We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Beam recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I took many art courses growing up so i was able to have a basic understanding with painting and drawing. When I had a clearer image of what I’d like to do with those basic skills I was able to focus even more on the skills that what would be required to work as a background artis for animation and illustrator for books. One thing I could’ve done sooner was look at portfolios of people who are doing the work in the jobs or projects I’d like to be in and learn from their portfolios. Most essential skills are the basic fundamentals of art, learning perspective, anatomy, color and light. Another skill is also being able to network with others and form connections.
Jennifer, 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 was always interested in art from an early age for example anytime in any movie, mainly Titanic, when anyone would paint I would rewatch that movie over and over to just watch those scenes. I create backgrounds or do visual development work for animated movies or shows and I also work as an illustrator to create art for middle grade books. I am most proud of how hard I have worked to improve my art and continue to do so, I am constantly looking for new art classes to take!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Seeing the final image is always the most rewarding. Especially when you see where it started from sketch to where it ended up. Not just that I love seeing past artworks throughout the years and seeing how much I have improved and changed. To me it’s one of the best visual representations of seeing improvement and hard work someone can do.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I wish I knew about all the amazing communities there are for artists weather online or in person. Where everyone is trying to improve like you are and will give advice and it’s all free!! One thing I have learned is also how small this industry is, I will see people who I have taken art classes with, and I will later be a part of projects that I have recently joined and see them once again! Maybe even a few more times after!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jellie.beam/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Jellie_Beam
