I am so excited to share this week’s Sweet Life Files with you! Today we will be talking with illustrator Gaia Cornwall, who I met via the networking site HerFuture – don’t you just love technology? Gaia has a fascinating background in animation and design (including work on a Michael Moore film), and currently works on illustration and other projects, writes a lovely blog, creates art and cards for her Etsy shop and a line of magnetic paper dolls that benefits a children’s charity – whew! In this interview she shares her thoughts on creativity, inspiration, and being an entrepreneur. I know that any of you out there who are artists, crafters, or are pining to go into business for yourself will find Gaia’s words inspiring and real.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your background? How did you become an illustrator?
Its funny, I feel like I’ve been circling an Illustration career for a while and am more recently really settling into it.
I’ve drawn my whole life and knew from a pretty young age I’d probably end up doing something involving it. By the time I went to college I wanted to be a traditional animator. Four years later, I ended up graduating from Pratt Institute with a BFA in animation and film. Afterwards I stayed in Brooklyn, but bounced around jobs a bit: First, an animator job at a small studio, (we did that animated sequence in Bowling For Columbine, which is a fun feather to stick in my hat!) then a day job as in-house editor for Planned Parenthood Federation, while at night I helped to run Brooklyn Underground Film Festival which a few of my friends and I started. At some point people I worked for at PPFA found out I could draw and animate, so my job morphed to encompass illustrations and then later interactive flash games for their teen site.
I was busy and happy for a while. But after a few years I felt pretty burnt out. I was grateful for all my experiences at the festival and PPFA, but I felt like I was getting pulled farther and farther away from what I really wanted to do, which, I had finally figured out, was illustrating. So after resigning from the festival, and leaving the day job at PPFA, I started work from home as an official freelancer. In the beginning I did mostly animated games, but more and more it shifted to illustration.
These days, while illustration is my main career focus, I’m happy to say I’m still involved with film and animation. I do the occasional character design, or interactive game, and recently did the animation for the documentary We Are Wizards. And I can see myself doing more personal animation projects in my future. But at the moment, I’m having fun exploring all the different avenues illustration has to offer.
2. I know that there are many artists out there right now working day jobs to pay the bulls – how did you make the transition to working artist? What tips would you give to artists just starting out?
Its a hard thing to figure out. I think it took a few stabs for me. I was doing creative work full-time – editing/design/animation, which hypothetically should have been great. But after a while, I’d just get home creatively exhausted and all those promises to work on “my stuff” would go out the window. For me, taking a smaller job that was different and unrelated to my “career life” was key. I supplemented my income watching kids for years – which I loved doing and actually still miss a bit. I know people who are waitresses or secretaries on the side which I think would be similar. So ideally finding a job that you like but isn’t too demanding would be one step. Also saving money. Have a financial cushion before you make any big leaps. Having a network of supportive friends and even a couple clients also adds to the cushion. BUT be brave enough to take some leaps. At some point you just have to go for it.
3. Fear and negativity can be such a road-block to creativity and success! How do you deal with fear and negativity, either within yourself or from others?
Mostly I have to deal with it from myself, which is a shame. Personally I deal with my own neurosis by making lists and having goals. Having a focus. Then when you’re being mean to yourself you can whip out your list and remember all the things you’ve crossed off and accomplished. Even if they’re little. Also I try to remember not to compare myself to other’s progress. It seems like its so easy to get caught up in all the awesome stuff so-and-so is doing and to come away just feeling really lame. Recently, I’ve been making an effort to concentrate on my work, and then to only look at other people’s work for inspiration and excitement–to feel good! Its just a waste of time to use other’s cool projects as an excuse to feel scared that I don’t measure up.
4. Where do you find inspiration? What do you do when you’re stuck in a rut?
When I get stuck I look at other artist’s work I admire, or maybe go back to a blog post that has a similar aesthetic. Walking helps too. Or any form of exercise– I started rowing classes in the Seekonk River near here and that’s been just amazing. Recently, I’m really inspired by plants and trees and those old botanical prints. I got the Cabinet of Natural Curiosities from a friend a while ago and now I’m obsessed with it.
5. I really love your “hello” cards – can you tell us a bit more about how that design came to be?
Gee thanks! I’m really happy with them. I recently went to a big flower show with my boyfriend’s mother and took a ton of photos. They were great for reference images and I guess I just got really into drawing leaves. Around the same time I had been hand lettering a lot for various projects. So one day fooling around I decided to combine the two. The house is modeled after colonial “Saltbox Houses” which can be found all over New England.
6. What are you working on now?
Well, I just joined Aeolidia’s (a website design company) roster of artists. Which means that if you need any kind of website they can take care of it and you can choose me (or one of the many other wonderful illustrators) to draw custom images for you! I’m really excited to be working with them. Besides other illustration work, I’m in the middle of getting a children’s book proposal ready. That’s kind of hush-hush, but hopefully exciting as well! And I just relaunched Magnetic Kids – magnetic paper dolls designed by me. I donate a portion of the proceeds to charitable organizations that benefit children. I didn’t have time for it in the past, so I’m really happy to get it going again.
7. As an entrepreneur, how do you manage your time and space? What are the challenges you face?
Ah yes. Well, almost a year ago my boyfriend and I moved to Providence, RI, from Brooklyn, for a variety of reasons, but a big one being the space. I.e. there’s a lot more of it here, and cheaper, than in neighborhoods we liked in Brooklyn. For the first time ever I have my own office/studio space! (He has one too and works at home as well.) So that’s helped a lot. Being able to literally close the door is really nice. I also enjoy working at home, mostly alone, so that helps.
I try really hard to stick to a schedule, to lay out what I’m going to do every day the night before. I try not to pop out too much during the day.–Though of course its nice to have that flexibility. I’m finding that long term goals and planning can get lost in the day to day of things– you don’t have a boss overseeing those things for you. So its important to spend time mapping out where you’re going as well. I have dreams of finding a partner to work with. Anyone? Sometimes it feels hard to do everything on your own. Its also key to fit in networking, i.e. the getting-out-of the house kind. Joining a local group, going to related events– That’s something I definitely have to work on.
8. Are there any books or other resources that have helped you along the way?
Modish Biz Tips, and Make It are great blogs to read if you’re starting a small business with a creative focus. And even if you don’t have an Etsy store, Etsy can be a great source for all kinds of business information. One of my favorite books is The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. I keep it around for whenever I need a reminder to buckle down and get stuff done.
9. What would be a dream project for you to work on? Is there anyone you would love to collaborate with?
Oh gosh… I have so many dream projects. Well, doing a children’s book would be just wonderful. More surface/product illustration… And I’d love get back into doing large scale drawings at some point. But doing anything at all with Michel Gondry would be a dream come true.
10. And finally, what does “the sweet life” mean to you?
My version of the sweet life involves cooking fresh food, cool breezes, exploring new creative outlets, long dinners with friends and family, cuddling with my guy and cats and our (for-now-imaginary) dog. A bit of traveling, but time and appreciation for the small quiet things at home.
Gaia, thank you so much for talking with us!
Gaia Cornwall: Website/Etsy/Blog
{images: Gaia Cornwall}
I love the idea of offering decorating advice online – because while I couldn’t see myself shelling out big bucks to hire a decorator, I would consider paying a flat rate to get some much needed help with one tricky room. This is a trend I hope to see more of as the interior design world continues to get more down-to-earth – it’s great for clients looking to decorate without breaking the bank, and it’s a fantastic, creative business idea for those itching to work in design. What do you think? Have you ever hired an online decorator? Would you be interested in giving a shot?
