically I almost don’t use software as I’m kind of clumsy with it anyway.
What gives you the most satisfaction about (your) art?
Watching it move is so satisfying! There’s almost nothing as fun as working on something for 3 weeks day in day out and then finally seeing it move.
What are you looking forward to at the moment?
Graduating and hopefully being able to get payed for doing what I love. That or just being able to continue making gifs.
Check this artist out on Tumblr / Vimeo / Flickr
For more UE interviews go here!
Today’s UE artist on Tumblr feature - Inga Eicaite aka Zoori_i
Please introduce yourself to the world of Tumblr!
My name is Inga.
So.. Why printmaking? What are some of the advantages of printmaking?
Printmaking has a great deep connection with my heritage. The process itself of sketching, making cliches and printing is close to my nature in a sense that every work takes time thinking how to do things right. I don’t like to be rushed, I create during the process. Advantages would depend on the technique, but mostly it’s an ability to reproduce same work over and over again until the cliche wears off.
What themes do you pursue?
Destruction - construction - reconstruction. Cosmos. These are the main themes that I been into lately. Bauhaus and Constructivism have been my two very important influences. The idea itself of destruction and not being able to put pieces together afterwards is fascinating. Object looses it’s original form, but it gains so much more when you start manipulating the endless possibilities.
How would you like improve in the future?
I have a vision of myself and it takes enormous time - energy - force combination to get there.
But I would like to express myself combining different mediums and exploring the simplicity behind the complexity more, work on way larger format - introduce light and shadows or even take it into 3d - making my work more ominous.
What do you like the most about sketchbooks?
Minimalistic approach.
Which artists would you like to be compared to? Maybe you already have been compared to some?
I had people telling me that some of my sketchbook pieces look El Lissitzky like and this is the best compliment ever so far.
Do you have any weird habits?
To walk out in the middle of the conversation.
Check this artist out on Tumblr / Behance / Flickr
For more UE interviews go here!
Today’s UE artist on Tumblr feature is Laumii!
Please introduce yourself to us!
Hey, my name’s Laura. I’m an illustrator and comic artist from Germany with a huge interest in animation.
You seem to usually work in digital media. Why do you like it so much? What are it’s advantages?
I used to work in traditional media only and I still prefer traditional to digital media.
For me it’s way more difficult to achieve the same results with watercolors or oils.
Digital media really comes in handy for printing. You don’t have so much trouble with scanning and adjusting your colors. Most of my commission work is created digital because it’s so much easier to change colors and redraw parts the customer didn’t like.
You can try things, delete things, try again… It’s an efficient working tool.
You also do lots of fan art! How come?
It’s fun. :) Mostly, it’s just relaxing to take a break from daily work and draw your favorite game or movie character. I love to look at other artists designs and get inspired.
How did you discover your talent for art?
My first drawing I can recall was a rough wobbly stroke, I claimed to be a bee. Boy, I was so proud! Drawing always was something you didn’t have to force me to , it just came naturally. Not very long ago I learned that drawing is about hard work and understanding the basics. I did a lot of life drawing and anatomy studies. Since then I enjoy drawing more than ever before.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Still in my little world of magic surrounded by a whole whimsical bunch of tiny creatures.
If you could have any kind of a superpower.. What would it be and why?
As a kindergartner I always thought it’d be time-saving to fly into the air, without wasting so much time crossing streets and waiting for the lights to turn green… haha, yeah I still like the idea. :)
Check this artist out on her art Tumblr / sketch Tumblr / deviantArt
For more UE interviews go here!
Today’s UE artist on Tumblr feature - Chacorl!
Please introduce yourself and your artwork to those who might not know you here yet!
I am a Japanese illustrator mainly working on CG graphics with Photoshop.
I’m using Tumblr as a sort of sketchbook for a warming up exercise.
It’s always nice to see how people from abroad enjoy manga illustrations.
I love what Japanese subculture (manga, TV games and so on) brought us, and have admired the specificity in its development.
Animation is one of my big inspirations, as well.
Here is a music video I made before with Sasakure.UK, who is a talented Japanese composer I’m currently working with. You might be surprised to hear a computer voice whispering like a human in this song and it perfectly fits with the atmosphere!
If you would have to describe your artwork in five words what would they be?
1. emotion
2. intimacy
3. (a) moment
4. rearrangement
5. joy
What are your favorite colors to use?
Colors of winter morning, especially with snow.
How has your style changed over years? Are you satisfied with that?
The way I describe what significant in a image is has become a bit more precise.
And yes I am, definitely :)
Which part of creating do you enjoy doing the most?
I enjoy troubles happening on a canvas.
What is the thing you could not live without?
Going out to have a small tea time.
Check this artist out on Tumblr / the main website
For more UE interviews go here!
Today’s UE artist on Tumblr feature - Taylor Sijan!
Please introduce yourself and your work to the world of Tumblr!
Hello! I’m Taylor Sijan, a 20-year-old artist living in northern Ohio. I’m currently working on completing a series of portraits about the beauty of what we hide inside ourselves and also planning a book illustrated with watercolors & inks about my boyfriend and I bicycling around America beginning April 2013. You can find my artwork at www.taylorsijan.com and my travels at www.thecycleisslow.com.
Do you like experimenting on your work? Why?
I love to experiment with different techniques & media in my artwork. I started out only being proficient with colored pencils (I am terrible with graphite and sketching, actually) but over the years I’ve learned to add a little marker here, a little paint there and I think that dabbling in different media has made my artwork far more interesting. I couldn’t imagine ever sticking to one style, either. I see techniques other artists use and I think, “How wonderful… I have got to try adding a little of that!” I believe experimenting is definitely integral to growing as an artist.
What is your favorite medium to work with?
My favorite to work with would be a combination of marker and colored pencil on colored paper. I use the markers to dye the paper first, and then add layer after layer of colored pencils on top. I feel I can achieve a much more vibrant, well-blended piece that way. Once I’ve slogged through the sketch, the coloring flies by for me.
What are your aspirations and inspirations?
I get my inspiration looking at the works of other artists. Whenever I see something I think is especially lovely, I get a little excited and a little jealous. It’s quite funny, really, because most of the things I’ve made that I like the most, I’ve made because I wanted to prove I could create something beautiful like them. I hope that someday, I will be able to settle down and not feel like I have to master everything. Right now, I aspire to circumnavigate America on a bicycle and create an illustrated book detailing the journey, as well as co-producing a documentary about it.
Where do you like working the most?
I like working at home, sitting on my bed (a great, cozy heap of blankets on the floor), between an iMac and my laptop, amidst sketches and thumbnails strewn on the floor, with a big mug of chai and some great music in my ears.
Do you have a special talent? If yes, what is it?
I’ve been told my great talent is being able to draw, but I believe that it is actually (to the great disgust of many of my friends) successfully procrastinating in school. I’ve heard countless times from my betters that one simply can’t punch an A+ worthy essay out/study for finals/start and finish a portfolio the night before it’s due, and yet I have a couple diplomas with ‘Highest Honors’ stamped on them… I guess there always is an exception to the rule, huh? ;)
Check this artist out on Tumblr / Behance / deviantArt / Etsy / her website
For more UE interviews go here!
Today’s UE artist on Tumblr feature - Olivier Menanteau aka moon!
Please introduce yourself and your artwork to the world of Tumblr!
Hello my name is moon, I’m 34 years old and I live in France in Nantes. I am a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. I also give lessons in a school of visual communication in graphic design.
Why do you do what you do?
In 1993 I opened a graffiti magazine (Spray can art) and I took the slap of my life that will guide my choices and my passion for drawing, painting and all forms of graphic designs.
At this time the Parisian graffiti scene was very early and it was really very motivating for me.
Since that time I filled sketchbook therefore (still) …
Then the German scene takes over and becomes more illustrative, new perspectives creations arrive.
In 1999 I started a school of applied arts where I will train to graphics, to As I walk away to go to the graffiti painting on canvas and computer.
I always fed on manga (gunm, Akira, Appleseed …), animation (Miazaki, Akira again, Pixar movies …) and the great masters of painting (especially Klimt, Schiele, Art Nouveau in general …).
Today I try to maximize the side and less illustrative graphic design even if I keep projects because I still love it.
I also like working on set designs, video mapping, photography.
Anyway, I love all the means of creating, but a pencil and my sketchbook is still the more personal.
What are your favorite mediums to work with?
Graphite, color pencils.
Which medium would you love to pursue but haven’t yet?
Clay
What are your favorite colors to use?
1 > Black
2 > All the rest
Do you have any art related plans for this year?
Collaboration with a company of hip hop, video mapping, costumes, set design and graphic design around the color red.
Finally to illustrate a beautiful story … Make a book and sell it :)
What would you like to achieve the most and why?
Be able to draw exactly what I have in my head …
More seriously, I’d really like to finish this story to illustrate that I speak it, dedicate it to my son and daughter to read them :)
But it is a project in the short term to really see it, I rarely plan very long term I’m rather leave things come to me at random.
In your opinion, which place you have ever visited was the best and why did you enjoyed it so much?
ROME, so many beautiful things to see…
Check this artist out on Tumblr / Behance / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / the main website
For more UE interviews go here!
Today’s artist on Tumblr feature - Studio Doeke!
Hi! My name is Doeke, I’m a 26 years old guy from the Netherlands, also called Studio Doeke. I love running, drinking tea and coffee, dancing, eating food, plants, and drinking more tea and coffee.
Do you express yourself in any other way besides art? Why?
Yes, although I’m gonna sound really boring: I really enjoy making terrariums for plants and preparing food. Both make me really relax and forget about everything.
Did your style develop a lot during the years? If yes, how?
Yes it did! When I started art school I didn’t really had my own style yet. But after going to school for 5 years and entering on an exchange program to Barcelona, my work developed more and more into something of my own. When I look back I will say I found ‘my style’ around 3 years ago. Now I’ve graduated (2 years ago) I feel I can do whatever I want, like trying new things. Which makes me feel more comfortable with my own style and developing it.
Where do you get your ideas from? How do you begin?
A lot of my ideas actually come up when I’m running. I don’t know what it is, maybe it’s the fact that my head becomes really relaxed, and then, all of a sudden, the ideas are there. If I’m working on an editorial I usually start on the first image that comes up in my head, make a quick sketch, experiment with materials and eventually make the final illustration. I often start all over again because I’m not satisfied yet.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on several things: editorials, expositions, a really nice project in which I collaborate with my girlfriend (La Nonette) and of course my personal work. In the near future I want to silkscreen again! I love silkscreening!
Do you like living in the Netherlands? Why?
I like it, although I have to say I would love to go somewhere else. I have been living in Zwolle (a small city) the past 6 years. There’s not much happening over here, which is why I go to bigger city’s like Utrecht and Amsterdam a lot. There are simply more ways to get exposure and more people to connect with in bigger cities. Holland is a good country: people are nice, the cultural climate is not where it should be but it’s do-able. I love the mentality of the Dutch: if we want something, we work for it, and we make sure that we get it done.
Ciao!
Check this artist out on Tumblr / Society6 / Facebook / his website
For more UE interviews go here!
Today’s artist on Tumblr feature - Kirsten Rothbart!
Please briefly introduce yourself and your work to us!
Hi, I’m Kirsten Rothbart and currently I study Comic and Illustration at the School Of Art And Design in Kassel, Germany.
I’m an illustrator and i try to make comics.
You are a fan of pastel colors, aren’t you? Why do you like these colors so much?
I wouldn’t call myself a huge fan os pastels, but i do fancy them in my works yes! Whenever I color my drawings, they always end up super sticky colorful. I guess I have a subtle urge for sweet, harmonic and rich color compositions!
What/who inspires you the most?
Uh, a lot of stuff! Movies, photographs mostly. But also many little things. Like places I go. Clubs, restaurants, etc. It’s good to keep your eyes open for everything that is around you! Sometimes it’s the smallest things that inspire me most.
Which artwork is the one you are most proud of so far and why?
That’s a though question. I like most of my drawings. But I strongly prefer the ones with complex compositions.
How did you decide to become an artist?
I didn’t really decide this. It just happened. One afternoon in my early teenage years I was sitting and drawing, rather copying, a drawing by my favourite comic artist. When I looked at my drawing I was so proud that I realized I wanted to become a serious good illustrator.
Do you like animals? Which one is your favorite?
I do! I don’t have any big preferences.. But I do like strong animals alot. Like tigers, dogs, whatever!
Check this artist out on Tumblr / Behance / Flickr
For more UE interviews go here!
