We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Allie Cheatum. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Allie below.

Hi Allie, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I can’t even conceive of having a regular job – as a flighty head-in-the-clouds type person, tying me down to one routine thing is the best possible way to clip my wings. I couldn’t imagine going back to having a set schedule or deadlines, even if the work felt meaningful to me. I let my art take me where it wants to go and I have so much fun along the journey!

I am happiest of all when I’m exploring my creative imaginings. I suppose it can be labeled as a form of escapism from the demanding grind culture that surrounds and engulfs me. Taking things slowly, at my own pace, has given me the mental clarity to define my personal growth and design the life I’ve always wanted. Sure, I don’t make a lot of money, but my time and energy are far more precious resources to me and I’ve learned to prioritize them. I never want to compromise to please a wider audience, and I appreciate the little niche I’ve carved for myself and the people who enjoy my unique brand of art. I don’t even like to think of myself as owning a small business – rather I am a video game fan-artist who enjoys sharing immersive scentcraft with fellow gamers and indie perfume enthusiasts.

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?

Hello! I’m Allie and in essence, I make bottled video game fan-art. I explore locations, characters, and unique items in video games and ascribe to them a scent profile that will immerse players in the fantasy of the game. Since olfaction is our most basic sense, it was a key element that was missing for me when I experienced the sights and sounds of the masterpieces of modern video gaming. Scent is so heavily tied to emotion and nostalgia, and can really bring to life scenes or characters that we identify with.

Area of Effect is my love letter to the talented developers and dreamers that helped me make my own treasured memories – long nights playing Skyrim and Bioshock and days using Animal Crossing: New Horizons as therapy during the pandemic. I hope these individuals see my scents as an homage to their dedication and hard work. During my creative process, I play each game to make sure the scents capture as many elements as possible to evoke a truly immersive experience. Most of my blends are atmospheric scents that morph and bloom over time, rather than highly wearable, generically perfumy blends that appeal to a wider audience. These atmospherics use offbeat notes like gasoline, stone, motor oil, curry, or sea salt to accent the blend and provide a unique perspective on what perfume can be! It is always my hope that folks have fun testing out my blends and are surprised by what they unpack!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think the first step is recognizing that the hustle and grind shouldn’t be and ISN’T for everyone. Understanding that there is value and vibrancy added to our culture by creatives and artists who share their visions with their communities is crucial.

These communities can start by hosting more art markets and collaborative, interactive art installations that get everyone involved in making something beautiful that adds richness to their local area. Paying artists what their art is worth is also a fantastic notion, but I find that my art thrives best when it’s shared. I heavily value the ideals of barter and trade, and often implement them at my in-person markets. I believe that everyone has an artistic flair and something to offer besides an exchange of money – valuable knowledge, cultural traditions, and community support are often more nourishing to me than pure capital. Participating in large events that encourage this type of exchange always leave me feeling like I’m not a starving artist, but a thriving, integral part of my community.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to just create, create, create and do it prolifically!!! The day I am bored of creating art is the day I am bored with being alive – it is just such an inextricable part of who I am. Every perfume I develop is like one of my children – loved and cared for and fussed over. It often feels like I’m putting a piece of my heart out into the void every time I have a new release. You never know how it’s going to be received, but there’s something thrilling about laying yourself bare and letting your artwork speak for you.

All I ever want to do is inspire others to make their 12-year-old selves proud. My advice is follow your dreams, no matter how niche, or impossible-seeming, or offbeat. I am definitely the type of person that doesn’t like being told ‘you can’t do that’; it’s kind of been my life’s goal to prove them wrong! Reaching into your imagination and pulling out something brand new is exhilarating, and sharing it with others is even more exciting!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.aoeperfumery.com
• Instagram: @aoe.perfumery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/areaofeffectperfumery/

Image Credits
Allie Cheatum