For our first artist interview, we reached out to Kristina Carroll to find out what makes her tick, how she made the leap from acting to art, and her main form of winter exercise.
1. What are you working on these days? Paint us a picture 😉
I’m planning out my next several months right now. Spectrum Live is just around the corner, so I want to have something new for the show. I also just signed on to illustrate interiors for a book project, which I am very excited about because I’ve been eager to do black and white interiors for a while. I am starting work on a book collecting the best art from the first few years of the Month of Love and Month of Fear challenges. On the teaching end, I am looking forward to working with Gamblin oil paints soon, doing presentations and workshops around New England. I love teaching and I’m a materials geek, so working with these companies is perfect for me right now.
2. I met you when you were assisting Donato Giancola. How did you land that gig?
I met Donato when I was just starting to get back into art after a disappointing first career in theater. We were both interviewed for a documentary about Dungeons & Dragons. Because Donato is one of the nicest and most supportive artists in the industry, he invited me to his studio to chat. I had such a great time, I kept going back to the studio to paint and we became friends. When I mentioned I was quitting my office job to go back to school for art, he offered me the position of studio assistant. I worked with him for five years.
3. How did that time influence your career and/or your work?
It was immensely important. Donato’s mentorship really pushed me to another level entirely. He took me to several conventions, and as a result, I got to meet wonderful people and started asking for portfolio reviews as a sophomore in college. Donato taught me a respect for craft and method that I use to this day. He is a professional in so many ways beyond his extraordinary art; that is a bar I continue to strive for.
4. Best client ever is _______. Why?
The next one who hires me, of course! Actually, I loved working for Realms of Fantasy before it disappeared. Doug Cohen was art directing at the time and he was very supportive and enthusiastic. I got lots of creative freedom and just enjoyed the whole process.
5. After working with Donato, you moved to Boston. Why?
It’s the classic story: I met a guy. Scott lived in Boston when we met in NYC. Long distance is rough, so we decided we liked each other enough for me to give Boston a try. Here I am still, four years later, so I guess it was a good decision!
6. How much snow is too much?
When the snow piles become taller than me and I have to climb on top of them to rearrange them so we have room for MORE snow… yeah, that’s too much. 2015 is officially the snowiest winter in Boston’s recorded history!
7. You started the Month of Love and Month of Fear projects. What are these and what pulled you to create them?
These are month-long art challenges in February and October where I invite artists to join me in weekly art making. The goal is to set aside time to create new personal work. I come up with prompts and everyone creates art inspired by them. I needed community and motivation—winter out here makes everything feel a bit isolated. Luckily, a really great group of people thought it sounded like fun! We are now three years in and still going strong.
8. Why start a project that features other people’s work?
Because being an artist is hard. Art is a self-sustaining community. If we don’t help each other and be each other’s cheerleaders, who will? I think the truth is simple: we make each other better through engagement—better artists and better people. When you invest in the community, it invests back in you.
9. You’re dating another illustrator, Scott Bakal. Do you influence each other’s work?
I don’t think you can be so close to another artist without some things bleeding over. Our tastes are very different, which I love because it broadens my perspective. Scott is a very conceptual illustrator, and the way he thinks about art has certainly been influential to me. We enjoy each other’s work, and it’s great that we can talk about it, even if our aesthetics are quite different.
10. Do you think you could date a non-artist?
I highly doubt it. Being a professional artist is sort of like being from another country; relationships are hard enough without having to navigate a culture gap. Finding a partner who can be supportive of this life—especially in the harder times—is absolutely essential.
11. Do you collect art?
I have a minimal collection so far. Much of what I have is from trading with friends or thoughtful gifts. The first piece I ever properly bought was an original page from Ted Naifeh’s Good Neighbors. I also have pieces from Michael Kaluta, Omar Rayaan, and Charles Vess. I guess most of my collection is related to food and comics!
12. If you could have a piece of art from any living artist, what would it be?
Right now, my answer is something by Allen Williams. Apart from being one of the sweetest guys around, he is one of my absolute favorite artists. I have a few of his prints in the studio, like Tree of Tales, and I just get lost in them. I would kill to look at those originals every day.
13. How do you stay sane and avoid burnout?
The trick is to understand it’s temporary and to forgive yourself. Mental and physical health are your business partners; you have to give them their due. I practice mindfulness and meditation to strengthen emotional self-awareness. I also exercise regularly! When you get your heart rate up, you condition your body’s ability to deal with stress.
14. Do you have any thoughts on what it means to be a woman creating art at this time in history?
It’s a very exciting time, particularly in the science fiction and fantasy genres. We are reaping both the benefits and the backlash of previous rights movements. The difference now is that many intelligent, successful women are in the upper ranks and becoming significant voices in the conversation. I feel that I have more power and confidence thanks to them.
15. Where can we find you this year?
I will be at Spectrum (table 15) and Illuxcon. I’m hoping to show at Dragon Con this year as well. In the meantime, you can always find me at the local Starbucks!
16. Any last thoughts?
Thank you so much for creating this terrific community and inviting me to participate. I’m excited to see where it all goes next!