It’s no secret that I LOVE strong and ambitious women. I can’t get enough of them. I’m so attracted to women who radiate an energy – who vibrate with potential to the point that it almost feels infectious and it makes you want to be a better, stronger more audacious woman in the world.
That being said, I’m also a fan of lifting these kinds of women up and showcasing them when they have insane talents.
Enter Christina Overton – aka Coco – a fabulous lady who I went to college with once upon a time, and who always struck me as being one of those vibrant gals that just made people happy by spending time with them. She’s been impressing me like crazy with her “doodles” – and I figured what better way to showcase a girl like her than by interviewing her for da bloggy blog.
So, without futher ado, I’m so exited to introduce you to Christina:
Name:
Christina Overton
Location:
Brooklyn, NY
Age:
24
Education:
I studied Business & Nonprofit Communication at California State University, Channel Islands. Amazing university with a tight-knit community that feels like home, with a constant drive towards growth and leadership opportunities for students.
How did you get into drawing?:
I’ve always loved drawing and usually draw pictures for my friends’ birthdays. I used to be really creative in high school and college, and then after I graduated my days somehow became filled with the nonstop consumption of media. I forced myself to start drawing again (or doodling, as I refer to it) out of the desire to spend my free time creating. I’m glad I picked it back up!
Is it just a hobby that you’re exploring in your spare time, or do you hope to find some work out of this?:
For now it’s a hobby and expressive outlet. When I doodle, I experience “the flow” and get into this mode of autopilot-focus. I suspect part of why I love it so much is because it’s not for work— there are no parameters I have to follow or pressure, and that allows me to have total freedom. At the same time, I do have plans and dreams for different projects, because if I can turn a profit out of something I love doing, why not go for it!?
When you’re creating a character, what inspires you?:
The characters are usually me, my friends, and an axolotl or a manatee. Those are my two favorite animals because they’re cute, weird, endangered, and have such personalities about them. Sometimes Drake makes an appearance. I’m inspired by real life events, random imaginative things I want do, and my favorite foods.
Can you describe the process of creating one of your characters? What programs do you use? How much time does it usually take to complete one and how much work is involved?:
Rarely do I sit there and think, “What should I draw?” — I usually have some idea that I can’t wait to get out. I use the Paper by FiftyThree app on an iPad Air, and the Pencil stylus. The app is easy to use and has really intuitive features like being able to literally rewind your mistake with a counterclockwise finger touch (petition to introduce this feature to real life!). The doodle takes anywhere from half an hour for a quick doodle to two hours if it’s complex, and the main work involved is coloring it in.
After looking at a lot of your work, a lot of it seems like they are self-portraits of you. Is it easier to make art based on yourself and your own life?:
It’s easy to make art based on myself and my life because it’s what I know best and can illustrate with just the right amount of self-deprecating humor, celebrating my accomplishments and mishaps.
Everything is online these days – which can make it easier to get maximum exposure for your work. Do you find that there is a large following of digital art? Are there any other digital artists who inspire you in your own work?:
There’s a huge Instagram and Tumblr following of artists who sell their work on Etsy, Society6, and Big Cartel, and collaborate with brands small and large. Many artists crossover mediums such as murals, street art, print, and TV, like Mike Perry, the illustrator behind the Broad City art. There’s no question that this digital age has given artists the ultimate advantage in production and distribution. I’d say the largest challenges are building up a brand and a following, and protecting your work under copyright laws— which have always been the main struggles for artists, besides that little thing called making a profit.
Is there a dream job you would hope to land one day?:
I actually did a post on my dream jobs here! To be an actress on a kid’s show like Sesame Street, be on Saturday Night Live, or run my own cause-based media company. Those are my wildest dream jobs. Coming down to earth just a tad, my dream job involves work that truly makes a positive impact on people’s lives, allows for creativity, and pays me enough to get a large popcorn at the movies.
Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring digital artist?:
Keep at it! Get your art out there and often, and your craft will sharpen and your distinctive style will emerge.
Check out Christina’s work and show this talented girl some loveeeeeeeeeee:
Instagram: instagram.com/goodgalcoco
Website: solvemylife.com
