Fanartivation Interview with Imaliea
| Interviews by Fans | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Fanartivation Interview with Imaliea |
| Interviewer: | |
| Interviewee: | Imaliea |
| Date(s): | February 5, 2013 |
| Medium: | online |
| Fandom(s): | |
| External Links: | online here, Archived version |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Fanartivation Interview with Imaliea was posted to Fanartivation in 2013.
This interview contains examples of the artist's work and their comments about them.
Part of a Series
Some Excerpts
Which was your very first piece of fanart, and how do you feel about it now?
Haha, wow, bringing back memories! If my memory isn't failing me too badly, I believe it was Little Mermaid fanart. I would have been... perhaps six, I think, and utterly in love with the concept of becoming a mermaid. I always thought Ariel was so silly giving up the water for a pair of awkward legs! I wish I could find the picture, but unfortunately it's most likely been lost in time. It's probably not even the earliest fanart I've done, just the one I remember best - mostly because I remember thinking it was terrible. Still, looking back now, and assuming I'm not wearing rose-tinted goggles, I don't think it was too bad. Heck, I'd even attempted to draw perspective!
I'm still waiting for the day I jump into the water and miraculously turn into a mermaid, but until then...
What are your artistic influences or inspirations?
I think starting out in digital art, Linda Bergkvist was one of my major inspirations. I was always so awed by her work, and wanted to be able to paint just like her. She was probably one reason I started taking art more seriously. As for what inspires me now, it really could be anything. I love those moments when I'll just get a flash of inspiration, and everything just flows together. Those are great. However if I'm hurting for motivation or feeling uninspired, usually music will get me going. Reading is always a great one, though I run the risk of losing inspiration to paint because I've become lost in a book. Browsing through screencaps or fanart from a show or movie is good too, if I'm in a "fan-arty" mood hehe :D
What has fandom added to your life?
I wasn't sure how to answer this at first. I mean, sure, I get enjoyment out of being part of a fandom and fangirling all over the place like a thirteen year old whenever I see Jensen Ackles/James McAvoy/Tom Hardy/Whomever on-screen, but after giving it some thought I realised how much it has given me. As a pretty awkward girl growing up, having a fandom I could follow and find like-minded people was great; I've never been much of a fandom participator apart from fanart, but seeing everyone else go nuts all over tumblr when something happens in a show, or seeing other peoples' awesome contributions, just makes you feel nice, like there's tonnes of other people out there all part of this "exclusive" little fandom-club. Gives you the warm fuzzies. Which in turn is very inspiring - I can't tell you the number of times I've been stuck for something to do and then turned to my current fave fandom for inspiration.
Lastly: do you have any wisdom or words of encouragements you'd like to share with budding artists out there?
I don't believe that talent alone gets you anywhere. If you ever doubt yourself because you're not naturally inclined towards something, give yourself a kick up the backside. I've seen with my own eyes the amazing improvements that practice and dedication can bring. Yes, being talented can be to your advantage, but that doesn't mean it's impossible for anyone else to get there, too, and it comes with its own set of challenges. I've seen too many talented people waste it away because without ambition, talent is nothing.
Secondly, if you're into drawing people, learn anatomy. That seems like such an obvious one, but it's still something I'm learning and it's easy to fall into the trap of "oh that kinda looks right" and not really know what you're drawing except that it's some kinda muscle in an arm or leg. Unfortunately that means next time you want to draw that limb or what-have-you in a different pose, you're stumped. Been there, done that! So, do as I say and not as I do, learn anatomy better than I have! Haha ;)
Keep at it everyone! Never give up if you love something. Cliche sounding, but cliches are cliche for a reason :