Today we’d like to introduce you to Andy Isabel.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Art has always been a part of me ever since I could remember. It’s my form of communication in a way. I was always a very quiet and shy person so making comics and just drawing was my way to convey what I was feeling. Having a big imagination also helped because it would let me create my own worlds and characters. I have always wanted to be an artist especially a comic book artist ever since I bought my first comic. It wasn’t until I was in high school and took my first art class that I started to explore different mediums. At the end of high school, I wanted to go to art school, but I quickly found out I just couldn’t afford it so I had to settle for community college which isn’t a bad thing. I took every art class at my community college and learned so much, appreciating more classical art and trying even more mediums. Around this time I got into oil painting and digital illustrations. I started selling digital pieces online and I also sold a few paintings here and there throughout my college years. Even though my paintings and digital work were selling, I felt that the work wasn’t representing me as an artist and as a person. This is when I started messing around with alcohol based markers and watercolors and even diving more into comics. I wanted to put myself out there and put my thoughts and emotions on the pages of my illustrations and comics. Most of my recent illustrations have a dark undertone, but they’re contrasted with bright vivid colors. To me it kind of gives the viewer a chance to their own interpretation without revealing what the piece actually means.
Please tell us about your art.
I dabble with different mediums from time to time, it all depends on how I’m feeling. In the past two or three years I’ve been delving into just putting myself out there such as putting my personal thoughts and emotions into my work using alcohol based markers, watercolors and ink. Even though I make pieces that are personal, I also want the viewer to find their own interpretation from what they see, which is why I usually do subtle surrealism in both my illustrations and comics. I want to share my experiences from life and mental illness to maybe help someone who feels that no one understands them… I want them to see my pieces and think, “They get what I’m feeling”.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
It took me a while to figure out a balance of finances and my art career. What helped me was getting a part time day job to get a steady amount of money while also building my art commissions. Since earning money with art isn’t always constant, I feel having a constant back up of earnings helps by taking off that weight of financial stress from your art making.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
The only social media platform I use for my art is Instagram. You can find me @spacequail. I also have an online portfolio with most of my comics and digital work which you kind find here (https://andyisavel.wixsite.com/portfolio).
I’m always open for commissions which you can use Instagram to contact me if you’re interested and I also sell my own zines through Instagram as well!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://andyisavel.wixsite.com/portfolio
- Email: andyisavel@gmail.com
- Instagram: @spacequail
Image Credit:
Andy Isabel
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