Q & A with Illustrator Rachel Awes After CHA, one of our stores pointed out Rachel Awes’ artwork to us. She likes to use Copics in her illustrations, and we like her work! Below is a sample of her work from her blog, and an interview. Thanks Rachel!
First give us a bit of background Information- Where are you from, Education and Artistic interests?
I live in St. Paul, MN with my husband and two sons.
I work as both a psychologist and artist.
My education is a master’s degree in psychology from the university of MN.
Do you have formal training or are you self-taught?
I am a self-taught artist.
What inspired you to create?
What inspires me to create is listening to the beauty in people around me.
How did you develop your illustration style?
I began by taking note of moments clients in my psychology practice would share insights that took my breath away. I began a manuscript out of this inspiration. As I was documenting all their beautiful words, I began wondering how I could add illustrations. I asked myself “what would messiness inside look like?” and what would “holding hands” look like. Here is where the artist in me was born! It came out of a deep love for people and wanting to celebrate and share that in fuller color with others. Now I continue to find artistic inspiration from not just my clients but also from listening all around me and within me.
Which art materials do you prefer?
My preference of materials has crystallized, at this point, as beginning with an illustration with a fine sharpie marker and then coloring in with Copics. I adore the markers’ deep yummy colors.
Who are some of your favorite illustrators/ artists?
I tend to be drawn to other artists who are also about inspiration/lifting others up/who couple their art with words…. as, for example, Sabrina Ward Harrison, Brian Andreas, and Sark do. Also, lately I’m really into art by a blogger friend in Florida (Carissa Paige).
What criticism from a teacher or mentor have you received on your work that really helped you develop?
As far as guidance, I loved what Sark said in a book of hers, to be as true & you as you can be & then share your work with the world.
What’s your favorite part about being an illustrator?
My favorite part about being an illustrator is how happy I am when I draw and how happy I am to meet the new friends I have through blogging and how happy I am to celebrate the beauty in people and how happy I am to feel like I am being myself.
What is the worst part about being and illustrator?
The worst part is not having as much time as I’d always wish to breathe full life into this part of my heart-career.
It is so great to soar with colors!
Check out more of Rachel Awes:
