We recently connected with Selena Francois and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Selena, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

It’s been ongoing for the past several decades actually; Artificial Intelligence is not a new concept by any means. I think, with many technological advancements, it has its pros and cons. I’m nearly sure it was developed as a solution to a projected issue by a group of administrators and has been slowly simmering on the back burner to the point where we’ve seen it flourishing today. Some of my concerns are the same as those who reject the establishment of AI in our society. There is good and bad anywhere you turn; there are opportunities and disadvantages for everyone at play when it comes to the use of AI in all industries. It’s a matter of what mankind does with the technology at hand. “With great power comes great responsibility.” Many art software developers began introducing AI features within their programs for users to “make it easy” or “create faster” but some things, many good things, take time. It’s like cooking: You season your protein (study art videos/books), then you heat the pan (set up your workstation), so on and so forth. You may burn one side of the meat (or paint beyond your sketch/draw on the wrong layer) but you’re learning. In time, with practice you will create something delicious (beautiful). Right now, in my opinion, AI is still burning the meatloaf.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a native New Yorker who has lived in Los Angeles, so I’ve enjoyed the best of both worlds, and I look forward to experiencing more!

I have my mom and my siblings to thank for getting me into art. Growing up, my mom hung all of these paintings from different types of artists, from around the world, so I was exposed to a multitude of styles early on, one of my favorites being the French Impressionist movement. Then as I grew, I fell in love with animation where I realized you can truly do anything on-screen and the actors can wear sweats, so everyone’s comfortable for the most part…that is, until the deadline gets a little closer! (Ha-ha). I started experimenting with at-home videos and stop-motion animations. Tinkering with toys and old computers, if it was something that could be taken apart, transformed, or reconfigured, I took a liking to it.

That innate drive to create has always been burning in me. During the pandemic I received four scholarships to study with my (now) lifelong mentor Larissa Marantz while working on several independent films and short-form series.

I mainly create digital or traditional illustrations, though I enjoy working with acrylic paint and markers for mixed-media art. (Bookmarks, ornaments, papercraftes, etc.)

What I think sets me apart is the fact that I’m so versatile; I’ve received many “no”‘s because I don’t stick to one style. I like to play and experiment, so while some consider that naïveté, I think of it as being open to try new things and collaborate with others.

I don’t know if I’m “proud” of it, it’s just a fact of my creative process and I think if we get along well and can create something beautiful, I’m glad to work with you!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I’m still here, creating art! (I’ve just finished some ornaments for colleagues before the holiday break!)

Education is something I’ll always be receptive to. I am constantly seeking out learning in every way, shape, form I can! Whether it’s through YouTube, art books, anime, a short film festival from Gobelins, or even “the clock app”. (TikTok) I love watching the different ways people create things which inspires me to continue creating, in spite of being told “no” from production companies, illustration agencies, and graphic design gigs. I know one day I’ll get my “yes”, so I’ll keep just continue sharpening my pencils!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Being kind, supportive, and a joyful presence.

Quite frankly, I prefer working with great artists who are also incredibly kind, but if I can’t have both, I’ll take the kind person, the art will always improve later.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecinnamonrollion
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@selenafrantastic?si=Nl9orAfawmyRYRH7

Image Credits
(Sketch of Selena by Nick Moscowitz)