Q1: Let’s start with the common question, if you can kindly introduce yourself.
The name’s Carissa Rose, and I hail from the northern Chicago suburbs. I was born in 1992, I listen to punk rock, and do art. That pretty much covers it.
Q2: How did you get into the field of your work?
I’ve been drawing since before I can remember, my parents tell me that as soon as I could walk I grabbed a permanent marker and vandalized as many walls as I could in my parent’s house. When I was growing up I used to watch tons of public television shows about drawing for kids, and I always drew my pictures of my grandma’s horses. When I was 9 or 10 I started getting into graphite pencil portraiture, still drawing horses, and then transitioned to people when I was around 13. I’ve been drawing human portraits ever since, and just started using watercolors about 2 years ago. I was always very dedicated, drawing in class regardless of the consequences. I used to intentionally get in school suspensions so I could finish my school work in an hour and have an entire day to draw. I left high school my second year to do home schooling, mainly so I had more time to focus on my artwork. Then after graduating, I started a tattoo apprenticeship when i was 17. I am a professional tattoo artist now, but I’ve taken a break to focus on selling my art online.
My confidence is tricky, and I never imagined making a living with my artwork, yet somehow things seemed to have all fallen into place and now art is all I do.
Q3: Do you have any current favorite artists, comic artists, photographers who may have influenced you to become the artist that you are?
I am a big fan of unknown artists. I never had too many artsy friends growing up so I love websites like deviantart.com, where artists of every level and style form a community of helpful, inspirational people. There are so many incredible artists out there, and every day I discover something new.
Aside from the unknown, I find a great deal of inspiration from tattoo and graffiti artists as well. Jesse Smith and Banksy are a few. Working in a tattoo shop, I was always challenged to draw new things I’d never drawn before and have to break out of my comfort zone. Trying new things is hard, but in the end it makes you a much better artist.
Q4: What are the main tools of your trade?
I use traditional methods, mainly watercolors, ink pens, and sharpies. I also, on occasion, use in graphite and colored pencils, as well as acrylic paint. I’ve dabbled in digital art, but for some reason nothing beats the feeling of creating something physical.
Q5: How was it for you to learn the process of that? Did you teach yourself, take classes or learn from other existing artist’s tutorial?
I just kind of winged it. I’m a pretty quick learner, so I would just spend 10 or 12 hours nonstop working on a new method until I got the hang of it, and then there would just be improvement over time. I’ve always been the kind of person who tries to figure things out on my own. If someone else is telling me how to do it, then what have I really accomplished?
Q6: Do you think its possible for you to describe the process of your art style, what are the dos and don’ts, the important aspects you set yourself to achieve your style of design?
I always do my pens and marker work first and then paint with watercolors over the inked drawing. That’s pretty much my only rule with my work. I’ve never settled on just one style. I think that the best thing about being an artist is that there are no rules and you can do whatever you want regardless of what anyone else thinks about it.
Q7: What are the biggest struggles you encounter as an artist?
I would say the biggest struggle is getting the bills paid. There’s never any guarantee that I will sell art. It can get scary at times, but what is life without risk?
Q8: Do you have any other future plans that don’t involve creative art?
Not that I can think of.
Q9: Do you have any personal mottos, quotes or existing quotes that motivates you to do what you love doing? Can you share it with us or provide words of wisdom from your experiences for those who look up to you?
I think that the best advice is from an array of Adam Sandler movies, “You can do it!”. No one can make you a better artist, it is all on you. The only way I got to where I am now is by drawing and painting as much as I possibly could. Please don’t ever give up, and do it for yourself, not for the approval of others.
Q10: What do you think the future will hold for all artists from all backgrounds from now?
I think the future is bright. Because of the glorious internet, artists have so many ways to gain exposure that they never had in the past. It’s wonderful that artists just starting out can post their work to websites and get critiques from the more experienced and use that to improve. And nowadays anyone call sell their work, and I think anyone who has put love and effort into a piece deserves respect.
Q11: To round off the last question, where can your fans and new fans find updated news and progress from you, – Where can we find you?
I sell originals and prints of my artwork on my etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/neverdieart
I post work in progress pictures and post special deals for my store on my facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/carissaroseart
and I also have an online gallery on deviantart
http://acidtrashdoll.deviantart.com
Q12: You and I know that art theft is so common now in the internet world, so are there any words you want to share or shout at to those who steal people arts?
“NO. BAD. ‘wags finger’ Don’t do that!” I’ve had my art stolen a few times, and although very flattering, I’m a struggling artist and if someone is making money off of the artwork I have put my blood, sweat, and tears into (figuratively of course) then it better be me.
Don’t steal artwork, create your own! You are just going to get caught anyway.
