Blackwork and Illustration Now

An interview with pen and ink artist Jason Limberg

Thanks Jason aka @jasonlimberg for taking part in our black and white illustrators’ interview series!

How long have you been drawing?

I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. All through school my focus was more on doodling in my sketchbook then any class work. I feel lucky to always have had people around me to encourage this urge to create and allow for my growth as an artist.

What’s your process?

Good question! I typically start a drawing with one or two ideas, like say an owl with a lantern. I don’t like to make a lot of preliminary sketches as I have a tendency to lose interest, it feels toorehearsed. With a visual in my mind, I jump right in and allow the piece as a whole to develop organically. This way I stay engaged with the drawing, not knowing where it will lead. I like the mystery. I usually have 3-5 drawings going at once, that way each one can help influence another.

Digital vs traditional?

Traditional all the way. I love the feeling of materials in my hand and embracing the inevitable mistakes that happen with pen. There is something special about being able to see the artist’s marks directly on a piece of paper.

How long does it take to create it?

Quick sketches can take a few hours, while involved pieces take 2-3 weeks.

Is it a hobby or your career?

I’m incredibly lucky to draw as my career.

Why do you draw?

I draw because I love too. Once I get pen to paper, I lose myself and hours fly by. I find it a very meditative experience. The reason I focus on animals (besides fur being so fun to draw) is because I want others to cherish these awesome creatures of the wild. I create stories around animals to capture their beauty and essence in the hope viewers will find a deeper connection to nature. I believe we protect the things we love and I want people to love animals.

What inspires you?

I’m incredibly fortunate to live in a stunning place, the Upper Peninsula of MI. Everyday I can immerse myself in the wilderness. These experiences shape my ideas and give life to the awe, love and passion I have for wildlife and nature. I also have two adventure sidekicks that inspire me, my wife Kelly aka @kellylimbergjewelry who is an incredible artist / metal smith and my beautiful husky Luna.

What is the proudest moment that you have achieved?

This isn’t so much one moment, but more like an accumulation of life. Like so many people, I struggle with depression and self defeating thoughts / behaviors. I’m most proud that I have come to a place where I can cope with these emotions better and find contentment.

What is the biggest obstacle that you have faced?

Becoming a full time artist. This definitely isn’t the easiest way to make a living but has become the only way I want to live my life.

You have one day to live, how do you spend it?

Easiest question yet, ha. I would want to be with my wife and dog, hiking in the woods, a thermos and backpack full of coffee and chocolate.

How can people get in contact with you?

Feel free to contact me with design work or commissions ideas that seem magical.I love working with those who feel a strong connection to my drawings.

My website / shop – www.jasonlimberg.com

Instagram – www.instagram.com/jasonlimberg/

Facebook – www.facebook.com/jasonlimbergart/

Jason, his wife Kelly, their husky Luna and the Upper Peninsula of MI.

Braelinn’s dark and punny illustrations

Thanks Braelinn aka @brae.ns for accepting to take part in our black and white illustrators’ interview series! Let’s start the questions!

How long have you been drawing?

Since I was a kid, but I always felt like I was just doodling and never took it seriously. Then I went to school for Graphic Design and learned the basics of how to draw. My drawings still look like doodles but I’d say they turned into doodles with a purpose (lol) around 4 years ago when I went to school.

What’s your process?

Come up with the pun – these come to me randomly and I keep a list going, other times they just come to me when I’m ready to draw. Then I sketch it out in color, then go over it in black felt pens. I usually scan it or take a photo and just adjust the color and post. Also anytime you see color that’s added digitally.

Digital vs traditional?

Traditional! I’m a graphic designer and everything for work is done in the Adobe Suite. I love that this is my excuse to step away and put pencil/pen to paper.

How long does it take to create it?

1-3 hours per piece

Is it a hobby or your career?

Hobby. I make art as a career but this is my fun project. I do sell things but it’s just a small portion of my income. Who knows, maybe I’ll take it big one day!

Why do you draw?

As a creative release. It’s also very meditative. I go crazy if I haven’t drawn in awhile!

What inspires you?

For this project- death. That sounds dark but it’s really not. My drawings are cute and funny. I am obsessed with death because it’s what gives life meaning. We’re all going to die, life is limited. We have right here and now, what are you going to do with it? I’m going to eat dessert.

What is the proudest moment that you have achieved?

I would say my business achievements. I’ve made a career as a freelance graphic designer. Now, I’m making moves on my press-on nail brand.

What is the biggest obstacle that you have faced?

Myself! I’m the only one holding me back. Change your thoughts and change your life.

You have one day to live, how do you spend it?

My first thought was eating dessert, lol! I’d go around to all the best places for pancakes, ice cream, and cookies. Then I’d just die probably covered in all of those. I’ll have my cats with me too of course

How can people get in contact with you?

DM me 🙂

@brae.ns

@braelinn – personal

@rave_nailz – my press on nail brand

@braelinn.eats – my food (cough dessert) blog

Braelinn portrait.

Braelinn painting a mural and participating in her favorite activity, dessert.

Braelinn’s press on nails (This is her best-seller, the Bad Witch Nailz)

An interview with eyes lover artist Janet

So proud to have here with us Janet aka @janet.ministry answering a few questions about her work. Let’s start the questions!

How long have you been drawing?

I have been drawing since I was just a child but I stopped a bit during my studies. I really got back to it in 2016.

What’s your process?

Gut feeling. Music is omnipresent in my drawings, as I will listen to a song or an album, and begin to draw what I feel.

Digital vs traditional?

For now, I am more about being traditional, but I plan to digitize my work.

How long does it take to create it?

Sometimes an hour is enough, sometimes weeks. It totally depends on the inspiration and the size of the design.

Is it a hobby or your career?

Right now it’s a hobby but I wish it could become a career.

Why do you draw?

It’s a way of expressing myself, a need. Drawing is a utter reflection of my state of mind, and the things that obsess me.

What inspires you?

Mainly. music That’s why a lot of the drawings contain song lyrics or are actually kinds of tributes.

What is the proudest moment that you have achieved?

I have been anorexic for years. It’s still present inside of me but I have managed to find my way out of it. So I am proud that I can eat specific types of foods that were forbidden for a long time and to be able to accept myself as I am.

What is the biggest obstacle that you have faced?

That d*mned anorexia! The dietary restrictions I imposed myself made my life completely impossible.

Indeed, I was passing out every day, I was psychotic about going crazy, I was doing at least 3 hours of exercise per day, I felt angry, it was impossible for me to concentrate … I did not draw during all this time because I was unable to remain calm.

You have one day to live, how do you spend it?

I would like to party with those I love, just dance to edgy music without ever stopping. Dancing like a crank girl until death ensues.

How people can get in contact with you?

You can get in touch with me via Instagram @janet.ministry or my website www.janet.gallery and would be delighted to meet you.

Jeanne, her desk, the place where she live in Paris: Near the Bassin de la Villette, her notebook where she writes everything, draws on it, and notes her dreams, her loved Lewis Carroll complete works, her « Girls don’t Cry » compilation vinyl.