Ester Wilson "Watching art happen"

Ester Wilson is an artist from Atlanta, Georgia. With tradeyourtalent she speaks about letting your imagination run wild and why she can't imagine a life without creating. 

esterwilson.blogspot.com

What inspires you most when you work on a piece of art ? 

I'm inspired by the creative process itself. Making a drawing or a painting usually starts with a small thought, or one basic feeling that I'd like to see come alive. The feeling grows and becomes more exciting as decisions are made in the process, leading to a stronger conviction about where I'd like to take the work. In a way, the artwork seems to draw itself and I am just watching it happen. It resembles playing as a kid, letting your imagination run wild and knowing that anything you can dream up is valid and acceptable: playing was exciting and it grew on its own... art is the same way, in my mind - it's fun and self-inspiring.

esterwilson.blogspot.com

Your work is very colourful and full of energy. Has art always been your passion?

Very much so. My mom often jokes about how she never worried about me as a child, because I was fine to spend all day in my room with paper and pencil, no need for anything more. I can't imagine a life without creating.

esterwilson.blogspot.com

esterwilson.blogspot.com

esterwilson.blogspot.com

esterwilson.blogspot.com

For more art work by Ester Wilson visit 

web: www.esterwilson.com

blog: esterwilson.blogspot.com

"Never give up" Interview with animation artist Alison Donato

Alison Donato, graduated this May from Ringling College of Art and Design's computer animation major 

 

 

 Why is art so important for you?

Like a lot of artists, ever since I was little, I loved to draw.  All of my school notebooks were full of sketches along the sides. When I was deciding to go to college, I was actually pretty indecisive. I had taken a few 3d classes in high school that had gotten me interested in animation. I ended up giving the animation path a shot and went to Ringling College of Art and Design to major in Computer Animation. While I was there, it was obvious that I had made the right choice, finally I could take a bunch of my interests (drawing, designing, computers) and combine them into a job I would enjoy. After immersing myself in art and design I grew to love and appreciate it even more, along with animation. Going to school with many others who share your interests is an awesome experience and keeps you on your toes in terms of work ethic.

What inspires you?

Lately the art blog world has been of great inspiration to me. Having a blog has helped motivate me to keep drawing, and following many other blogs and their updates is a very cool way to be inspired. Every morning I can check my Google Reader account for new art posts from some of my favorite artists I've stumbled across. Along with that, the community of artists online and in the industry is very strong and positive; I've found that most artists are willing and happy to teach and inspire other younger artists. There is a certainly a trend of passing on knowledge and advice that is very admirable. People who are just starting out can always find plenty of help, and those who are experts can always find new pupils who will be eager to seek their advice and tutelage. For anyone who wants to get inspired, I'd say to find a group of friends who have similar interests and goals as you. Find people who will always push you to be better and to not get distracted.

Your advice for young artists?

Never give up! 

http://alisondonato.blogspot.com/

http://alisondonato.blogspot.com/

http://alisondonato.blogspot.com/

http://alisondonato.blogspot.com/

http://alisondonato.blogspot.com/

Interview with animation student Betsy Bauer

About Betsy Bauer: Betsy is an animation student at Ringling College of Art and Design. She was a Visual Development Intern at Sony Pictures animation. She also freelances for the Disney's publishing division here and there.

Why did you pursue a career as an artist?

Unlike a lot of people pursuing careers in animation, I have a very specific moment when I knew that this was what I wanted to do.  When I was four or five years old, I remember laying on the floor of the basement in my family's house watching the Disney Channel special "The Making of the Lion King."  At the very end of the show, the announcer said something along the lines of, "Maybe one day a little boy or girl watching this TV special will grow up to be one of the next great Disney artists."  I felt like he was talking to me specificially!  Until that point, I hadn't really made the connection that people actually grow up to do this for a living.

Throughout elementary, middle, and high school I continued to take as many art classes as possible, always with my goal of working in the animation industry in sight.  My passion led me to the Ringling College of Art and Design, where I will graduate with my BFA in May.  While at Ringling, I had the amazing opportunity to intern at Sony Pictures Animation.  It was a dream come true--especially since I was working with industry veterans who were, in fact, IN that early Disney channel "Making Of" special!

Where do you get your inspiration?

Inspiration comes from a lot of places.  First, I'm inspired by my peers at school.  I think being in school just lends itself to being inspired--you just have to soak up as much as you can while you're there.  Also, if you haven't set up a Google Reader account, do it now!  There are so many talented people on the Blogosphere.  I'm also a hoarder when it comes to art books.  I own just about every single "Art-Of" book that is currently in print.  I'd like to get into purchasing photo reference books as well.  And, aside from all of that, I really enjoy reading and traveling.  It's so easy to get trapped in a bubble when you're an artist and I think it's important to constantly break from your comfort zone.

In one sentence, what advice would you give young artists if they want to pursue their dream?

Don't let the naysayers discourage you.  People working in those hard-to-get positions come from somewhere!  Who's to say it can't be you?

                                           Tigers by Betsy Bauer (www.betsybauerart.com)

                                                       Hippo Love by Betsy Bauer (www.betsybauerart.com)

                                                   Charlie and Zhuzhu by Betsy Bauer (www.betsybauerart.com)