We wanted our attendees to get to know the incredible talent in the Artist Alley a little better, so we asked each of our artists to answer a couple questions about themselves and their art.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Wynette and I am 25 years old. I’ve always loved to doodle my whole life but I started taking drawing seriously about 3 years ago.
What was the first thing you made/wrote/drew?
When I grew up in Minnesota, my uncle had an online relationship with a woman over internet and they used to exchange letters and gifts through the mail. She found out that I liked Sailor Moon so she always used to send me Sailor Moon stickers. I didn’t have any other Sailor Moon merchandise so I’d try to redraw the characters all over my school binders and notebooks.
Tell us about your creative process, from the beginning of a typical piece to its completion.
Honestly, it is really difficult for me to finish a piece because I start several art pieces simultaneously. I enjoy sketching a lot. For days that I can’t really sketch anything, I go back to my sketches to outline. All the drawings that I outline are usually for saved for days where I just feel like coloring. Sometimes when I look at something for too long, I get used to looking at it so I don’t see some areas that need more work. When I come back to the piece later, it’s like it’s something new and I see where things look crooked or unusual. So the upside to this is that I can improve the piece and make it better. The downside is that I have so many pieces of paper laying around everywhere because I forget about it sometimes.
Who or what are your influences?
I don’t really have a particular artist that I favor, however I love all the artwork for The Legend of Zelda game series. I love the way that they’ve transformed the character Link and the world that he’s in. The art style is different in every series, from very bright a vibrant colors to a very dark concept in some games. Nintendo somehow always manages to portray world of Zelda different in each game but somehow keep the story lines connected even though you are playing as a different Link in each game. Sometimes I just turn the game on just to walk around because everything is so rich in detail. The usage of different colors in the games is what influences me to utilize a lot of colors. A lot of my artwork is collages of characters who all have different backgrounds or color schemes. When I put everything together, there’s a lot of color and detail involved. Similar to the Legend of Zelda series, there are various races and elements within the story line but when they are brought together they are what make the series.
What plans do you have for the future of your art?
Right now, I would just like to really get my name out there. I want to move to the mainland for more opportunity but I feel like for now getting my name out in Hawaii is the first step. Art right now is pretty much my second job but I would like to eventually focus on my artwork and be an artist full time.
Do you have any good advice for emerging artists?
Don’t be afraid to talk to other artists. I’m typically a lone wolf and like to work alone and not reach out to others. I’ve met some really great and kind artists within the Hawaii conventions in 2015. They’ve gave me tons of advice on how I could make my artowrk stand out more or how to display my stuff so that it attracts more people. Taking a leap into doing conventions is a big and scary step for first-timers. Don’t think of it as trying to do it for the money, do it because you love your artwork and want to share it with others. Art is more enjoyable when you can share it with others.
What do you hope people get out of you artwork/writing/etc?
Through my artwork I’ve learned within myself that if I can put this much effort into something I love to do, I can do anything in this world. Other than artwork, I love to learn or try new things. I always think it’s important that people try different hobbies or activities. I don’t really believe in talent but I believe in hard work, passion, and dedication. I always tell people, sometimes it’s in your head and you just have to believe. Yes, there is some things that we just can’t do…but we don’t know unless we try really hard! I want to inspire others to try something new even if it’s not art related.
To date, what works of yours are most satisfied with?
Lol I have no answer for this. I am never really 100% satisfied with my work and want to improve constantly.
Will you have any convention exclusives or deals available at CCH?
My friend Christopher (Creations by CeeVee) and I will be doing commissions for only $10! You can get either a full colored book mark or sketch card. Please understand that commissions may not be completed the same day due to time constraints.
Also, I will be hosting a panel on coloring. If you’re interested please sit in and watch! I’ll be going over how to blend and different coloring techniques using alcohol based markers with brands such as Copics, Shinhan, Winsor, and LePlume. If you want to start coloring but not sure what to buy or where to start, sit in and I’ll be more than happy to answer any of your questions. :o)
Make sure to stop by Art by Wynette’s table in the Comic Con Honolulu Artist Alley July 29-31, 2016!
