Artist Name: Linda Vang
What do you consider yourself? Artist, illustrator, painter, designer, other?
I feel like I fall under artist and illustrator for what I mostly do. I like to explore different mediums but when it comes down to putting myself somewhere, it would have to be those two groups.
What kinds of work do you currently do or what kinds of projects have you done in the past?
Currently, I do a lot of digital artworks. Most of them are personal projects that I just have fun with. For example, I had done a short film and I had turned some of them into craftworks. In the past, I had work with more traditional mediums such as oil painting and charcoal etc. Most of my traditional work gave me a chance to had art shows at school galleries.
Could you talk about how you got into art or doing what you do today? What’s your story? What made you want to pursue this path? Were there any challenges you had along the way?
I can’t recall a specific time but I know that art has been with me as long as I can remember. To give a brief overview, there was an era, when I would watch Bob Ross paint. I remember telling myself, “One day, I’m going to do that!” Though the outcome is a little different, that childhood goal is off the bucket list. Then after Bob Ross, my cousin introduces me to the world of anime and that took my work into a whole different path.
I decided to pursue art because it makes me feel very free, and I love how it creates different worlds among each individual. Another reason is the simple fact that I know it was one thing I was good at. Not saying I am the best artist, but from all the skills I have, art is one of my highest levels. A little silly but these are some of the major reasons.
As for challenges, there are plenty from the start and even now. It’s different for everyone, and I can go on about it. But for short, I had some people tell me that art is not good for me. These little things do makes one falter sometime. I knew this path was not a smooth one to begin with; however, I also knew I would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t do it, and that keeps me going.
Did you attended art school or majored/minored in Art or Design in college? If so, what were your experiences with it and did you think it helped you become a better artist? If you did not attended college or attended but did not majored in anything art-related, what helped pushed you to pursue art or improve your craft?
I earned my BA in art studio from California State University of Sacramento. Art in college definitely gave me a lot of opportunity to explore and discipline myself as an artist. The exploring aspect is what makes it worth it for me. My digital artwork is pretty much self-taught and art school does help contributes to that. For example, it is through my oil painting in college that really helped me with my use of colors. So yes, in many ways art school does help me to continue to learn about my art making process.
How do you balance art with work and life? How do you make time for art?
I don’t remember where I heard these from, but “Sometime you just have to make art for art sake,” and “If it’s something you love, you’ll always find time to do what you love.”
Do you make money from your art? If so, how?
I do make money here and there with my work. I do freelance works for many family members. I do hope to do more commissions when I have all the right materials. Last year I did my very first vendor’s table, and that was a pleasant experience. I hope to do more in the future.
Where do you get your ideas from?
I mostly get my ideas from stories and songs. When there is a story that captures my interest, I would create a character from that story or a character that relates to that story. When it comes to music, the melodies and lyrics sometime help inspires ideas for an art piece. Then there are some ideas that are very random. For instance, I watched a turtle documentary and there was a scene of a jellyfish encounter, and I was inspired by the jellyfish. The rest of my ideas are pretty much just daydreaming.
What kinds of tools do you use to make your work or what is your typical artistic process like?
Most of the works I post online are my digital pieces. As I mention before, I am a self taught digital artist and I learn through other tutorials online. What I like to mostly do for my digital work is start out with a sketch. From there, I would work on the line work of the piece. Then the coloring session starts, and finally I will work on the background and surroundings. My process is simple but can take days or even weeks to finish. The good thing about digital though, is that you can do easy fix and not waste too much materials.
Are there any artists you look up to or find inspiring?
If I have to, Vincent Van Gogh, Bob Ross, and Yoshitaka Amano are just a few artists I can think of right now. There are so many inspiring artists so it is hard to just pick a few.
Do you have any favorite books, apps, movies, resources, or art tools that you recommend?
“The Little Prince” by Antoine De Saint-Exupéry, is not one of my favorite book but to me it holds a masterpiece lesson making it worth reading. As for movie, there are so many but “Spirited Away” from Studio Ghibli is one of my all time favorite. As for art tools, use anything you can, that is the fun part of art.
Is there any advice you would like to give to young artists or people just starting out?
Don’t stop learning and don’t stop creating.
Who would you like to collaborate/work with or work for, if anybody? Could be a person, another artist, or company.
This is one is hard. I really can’t decide.
What is your ultimate dream project or something you’ll like to accomplish in your lifetime (could be art or non-art related)?
My small dream is to inspire others with my work. My big dream is still pending right now.
Are there any current projects that you’re working on or in the near future that you want to tell us about?
You can all meet me at the Hmong Midsummer Night Market in Sacramento CA on July 20, 2019. I will be selling some of my artworks there. For more information please go to my Instagram and Facebook page.
What is the best way to get a hold of you or view or purchase your work?
Facebook @ LindaVang Art/ Illustration/ Craft
Instagram @ lindavangart
DeviantArt @ www.deviantart.com/aqualin09
Youtube @ vanglinda09
DUACHAKA HER 