Artist Spotlight: Madi

Interview by Yising Kao 1.30.19.

Galaxy Issues: https://www.galaxy-mag.com/issues

Meet Madi, an incredible artist based in Northern California! Madi on her artiwork:

"I draw a lot of art for bands that I listen to and pieces of band members because music is something that inspires me to no extent. I'm no good with words (hence, why I draw) and I'm in awe of how artists can put so much emotion into their songs, and articulate them so beautifully with sound."

What inspired you to start creating art?

I’ve been doing art since I was a kid because it was just something that I loved to do, but as I got older I realized that it was one of my true passions. I would look at things like band merch designs and animated movies and I would be in awe of how people could create such awesome work and come up with such original ideas! It pushed me to try it for myself and improve my skills.

How would you describe your style?

Honestly, I can’t really put a label on my art style! I love trying new styles all the time, everything from realism to cartoons, but I feel like I’m “known for” realistic portraits with different elements that make them stand out, whether that be colors or added details.

What's the hardest part of creating a piece and how do you overcome it?

I think the hardest part of creating a piece, for me, is being completely pleased with an idea. Sometimes it’s hard for me to exactly replicate my ideas from my head onto the screen and I’ll attempt 10 different sketches or change different parts of the drawing until I’m (at least) satisfied. Usually I’ll overcome this by consulting some of my artist friends or changing things as I keep drawing. That’s one of my favorite things about digital art; it can be very forgiving because you can always go back and change things.

Jayden Seeley from With Confidence

I've been a fan of With Confidence for a little while, and Love and Loathing was one of my favorite albums of last year. One of my favorite tracks off the record is "Pâquerette (Without Me)" because it's such a beautiful and heart-wrenching song. It really comforted me when the album came out, and while listening to it one day, the idea for this drawing came into my head and I knew I had to draw it immediately!

Awsten Knight from Waterparks

Everyone who has ever met me knows that Waterparks is one of my all-time favorite bands and that Awsten is my number one inspiration when it comes to all things creative. He inspires me every day to keep creating. Entertainment especially helped me get out of a big creative block because everything from the programming to the lyrics, to the music videos just put images into my head that I wanted to bring to life, which is why I draw so many things inspired by the album. With this piece, I put some of the elements I associate with the songs with a gold leafing effect and I absolutely love how it turned out!