Have you always been creative and what’s the earliest work you can remember creating?
A: I wrote and illustrated a shameless rip-off of *The Wind in the WIllows* when I was seven. I was straight-up certain it would make me famous.
S: When I was 5 or 6, I used to fill pages with bingo dauber mice and just KNEW I was going to grow up to be a fashion designer. Or Pat Benatar.
What's your studio like and how do you keep organised?
A: My studio is my dining room table, and anyone who's ever seen it would not be likely to apply the word "organized." My actual strategy for cleaning and organizing in general is to have guests over. That launches me into a full-on frenzy.
S: I have taken over half of the living room and have a complicated system of cubbies, crates, and shelves that I'm constantly forcing my husband into building.
Where do you look for inspiration?
A: History and pop culture are two perpetual sources of inspiration for me. I just did a series of "S Men," which is to say X-Men done as Shakespearean characters in Renaissance clothing. If the idea cracks me up, I have to pursue it.
S: The internet. My greatest savior and personal nemesis all rolled up into one!
Whats in your pencil case / camera bag?
A: Zig markers! When I found out they were going to stop selling them individually, I literally howled. In the middle of the store. (Thankfully, the staff all knew me, so they barely glanced up.)
S: Dip pens (you know, those old fashioned things with the nibs? Yeah. I live in the 1700s apparently) and tons of ink.
Any tips for someone suffering from creative block?
A: Do some blind drawing! I don't do the art school kind; I just close my eyes. It's always fun and freeing to see what your hand can do while your eyes aren't looking!
S: Splash some paint or doodle, watch a youtube video and try to do what they're doing. Most of all, don't wait for the perfect moment or the perfect inspiration - there is no such thing. Don't think about it so much or demand a masterpiece from yourself. Just get in the habit of working even when you don't feel inspired - the inspiration will come.
Do you do any other crafts and what are your hobbies?
A: I do a lot of crocheting. I also do a lot of over-the-top dance moves, but the International Association of Approved Hobbies won't take my calls about that.
S: I crochet, sew, do stained glass, embroider, obsessively buy sequins. I think the only thing I do that could be considered a hobby is drink wine and watch Netflix while making dinner and learn 80s songs on my ukulele. I guess I do occasionally binge-play Terraria.
Is there anyone else you'd like to nominate as an Art Superstar?
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A: Thanks for featuring us!
S: Yes, thank you! It's an honor to be featured!
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