We recently connected with Natalie Parker and have shared our conversation below.
Natalie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I’m completely self taught. School wasn’t an option because of money and health issues. Instagram, Google, and Pinterest became my main teachers. One good way to learn that I have found, is to find art/artists that truly inspire you, and try to analyze them. Why do you like them? What is it about this piece do you like specifically? It could be the medium, the subject, the arrangement, the color, the style, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. More than likely the artist you’re asking, were in your shoes a few years ago. Don’t underestimate the value of copying. I’m not saying just copy someone else’s work line for line and say it’s yours. But, at the beginning of your artistic journey, it is vital for learning the essentials and basics. As you get more comfortable, take bits and pieces that you particularly like, and mix them together to create your own artsy stew. One secret tool I had for a long time was a coloring app. It allowed me to focus on color theory without having to create everything. It’s a casual, easy way to practice your coloring. I found value in drawing games, by pushing you with a timer, it forced you to focus on the essence of what you were drawing. What do you want them to know? Understanding color theory was extremely difficult, but necessary for creating meaningful work. Perspective was also a beast to comprehend, but worth doing. Money is always an obstacle when you’re trying to learn new skills, but there are still some great free resources to help you. Watch people! Just sit there and watch the world around you. How does the light press through that women’s hair? Look at how that dog is running with his legs outstretched. Try to notice how different people and objects interact with each other. Experience is one of the best teachers.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Natalie Parker. I’m a 22 year old artist from Georgia. My name on Instagram is Nightblaze16 . I have about 6 years of experience. I’m a completely digital artist, focusing on mainly portraits. I’m freelance, which means I take commissions from clients. I have multiple online stores in places like Redbubble and Etsy. I’ve always loved drawing, but really started to get into it in middle school. My grandfather had an art book showcasing Escher’s work that I was completely fascinated by. I would sit for hours just imagining myself living in his works. I wanted to be able to do that, to transport someone into a world I had created. That was the dream for me. My most proud accomplishment was being in an art show for charity that advocated for sexual assault survivors. It was the second highest bid in the whole show. It was bought by the founder of the charity. I want people to know that when they commission me, I will be very patient and nonjudgmental. Art can mean so many different things to different people, and I want to create what you want. I want to work with you to create something you are totally happy with. I’m willing to make as many revisions as necessary, and I welcome feedback.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The look on people’s faces when they see my work, and feel inspired. It was honestly staggering to see something I created affect someone like that. It gives you imposter syndrome, because you think there’s no way someone could be moved by me. It’s just that look where they don’t even say anything, they just keep staring at it. I saw that for the first time at my first art show. It filled my whole being with warmth. It validated that this was what I’m supposed to do. That I can make a difference with my point of view, and that people would listen to it. I don’t think I’ll ever get over that feeling.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I have been dealing with severe head pain since I was 10 years old. I spent most of my childhood in hospitals and doctor’s offices. I had to switch to homeschool, because I couldn’t keep up thanks to the pain. I also have POTS among several other things. It was hard to not let my health define me. I used creating as an escape from the pain. I was defiant towards the pain, like I was saying, “See? I can still do it!”. Recently I was diagnosed with IIH, which basically means my head has too much pressure in it. I went through multiple lumbar punctures, and three brain/spine surgeries in two months time. But, I knew that if I stopped creating, I was losing, and giving up on myself. I sometimes have to draw with a needle in my hand, but that’s okay.
Contact Info:
- Website: Visit Nightblaze16’s shop, for cool artwork on awesome products!
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightblaze16?igsh=MncxaHFrbWhvdjBu&utm_source=qr
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/KXLJMYTMuLNS5JcK8
- Other: https://blazepatterns.etsy.com/
