This past week, we launched SENIOR SHOW 2020! We want to send a big shoutout, congratulations, and way to go to all of the artists who are emerging into the creative community right now! This project started with a simple idea of trying to do something meaningful in the midst of the pandemic, and has been such a powerful experience bringing together young artists from around the globe and connecting them with professionals, resources, teachers, mentors, and more!
Throughout the project, we raised over 14k for student scholarships, project sponsorship, in-kind donations, over 100 one-on-one meetings, and more! We are excited to celebrate the diversity and talent of the class of 2020! If you have a moment to take a peek or spread the word, it would be very meaningful to the grads! You can find their work here: lightgreyartlab.com/seniorshow2020
Over the next month, we will be highlighting some of the grad work, connections between sponsors, and some of the meaningful moments in the beginning of their art careers!
Meet Julie Stone, one of the artists in the Senior Show 2020 exhibit. Julie Stone is a recent illustration graduate from Arts University Bournemouth. Julie is originally from Austin, Texas. You can find more of her work here: juliestoneillustration.com
I've really loved living and drawing in Bournemouth in the south of England in the last three years, and have found the university and area creatively stimulating and inspiring. My practice has found its home in the editorial field, as through the course I found myself drawn to the visual language of editorial illustration, which often utilizes the power of metaphor and symbolism.
Describe your creative journey so far? What have been some pivotal moments in shaping who you are/would like to be?
Although I of course always loved drawing, when I was about 15 I began making digital art commercially and publishing it via the online community of DeviantART, which I'm sure many artists of my generation would admit to starting on, although maybe reluctantly! After becoming experienced with Photoshop and discovering a love for the creative process, I decided to develop this skillset further in higher education, and did a two year art and design course in the UK where my mom lived, which gave me a qualification equal to A-levels here, or AP in the States. During that time, I explored lots of different avenues of design, such as various printmaking and 3D techniques, and even a bit of film. I eventually decided on illustration, as I found the experience of following a brief and successfully solving the potential client's problem to be quite rewarding. I then began the BA Illustration course at AUB, and, following a series of workshops on the field of editorial illustration, found where I fit into the illustration industry best. I think the challenges in the level of problem-solving and the quick turn-arounds common in this area really push and inspire me to make some of my best work.
We all have a favorite professor that helped shape our practice. Can you share your most impactful schooling moments -- any of your favorite quotes, connections, lessons that resonated with you?
I was most inspired by the visiting industry professionals who gave lectures and workshops, specifically Eleni Kalorkoti and Richard Allen, two editorial illustrators who gave amazingly helpful workshops and advice, and who encouraged me to continue down this pathway. They told me I had a good instinct for visual metaphor and should trust my gut feelings and ideas, and I felt this support by two professionals helped validate my passion for the area.
A lovely tutor from college who also really motivated me was Zoe Kemp , whose print-making sessions were always something I looked forward to as a way of opening up my practice and developing new ways of working.
What is the biggest overall lesson you've learned through your creative education? What advice would you want to pass along to other students?
Probably just to keep a very open mind, listen to everyone and try everything, but then also keep true to your core identity and language as an artist. I think if I had missed out on some key events or not tried something because I was afraid of failing, I wouldn't have found myself where I am now. Also try to avoid using extensions, because they don't exist in the industry and I think it's best to be able to treat deadlines for what they are.
A lot of your work has to do with metonymy, symbolism, and metaphor. Can you talk more about what you find interesting about these symbols or themes?
I initially just loved the play involved in the visual juxtaposition of unexpected things and would fill up sketchbook pages with lots of different parallels and combinations of imagery when tackling a topic. I began to add more meaning and symbolism to the images over time and felt most successful when I managed to find a visual metaphor that struck a happy balance between being easy enough for a viewer to follow but still rewarding enough to decipher. When researching for my dissertation, I found theorists who backed up my ideas, such as Berlyne, McQuarrie, and Mick; they found that the complexity of the visual metaphor is in direct correlation with the resulting appreciation of the image. So I think both the initial gratifying puzzle-solving on my part, and consecutively on the part of the viewer, is what interests me most. I also think the visual metaphor is extremely effective in editorial, as it often can hook readers in immediately with wit and originality.
In moments of doubt or confusion, what motivates you?
I think I just need to remember to trust my gut and experience and try not to be convinced by the false feelings that come with imposter syndrome, especially now that I've finished uni. Doodling in a personal sketchbook also really helps me remember why I started this journey, which is because of the amazing feeling of just being creative.
What things outside art help shape your practice? Hobbies, quotes, books, places, fantasies?
I guess my hobby of watching beach sunsets influenced me more than I realized, as I sometimes struggle to not insert a setting sun into scenery! The three years I spent in China from 2012 also had an influence on my work I think, by living amongst all the colour and warmth, and also sparking my interest in traditional Asian art. The gradients and colours I use are often inspired by lovely historical Japanese woodblock prints. Going back to influences outside art, I would say cinematography is a hugely inspiring source of ideas and creative juice. I find psychology really interesting as well, and I love exploring the way the mind works in response to visuals, as well as general wellbeing and mindfulness in life.
What is next for you? Or what do you hope is next? Do you have any projects in the works?
I'm currently taking a small break from working during this time, and using it to refocus and plan. I'm still keeping busy getting ready to promote my university's online senior show and growing my online presence, and hope to soon get back to making work which is fulfilling and in line with where I want to go as an editorial illustrator. In the future I hope to gain the help of an agent, but will try and start off my freelance career and business promotion in a big way later on in the year!
Is there anyone or anything you would like to give a shoutout to?
My parents, and my dad specifically, for being so so supportive of me following a creative career from the start. I feel really lucky to have parents who understand the importance of doing what you love, and who believe in me and my work!
Thanks, Julie! So excited to follow along with the next stages of your career!
If you would like to see more Senior Show projects, click here!