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| The artist herself |
Hello and welcome! My name is Natalie, and I’m a senior majoring in art at the University of Oklahoma. If you read my previous post, then you’ll know that I was born and raised in Texas, hailing from the great city of Dallas. I like good art, good food, and good people. My goals include becoming a professional illustrator, a comic artist (the kind that draws, not the kind that does standup), and maintaining a stable income to support my current/future dogs and cats.
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| A crane spotted at the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden |
You’re probably wondering why I’m taking this class. In short, I’m a nerd. Outside of art, I like reading, particularly fantasy, sci-fi, and good-humored romance. I also like reading up on things, including non-fiction books, biographies, autobiographies, and endless Wikipedia articles. And when I’m not reading, I’m usually playing video games.
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| Airplane view while heading back to the U.S. from Japan |
But I am an artist. I like to try different mediums of art, though illustration and sequential art (a.k.a. comics, graphic novels, manga, etc.) has been my lifelong passion. Comics have always inspired me, from comics strips like Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson to graphic novels like The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang. I’m glad that there are multiple forms of media where art and storytelling coexist. It is a tedious process though, writing of any kind, and comics are no exception. I personally have trouble focusing on writing one story at a time.
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| Flowers at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Museum |
When I saw this course as an option, I knew that this would be a great way to become inspired while holding myself accountable as I’m writing. Mythology and folklore is beneficial to gaining a better understanding of various writers, writing forms, cultures, historical events, and more. With that, I hope to learn more from this course and others this semester while improving as a writer.
Hi Natalie!
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you want to become a comic artist! Do you prefer the comic strips in newspapers or do you prefer the graphic novel medium? I’m a HUGE fan of Calvin and Hobbes myself, but I’ve been getting more into the graphic novel-type of stuff recently. The way that an artist’s style can have influence over everything within a comic is amazing – from either setting a gritty, dark tone to a light, comical one, artists can have (more) control over the comic than the writers do themselves!
Sincerely,
Andrew
Hi Andrew, thanks for asking! I had more of an interest in comic strips and manga when I was younger (though I still follow a few manga series to this day, such as “Fruits Basket” by Natsuki Takaya and “The Girl From the Other Side” by Nagabe). Nowadays I’m interested in reading and publishing graphic novels. I love seeing different art styles and sometimes testing them out for myself, it’s a fun learning experience. Anyways, if you have any graphic novel recommendations, I’d be happy to check them out!
DeleteHi Natalie!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! The minute I read the words "Calvin and Hobbes," I had a smile on my face from ear to ear. I still have a book that I occasionally browse through when bored. I love how you are going to be the future artist of a comic book just like it! You must be a great writer and artistically inclined to have those impressive skills.
Hi, Shary! Glad to have found another “Calvin and Hobbes” fan! My mom and I collected the series while I was growing up, and I still love to read them over and over again, so we have that in common. Thank you again for your kind words! I hope to incorporate some of my art skills through this blog, so be on the lookout!
DeleteHi Natalie!
ReplyDeleteI think you are so right about the writing in this class. I used to consider myself a writing, but using the definition that "a writer is someone who has written today" I have to admit that it has been a very long time since I've really been a writer. This class will definitely force us into a more active role and keep up focused on our creativity.
I'm looking forward to it as I can tell you are. I love your photos of Japan. If I had to pick on place on Earth to travel, it would probably be Japan. V. jealous!
Hi, Sam! I agree, it’s hard to stay on top of writing sometimes, especially with college keeping me busy. I enjoy this class because it helps me tap into my creativity on a daily basis, which is just what I need! Though if you ever feel like you’re in a rut or trying to get through writer’s block, then I highly recommend Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way.” It’s a great resource for creative types, I think you would like it! Anyhow, I’m looking forward to reading your stories in Mythology and Folklore this semester. PS: If you ever decide to study or travel abroad, you should definitely check out Japan. It’s a beautiful country, and everyone is very kind.
DeleteHello Natalie,
ReplyDeleteYou sound like my kind of person! I am such an art lover. I myself do not make much art, but I definitely have days when I feel an artistic spirit run through my body. I like to draw, paint and sometimes embroider, but mostly I love to watch people make art. It is such a beautiful process. When I go to art festivals my favorite part is watching the artists paint, make baskets, etc. I love reading fiction books too, mostly fantasy books. It is so easy to get wrapped up in them and just escape reality. Anime is one of my favorite things to watch! If you have never seen Hunter X Hunter I completely recommend giving it a try. I am sending good vibes your way!
Lindsi
Hello, Lindsi! Nice to meet another art lover here, I’m definitely down to get together sometime and have an art session if you’d like! When I can, I like attending the Norman Art Walk to see what local artists and businesses are up to, which is something you might enjoy. It seems like we have similar interests, so if you have any book or show recommendations, I’d love to hear them! Speaking of, I haven’t seen Hunter X Hunter, I’ll add that to the bucket list. Anyhow, I’m excited to see what stories you’re interested in this semester!
DeleteHi Natalie! I think its so cool that you are pursuing art! I have never been a very talented drawer or painter, but over the last few years I've gotten more into photography and graphic design, which I think is a great medium to create. I'm also from the greatest city in Texas (aka Dallas) and I'm excited to read what you will write this semester!
ReplyDeleteHi, Rohan! I love hearing about your creative interests. Photography is so much fun, it’s a great medium to experiment and play around with. I can’t wait to get back out into the field when it’s less hot outside (ha ha). Since you like to travel and be in the city, I recommend looking at scenic and urban photography, it’s super cool. From one Dallasite to another, I wish you all the best this semester in Mythology and Folklore!
DeleteHey Natalie! You seem pretty dope. I hope you'll post some of your art on here sometime!
ReplyDeleteCombining art with storytelling has been such a wonderful passion for me too, which is why I'd love to pursue filmmaking. A good friend of mine (and fellow film enthusiast) pointed out to me that filmmaking is the combination of most all art forms: visual, theatrical, writing, choreography, music, you name it.
Looking forward to seeing your submissions this semester!
- Cate H.
Hey, Cate! Thanks for checking out my blog—I definitely plan on incorporating some art throughout the semester, so be on the lookout! Film is a great medium and a huge part of our culture, so I definitely support you on your filmmaking journey! Comics are similar in the way that they express a visual scene, with the exception that they are shown through still images. I’m down to meet up on campus and talk about art and writing sometime! Until then, I look forward to reading your blog on Mythology and Folklore.
DeleteHey Natalie! I have always loved the idea of illustrating and I really admire people who can do it successfully. Meaningful art has always been very important to me, especially when it is used to accompany words. So good luck to you in that venture! I also hope to maintain a stable income to support my dog (and future animals) so I definitely get you there. They deserve only the best! Good luck in the course!
ReplyDeleteHey, Brooke! Thanks for stopping on by! I love meaningful art in illustration, which is why I’m excited to be studying sequential art in comics. I’m glad that you also enjoy illustrated stories—if you have any recommendations, please let me know! Thank you again for the well-wishes. Best of luck to you (and your dog/future animals), and until next time, take care!
DeleteOh, Natalie, this is great: as an artist and aspiring writer, you have come to the right (write!) place, and I hope you will have fun with your creative adventures in this class. Creative nerds are the best nerds, ha ha (I say this as one myself...). Being able to connect with art and with words, and then to connect with others through art and words, can be such a beautiful experience. Creating art and writing stories is real work... but at least for me, I always end up with such a good feeling afterwards: I MADE SOMETHING. I will be really happy if you can collect stories and ideas for stories that will inspire your art in the future. And there are always more stories to read... and to write! So, bring on the dragon stories... and the dragon art! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie! I really enjoyed reading about your hobbies, likes, and aspirations! I think it's awesome that you want to be a comic artist! I always loved reading the comics section in the daily newspapers, so I'm excited about this!!! I enjoy doing creative things in my free time as well, and think it is so important to make time for this because this type of expression is so unique! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie!
ReplyDeleteThe pictures you included were amazing! I love viewing art and enjoying the details behind them such as the history behind it! Although this is the case, I am not good at making art. When I want to relieve some stress, I love to paint or color. I truly believe that having creative outlets is important because it inspires new thoughts. Wishing you the bet of luck!
Hey there Natalie! It was great to read a little bit about who you are, thank you for sharing some of your life with us. I have to admit that I have never met someone with the same career aspirations as you, and I must say that it is quite refreshing! I have dabbled in writing/art a bit myself, but I mainly focused on poetry and drawing tattoos for people. When I was at a really dark place in life, these things helped me to get my mind off of reality, and shifted my focus to something I felt I had control of. Art is so beautiful, and I wish you the best in your future path.. wherever art may take you!
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie!
ReplyDeleteI am also from Dallas! (Well, I am from Flower Mound, which is a little bit north of Dallas). I also like reading, especially anything that has to do with romance. I guess I am a little bit of a hopeless romantic. Do you have any good book suggestions? I think that it is awesome that you want to become a professional illustrator. How cool is that you can express yourself using your preferred art medium and get paid for it! I am so happy for you! I look forward to reading more of your stories. Also, I do not know if this is even possible but could you illustrate an image for one of your own stories for this class? I would love to see your work!
Hi Natalie,
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are amazing. I LOVE to read too, right now I am immersed in classes and don't have much time, but I fit in as much as possible. I have never been a very creative person but this class brings it out a bit and so I am sure it will be brilliantly inspirational to you!
It was lovely meeting you!
Howdy Natalie,
ReplyDeleteI think that it is cool that you are an artist, and I think that you should definitely share some of your art here if you have not already. It may be a fun idea to illustrate your own stories as you go along and work on your project. I like how you are using this course as a way to further your career and give yourself a better background, that is a good idea.
Hi Natalie,
ReplyDeleteBase don your intro, it provides a fun look into your personality! I admire artistic and creative people so much! I am the least artsy gal ever and I am always amazed at how artist create their craft! I also like good food, good people, and my fantasy, humor romance books. I love getting lost in the stories I read. I sometimes get too invested knowing it is just fiction haha. I hope you have a wonderful time in this class. I can't wait to explore your page more and read your wonderful stories!
Hi Natalie!
ReplyDeleteReading your introduction was so fun! I really was able to get a sense of your fun and spunky personality! The fact that you're an art major is so fascinating for me, especially considering I can't draw or paint at all. I thought it was so funny how you mentioned you were a nerd, because I feel as though I am nerd as well! Keep up the good work!
Hi Natalie, nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteI wish I was artistic haha! I find comfort in science because I am the farthest thing from creative. I, too, love to read, but I wish I could do it more often. My favorite books are books where I can visualize what is going on--I do not have a specific genre of book that is my favorite though. How many pets do you have right now? I am hoping to be a dog mom when I grow up!!
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie! It is nice to meet you. That is so cool that you are interested in becoming a comic artist. I definitely love and appreciate art, and I wish that I had more skills in that area myself. I hope that you have found time to fit some reading for fun in during this semester. I know that I often get too busy and don’t make time to read, so that is something I am working on. Good luck with the rest of the semester!
Hey Natalie! I loved reading your introduction. You used great detail and I really felt like I got to know you by reading this. One of my friends that I worked with last summer is studying to be an art teacher, and I was always amazing at what she could create. I am not very creative at all when it comes to art, and so I leave seeing what others can do. I am looking forward to keeping up with your blog this semester!
ReplyDeleteHey Natalie, I like the beginning of your introduction where you mentioned you hoped to get a income to support your dogs and cats. I can relate. Except the cat, I'm allergic to them. I like the photos that you posted as well! They are very pretty! Well I hope you're enjoying the class so far! There definitely is a solid mixture of readings and it's really fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Natalie! I loved getting to learn a little bit more about you through this blog post. I love that you have found such passion, pride and empowerment in being an artist. I feel that because of your dedication and confidence, you will be able to go far in any industry you want to pursue! Also, I really liked the photos you included! Hope the rest of your semester goes well!
ReplyDeleteHello Natalie!
ReplyDeleteThe photos you posted look so pretty! I’m guessing you’ve been to Japan? That must have been an awesome experience! I thought it was really funny how you mention being able to provide for pets! They can be so expensive! My family has two chihuahuas right now and my girlfriend has two cats. I love them all but I found out that I’m allergic to cats so it sucks. I hope the rest of your semester goes well! We’re almost done!
Hi Natalie!
ReplyDeleteIt's cool to still be learning about new people in these final weeks of the semester. I think it's cool how passionate you are about different types of art. I think it would be cool if you posted pictures of your art on your blog. I hope you accomplished your goals for the semester and feel like you've improved as a writer!
Hi Natalie :)
ReplyDeleteYou appear to be a very interesting and fun person! I would to be able to see some of art that you've created. I wonder if you've thought about turning one of the stories you've read here into . short comic. I'm also a lover of art, however, I am not artistic whatsoever. I just like to look and admire. Being that it's almost graduation time, do you have any plans for after graduation?