We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Paula Blaschke a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Paula, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

I am a Digital Artist using Adobe Illustrator 9 and Photoshop 6. I consider myself as an artist first and foremost. I think most people dismiss digital art as n0t being as valid or as substantial as traditional fine art forms such as painting or even photography, I must create and draw my images first and then explore compositions and color. The design process is the same, but I use a mouse instead of a brush.

Paula, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have to thank my early childhood for being exposed to the world of antiques and design. That foundation has carried me throughout my career. I have always been drawn to the beautiful and the unique. I have to add Chuck Jones, the animator, as a huge influence over me and how I approach my line work. So, my love for drafting began in Architectural School, where I completed my degree. I think this shows in the structure of my pieces. No line or point is arbitrary. But I have the freedom to explore layers, color and composition which soften the mechanical and often harsh look of drafting. When I do produce my work, it always a Giclee Print on a very specific paper or canvas because it helps tell the complete story, making each piece different, making each image a stand-alone even it is part of a series.

As I have gotten older, I have definitely become more comfortable in my own skin. Giving me confidence to show my very private work to the public. A very late bloomer, I have begun to show my works in galleries, but I still feel that computer illustrations are considered less art and more graphics. I am pushing ahead slowly, but steady. It is ironic that I am pretty adept at using a computer, but have a zero social media presence. My simple web site does its job.

I still draw just for me, but it’s very satisfying when someone says they like your work, and they want a part of it. My aim is to bring joy and beauty into the world. Finding respite in something that brings you happiness is the biggest compliment of all.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding thing about being an artist is that it is all mine, All my emotions, thoughts and experiences at a specific time is captured in an image. No one can take what I have created, good or bad, away from me. It is an extension of who and what I am.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I must be practical. I need to make money. I have a very specific goal in mind that I need to achieve. So I need to fast-track my art into something profitable. Hopefully, going to local venues and big gallery shows will help get me noticed a little quicker. I am not comfortable selling prints on line, yet. I am still treating my digital art as one-of-a-kind pieces. That may or may not change in the future. My business model is pretty shallow at best.

Image Credits

All work shown has been created by Paula Blaschke.