Do you have formal art training or are you self-taught?
If you can count art in elementary and High School “formal training” I would consider myself self-taught. I’ve been drawing since I can remember, encouraged by art teachers in school and by my grandmother. It’s my calm and my zen.

How long have you been a paper crafter?
Wow, now to sound old… I got into paper crafting by a gift from my MIL (now she is but wasn’t then) for my birthday in 2000. I mostly dabbled until my daughter was born in 2005 and then I was an avid scrapbooker! Babies are adorable! You know how many pictures you can take of them and love every one of them? I didn’t start making cards until about 3 years ago when I became friends with my super friend Leah. She totally got me hooked because she made it look so fun!

You worked in retail grocery for 11 years before going full-time with your business, Some Odd Girl. What motivated you to quit your job and become an entrepreneur?
I’d say 11 years in retail grocery was a big motivation all by itself. Just kidding… well kind of. I really have always wanted to do something that I could be creative in and for a while I felt I was doing that there (I was a cake decorator for 3 years) but after 11 years doing basically the same thing day in and out my heart wasn’t in it anymore. I never lost my love for art and when friends of mine gave me the idea, I ran with it. It then snowballed to the point where it became a choice I could make and I gladly chose Some Odd Girl. Happiness, art and family were my big motivators.

Your business is almost 2 years old, and you have a big following. How does it feel to be living your dream?
When you stop and think about it in terms like that, and its so true, I can’t help but to be stunned. Its taken so much of hard work to get here and I feel like there’s still such a ways to go but I’m positively GIDDY to get the chance to explore the future! I wouldn’t have said that 3 years ago.

Any words of advice for paper crafters thinking of turning their hobby into a business?
It may sound cliche but DON’T GIVE UP! It may take a long time (or at least feel like it!) but every day that your put in, honing your craft, improving your skills and refining your ideas is one day closer to making that dream a reality! Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t, you can and you will if you put your heart into it! Read and research everything you can.

Who or what are your biggest sources of inspiration?
My all time favorite artist is Alphonse Mucha, his works are amazing and mesmerizing! Another fav of mine is Joshua Middleton, a comic artist. He’s a big Mucha fan as well so maybe that’s why My kids, though fantastic at driving me crazy, are also a great inspiration. Joy and wonder and pure imagination in 2 overly energetic balls.

How long have you been using Copic markers? Why do you prefer them over art tools?
I’ve been using Copics since February 2010, we have an anniversary Shortly after going live with Some Odd Girl I realized that coloring these stamps was going to be something I really needed to do and do well. I started with pencils but wanted a more vibrant, saturated look. Regular water based markers never made me happy because of the unevenness and streaks so when I discovered Copics, after an exhaustive internet research fest, I was skeptical and intrigued! I never thought a marker and I would be partners but they were different. I love how you can do anything with them and they’re “green”

Any tips for Copic beginners?
The 3 P’s! Practice, Paper and Patience! I just coined that You won’t grasp the technique involved overnight but by having a good paper, taking the time to read tutorials and practice your patience will pay off! Without those 3 things you’ll just be frustrated.

What type of background noise do you prefer while you’re coloring?
Talk radio. LOL! Specifically the Freebeer and Hotwings Morning Show, I get the podcast and love listening and laughing while I color. It helps me not to “overthink” which I’m good at doing.

Favorite holiday tradition?
When I was a kid I would have said spending Christmas Eve at my Uncles doing Fondue but now a days decorating the christmas tree with my kids has to be #1. Something about a white tree (oh yes, a big white tree too!), twinkley lights, sparkly bulbs and smiles is heart melting!

Find Kristy on the web:
Some Odd Girl Digital Stamps: www.someoddgirl.com
Some Odd Girl’s new line, Nouveau Girls: www.nouveaugirls.com
Kristy’s blog: www.theoddgirl.com
Kristy on Copic Color: www.copiccolor.com/someoddgirl
Follow Some Odd Girl on Facebook and Twitter

Share your papercrafting work with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Check out David’s blog post to learn more about his technique, and pick up a copy of Dark Horse Presents #2 at your local comic store.

Hollis Brown Thorton is a fine artist I’ve been paying attention to for a while now. I really dig his moody abstractions and use of photography and appropriated video game imagery. He also does quite a bit of work in his moleskin sketchbooks in marker. This Printed Circuit Board image just went up on his tumblr today. Also check out the work on his website and flickr stream. I have no idea what brand of markers he uses but it doesn’t matter. He does great stuff.

via Drawn!