@mollytheillustrator

Instagram: @mollytheillustrator  

1. What's your story? Where are you from?

I’m from a small town just outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania. It’s mostly known for being the setting of the US version of The Office. I know it as a place where my parents live that makes good pizza. About 6 years ago, I relocated to Philadelphia.

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

Sign me up for anything involving folk art, neon colors, glitter, and retro patterns. I love anything kitschy and vibrant.

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

Holbein Acryla Gouache is my be-all and end-all. I feel like I could never really get my paintings quite right until I started using their paints.

4. What is your artistic process like?

I start with a bunch of awful thumbnails. Really, they are awful. I’m embarrassed when people find ones I left in the scanner. After thumbnails, I scale up, do a looser drawing, and then finish out with a very tight drawing. I use a light table to transfer my final drawing in paint to a clean sheet of watercolor paper. I also do a lot of work in my sketchbook, which I never do sketches for beforehand. I like working pretty rigidly for finished paintings, but also enjoy working in my sketchbook off the cuff.

5. Who and/or what inspires your work?

I’m absolutely in love with folk and vintage art. A few years ago, I became especially interested in Russian toys and Mexican textiles. When I need a little dose of inspiration, I normally look through the catalog of pictures I’ve saved which includes vintage stamps, matchbooks, toys, film posters, African barber shop signs, and book covers.

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

Spending years drawing, painting, and designing has totally changed the way I view the world. It makes me really excited when I see beautiful packaging, a great book cover, or a lovely advertisement. It also makes me really cranky when I see companies miss opportunities to make things look great.

7. Where did you study?

I studied at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia and graduated with a BFA in Illustration in 2015.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years? Working in an agency?

Hopefully being a full-time freelancer. It’s a huge goal for me, and I don’t feel like I will be fully happy until I get there.

9. What about in ten?

I’d love to still be freelancing, possibly teaching, and definitely traveling as much as possible.

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

Honestly, especially with the current mood in America, I’m just happy if I can make someone happy by looking at my work.

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

Favorite food is a tough one. I like a lot of things. Since there are so many amazing spots in South Philly, I’m going to have to go with Mexican food.

12. Favourite book?

I know I’m an adult human, but Roald Dahl’s books are still the coolest to me. Matilda being my #1 fave.

13. Favourite genre of music?

I like a little bit of everything. Right now I’m on a big 90’s hip hop kick.

14. What are your hobbies?

Recently, baking has been my favorite thing to do when not drawing or painting. I’ve made pies, muffins, cookies, donuts, you name it. Next, I’m thinking of doing more complicated breads and pastries.

15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

Not really sure. I’ve kind of always wanted to be doing what I’m doing. Maybe a furniture restorer? I know it would definitely need to be a very hands on job.