Featured Fan Artist: Chloé Leach

Here at Bad Brains we are definitely big appreciators of the art produced by the many talented people within the Skinner Brothers community, and know that a lot of you feel the same. So we thought it would be nice to occasionally give props to those artists who amaze us time and time again with their wonderful creations, while also finding out a bit more about them and their art.

It's my pleasure to bring you our very first featured fan artist Q&A, with none other than the lovely Chloé Leach! Chloé regularly contributes to the community in the Facebook SB Family group and elsewhere, not only with her wonderful art but also her infectious enthusiasm for all things SB!

Chloé is also the artist behind our logo and other graphics for the website and our social media accounts, which she enthusiastically donated her time to do, so warrants extra big thanks from us! Neither Jamey nor I are artists so it was massively appreciated to have help with that.

Anyway, without further ado, lets get to know Chloé and her art a bit better!

Q: How long have you been creating art and what inspired you to start?

A: I've been drawing and making things ever since I can remember. I've always had some sort of itch to sit there and make stuff. Whether it's drawing, crafting or even writing. As a child I'd draw whatever I would see. Most little objects in the house,  like salt and pepper shakers, I had drawn. I would sometimes even get frustrated if I hadn't made something in a while. 

Q: What is it about The Skinner Brothers that first motivated you to create fan art?

A: At the start, I just loved their look. The masks were fascinating, and I was learning how to draw faces/people so it added a little more challenge. I then started connecting to the lyrics which just further made me want to make art that could be based around their lyrics. I'd hear a line of a song and immediately think of how I can turn that into a piece of art.

Q: How would you describe your art style, and are there any styles you'd like to delve into but haven't yet?

A: I'm not too sure how I'd describe my art style. Maybe stylised portraiture? A lot of my art is of humans, but I wouldn't say they're extremely realistic. I also do cartoonish art of characters I like though.

I'd like to try more art of nature, flowers and trees etc. I've never really done anything like that, or when I have, it was very quick and without much care.

Q: What is your favourite artistic medium, and which mediums would you most like to experiment with?

A: I'd have to go with digital art being my favourite. Just because I don't have a lot of space so having it in a way that doesn't clutter everything up helps me a little, but I also do really love being able to put pencil to paper. 

I've started experimenting a little with acrylic  and watercolour paints. I also recently purchased some watercolour pencils which I hope to use soon. 

Q: Are there any tools in particular that are favourites to use?

A: Due to a lot of my art being digital, I don't get to use many 'physical' tools, but I use Procreate on my IPad and I've been testing out a lot of the brushes on there! I mainly use the HB pencil, Script and monoline, but I've started trying out some others to see what I can make.

Q: Where is your cosy place? The place you feel most at ease when creating?

A: My bedroom. It's the place I'm surrounded by all the things I love, my interests and it has my CD player. I usually don't create anything unless I have some kind of music to listen to.

Q: Do you have any advice for all the aspiring artists out there who are just beginning to learn their craft?

A: Keep going. Through every failure, every mess up. Just do not give up. You'll never improve if you don't stick at it. And also - don't let anyone tell you that your work is 'good' or 'bad'. Make what you like, try new things. Lastly- you won't ever be perfect. And that's okay. If you strive to be perfect, you'll fall flat. Strive for better instead.

Q: Anything else you'd like to add for the readers?

A: I just want to say that creating of any kind is a process that never stops. There will always be new things to create and endless possibilities. The world - as dull as it can seem sometimes - is a place full of infinite possibilities!

Thank you so much Chloé, it's been a pleasure to get to know you and your art a little better! As somebody who can't even draw a stick figure well, I'm absolutely in awe of your talent! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how your art develops and any further contributions you choose to share with us.

Keep up the amazing work!

You can find Chloé on Instagram (send her lots of love, she deserves it!).