We recently connected with Ali Ross and have shared our conversation below.
Ali, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
I wish I had started much much earlier in my creative career. I loved to draw and especially write when I was younger, but decided that it wasn’t a viable career choice. Many years later and more life experience under my belt, I realized that art and writing were my true passions and decided to follow the path that I had been meant to lead.
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 am the writer and illustrator of the web-comic Familiar Monsters. The project was entirely done by me, and took a little over five years to fully complete. I think what sets me apart from many in the field is that I was a team of one when there are usually 4-6 people, at least, working to produce a web-comic. Now that it is over, I am working towards publication, while simultaneously working on a couple new comic projects. Additionally, I am co-writing a LGBTQIA+ inclusive novel series set in dystopian times with a colleague.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
I think something non-creatives struggle with is understanding how much time, effort and love goes into any work of art or writing. Sometimes it can seem so easy, just some words and drawings on a page. What they don’t see are the hours of writing, editing, re-writing, sketching, drawing, painting, digital coloring, learning programs, research etc. that go into just that one page.
Also, I think sometimes it isn’t a job that is taken seriously. I know that I have had more than one instance of someone not understanding how “cartoons” is my job. What’s important to understand is that art is a way to put ourselves into the world, and hopefully have others find themselves in it. Its a way to connect, share, help, protest, inform, entertain, and comfort. If you ask me, that’s one of the most important things we all need right now.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think the best thing society can do to support artists is very simple, just engage with it. Go see art shows, read your friend’s book, encourage children to explore the craft. It may not seem like much to take a moment and drop a comment or like, or tell someone you enjoyed their work, but I guarantee it means the world to them.
Also, in a day and age where A.I. art is so readily available, its important to remember that while it is fast and easy, it isn’t the same as the work an artist is putting into each piece. When its an option, try to support creatives who are using their craft to produce rather than A.I. It will lift up the community, and encourage more folks to continue on their journey and produce wonderful things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://familiar-monsters.com/
- Instagram: @fullmoongarrick
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/familiarmonsters