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Ashley J.
www.justatoilet.com
When did you really get into art?
I've been drawing ever since I could hold a crayon, and when teachers asked me
what I wanted to be when I grew up I would always say "an artist." At age 10 I
took a tour of the Disney Studios in Florida and knew right then that I wanted
to get into animation.
How did you come to the realization that
you should try your luck at art on a more serious level?
This question ties into the first, because even as a child there was never any
doubt in my mind that I should, could, and would pursue my art career seriously
and to the fullest.
How did you discover the particular style that you have?
It evolved over many years of schoolmates requesting drawings during indoor
recess. I quickly found that I hated --and wasn't very good atdrawing
mechanical things like cars or motorcycles for the boys. Lots of people wanted
portraits done, and although I was capable enough to satisfy an elementary
school kid's standards I didn't like the pressure of having to create realistic
images. I had always loved cartoons and found them very fun, relaxing, and
forgiving to do because I was creating all of my own creatures and worlds.
Nobody could tell me that it didn't look right, because I made it up.
How would you describe your style?
Cute, organic, wry, not afraid to be a little gross.
Who or what influences your art?
Animals are a huge influence on my work because I've grown up with such a
collection of them. I've owned cats, dogs, ducks, peacocks, a chicken, rabbits,
a turtle, sea horses, geckos, sugar gliders, a parrot, and an octopus.
How often do you create a new piece?
I'm actually not too prolific as far as personal works. There's a good deal of
time in between projects, however when an idea strikes me I tend to become a
workaholic until I can get what's in my head out onto paper or into a film. I
do a fair amount of freelance illustration for clients and the turnaround time
on that is very quick because the idea is already laid out.
What kind of success have you had with your art?
Every job I've had has been art oriented in one respect or another. I got my
first one at 16, drawing holiday designs to be made into rubber stamps. In
college I interned with "The Simpsons" assisting with post production, and also did some
character design work for King of the Hill that got used on television. I
graduated as Valedictorian of my art and design college, and am now entering the
animation industry in Los Angeles.
What would be the ultimate goal for you and your art?
Someday I hope to be a producer for animation because it would combine my
creative background with my project management skills.
What do you see as an accomplishment in the way of art?
Seven years ago I had a "fine artist" tell me that cartoons weren't a legitimate
art field and that I should focus on more traditional practices if I ever
expected to succeed with my work. Last I heard of that lady, she was working
for a train station. If you pursue your dream no matter what anyone tells you,
and do YOUR work YOUR way and come out on top, that's a great accomplishment.
What kind of message, if any, do you try to convey through your art?
I want people to get a good feeling from my work. I hope to make them think,
smile, laugh, and get involved in the character's world.
Sum up your art in one word.
Cheeky
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