Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Josie Fenton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Josie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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?
My parents encouraged me to draw and create at an early age. I always had access to art supplies and was told to learn whatever interested me.
When I was in my early 20s I had a bout of depression. I was lucky to be working with some wonderful, creative people at Disneyland. They encouraged me to get back into it and go back to college for some art classes. There I learned so many new styles and techniques and made lifelong friends.
It really reignited my passion for art and taught me so many new things that I still carry to this day.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As I said in the last question I’ve been drawing since I was a child. For the longest time I never thought it would be anything but a hobby. While to some extent it still is I’ve had so many positive figures in my life to encourage me to pursue it as more.
While I lived in California I was so lucky to meet so many industry professionals. People I admired and looked up to, who had wonderful, encouraging words and amazing advice for me. It was the first step I took in making my art more than just a hobby.
Since moving out to Missouri I’ve met a ton of local artists who are just the same. Kind and encouraging and so helpful to me learning the local scene. They’ve all been wonderful.
Most of my art these days is digital and a good portion is fan art. I do also use just about every other medium when I feel like it. I’ve used oil, watercolor, pastels. Whatever I feel in the moment. In addition to the fan art I’m working on a little story of my own. About a witch and an ogre and their little life. Im hoping to get some of it out into the world soon.
For now I sell prints, stickers, and buttons at local conventions to meet more folks in the area.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Honestly I just want people to know they can reach out to most artists. So many I’ve met have been more than happy to share advice and resources for new artists. I truly believe art is something you never stop learning. There’s always something new out there and people who want to share it with you. You might get the occasional rude human. But for the most part the art community is wonderful and so accepting. If you have a question about a piece or a technique used, ask! Your best resource if your fellow artist.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Sharing my art has gained me so many friends. I know this is a running theme for my interview but it really is the most important. The people I’ve met on my artistic journey have made it more than worth it. Even if I never made another piece of art again I would still have these amazing people in my life. But each new piece I make has the potential to bring new people into my circle. New folks to chat with and learn from. It’s also a wonderful way to meet friends with similar interests.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Josie_Fenton
- Twitter: Twitter.com/Josie_Fenton