We recently connected with Lux Fatale and have shared our conversation below.

Lux, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I’m absolutely happier as an Artist. Most of my life I’ve had a ‘regular’ job, and while that’s necessary for many creatives as a vehicle to make the art they love, I was forced into making this work about 2 years ago. I was lucky enough to come across a contract opportunity almost as soon as I was let go from my ‘regular’ job, which launched me into freelancing. At the time I was still freshly grieving the loss of my father who had only passed a couple months earlier. There were big shifts in my life and I felt like I needed to make this work.

My first job into freelancing full-time was with Smosh (a youtube comedy improv channel for those who aren’t familiar), I’m a huge fan and was incredibly stoked to make art for them. I did two merch designs and had weekly check in’s with their marketing team to follow up on design updates. I remember being so filled with joy like, “Wow, I’m actually doing this”. I would see cast members walking by who would wave during our zoom calls and I just thought that was so cool. The designs came out pretty well, I was very proud at the time with what I had come up with and couldn’t wait to see it launched on the website. I was very nervous and the project was a lot of work but it was that excitement that overpowered the immense anxiety of wanting to impress my first official client.

Being a freelancer is difficult though. I’ve always heard the phrase “feast or famine” in the freelancing world and it’s true. There are definitely months where I do better than others, it can be unpredictable. Selling my art through prints, stickers or sculptures become a way to still make money during those times, and even then that income can be a bit shaky. Although this path is uncertain and can be intimidating, I’m thrilled to have the chance to make art everyday & share it with people, this is all I’ve wanted since I was little.

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 Lux Fatale, a horror-centric illustrator with a heavy focus on color, texture and vintage inspiration. I love experimenting with different mediums and techniques. I love working on weird projects with passionate people. I think one of the best parts of working with different clients is getting to witness someone who has ambition in their craft as well. Even with personal commissions, you learn about this person and what the art is for (a loved one, a friend, a pet etc.). I get the opportunity to make a piece for a special moment in their life at the time. Yet, sometimes, it’s not even that deep–still I get a glimpse at what makes them happy and together we curate a custom piece tailored to their interests.

One opportunity that still sticks with me today is working on FOBIA: A Horror Anthology by Derrick Acosta from Mega64. I’ve always wanted to illustrate a comic on a professional level. When Derrick first reached out to me, I was stunned and honored. Although I’ve been an artist my whole life, professionally, I’ve had the brakes on for years (due to personal life issues) and I’m still very fresh in my career path. Working on the comic was a challenge in the sense that a lot of work needed to be done in a short amount of time. I ended up illustrating 2 chapters in about 2 months to keep on schedule. It was a lot of work, but even through the most naturally frustrating parts–I was so happy. It might sound a little twisted, but I’d rather be feeling stressed while making art then not making art at all.

Normally, I do work pretty fast. The fast-paced art turnout can most definitely be attributed to art school. My first oil painting was a project given to me by a professor in an summer art program during high school, I had one week to complete the painting that was almost as tall as me. I think ever since, pressure stuck with me to be quick. Although, I don’t think this was done on purpose? As the professor admitted he had “forgotten” about the deadline. Either way, it definitely shaped my work ethic going forward. There’s something about getting into the zone when making a piece, it’s a heavy balance of wanting to see the end result and enjoying the process to get there.

Through my love of horror, I met my partner, Todd. We’ve been together over 9 years and he is my biggest support. We host a podcast together, ghostbeast, a short form horror film review podcast. This project has been great for us to be creative together, it’s a “diary” as my partner likes to say, of our life through horror. I think it’s super special that we can have so much fun working on something together, it challenges me as an artist by having to problem-solve different designs and assets for different things. Whenever I’m working on a project, not even just with the podcast, I find his critique and input extremely valuable. He makes me a better artist and person, I’m lucky to have someone so creative and supportive in my life.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

One of the best ways to support artists, is validation. Especially in younger/newer artists. It’s a free and simple way to encourage someone to keep making art. If you see a piece that you like or makes you feel any emotion–express it! Let them know! If their work resonates with you somehow, let them know! In a world right now where (for some extremely silly reason) they are having robots make art, it’s so important to support human artists. I don’t know why we, as a society, have decided it’s okay to steal from an already neglected and under-appreciated group of people.

I want young artists (and all artists) to know that their creativity is so vital. Your mind will continue to create new, exciting, moving, interesting art for the world to see and A.I. will only ever have an empty set of ripped images to pull from.

Providing encouragement to an artist/creative to keep doing their thing is part of becoming an artist. I can remember the times I’ve been discouraged from making art, they are hurtful memories and I wouldn’t wish it on any artist. If you don’t have anything constructive to say, keep it to yourself. Thoughtful constructive critique is so integral in growing with your creativity, but there’s a time and place for it. Constructive critique should be consensual. Please don’t ever step on someone’s ambition just because you think “anyone could do that” or “it’s bad”. Art can be a conversation.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Early on, I wish I knew how important it is to find your community. There was an odd air of individualism that was baked into the art experience years ago. I feel now, even in the past couple years, I’ve really grown into an art community. It’s so powerful to find people who want to share experience, knowledge and support.

A couple years ago, I was fortunate enough to connect with some friends that have slowly built a strong group of artists. There’s a group chat and monthly meet-ups. We even were lucky enough to gather together for Odd Friends Fest, where (I think) about 60 creatives, locally, sold their work on one day of food, music and art. The vibes were immaculate that day, truly. I remember still buzzing with joy from the event days later. It was incredible to have so many amazing conversations, not only with the creatives at the event, but people who came by to support everyone as well. I really hope everyone can find their own place that feels just like that, overflowing with love and support. The event was mainly organized by Sabian McIntyre, accompanied by Professional Boner and Kindred Spirits Vintage. Extremely thankful for the 3 of them making that day a reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://luxfatale.carrd.co/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxfatale/
• Other: www.ghostbeast.com