Interview of artist Caitlyn Dailey
interview by Ailyn De Marco
Q: What is your process in creating your works?
A: “When creating any new work, I start with very rough thumbnails, usually scribbles that only I can decipher. This is my favorite part of any project because it allows me to explore all my options freely and without judgement. I then move onto rough sketches, a final detailed sketch and then the finished design or illustration.”
Q: What does your work aim to convey?
A: “I do my best to bring a bit of humor and joy to all my work. Every illustrator’s aim is to tell a story, in some form or another, so that’s what I’m constantly striving to do.”
Q: Who are your biggest influences or muses?
A: “This is a tough question because I have so many - my list of children’s book illustrators could go on forever! The ones that stand out are Mary Blair, Tyrus Wong, the Provensens, Charles Schultz, Norman Rockwell, Andrew Wyeth and Franz Marc.”
Q: I have noticed that you have some pieces for sale. What made you want to start doing this?
A: “Selling my art happened by accident, actually. When I began college, a neighbor found out I was an artist and commissioned me to paint my very first house portrait. I had no idea what I was doing, what to charge, or how long it was going to take. But, because it was such a fun experience, I realized that I wanted to make my own designs for sale. It's a constant work in progress, but as an illustrator, having your own shop allows you to create for yourself.”
Q: During this pandemic have you become more motivated or have you gotten blocked in your art making?
A: “If I’m being completely honest, art making has been a struggle for me during this pandemic. We are all living through a very unique situation right now, that’s put a toll on our mental and emotional well-beings. As an artist, there’s this pressure to constantly create content and so I’ve struggled to find the balance during this tumultuous time.”
To find out more about this artist please visit her website!