Azraela Creativity

Azraela is an illustrator and digital artist specialising in work based in fantasy

What is it about your making skill that makes you enjoy it so much?

The ability to lose yourself in a fantasy world, and let others join it with you, is what makes art so enjoyable for me. There’s always an ecstatic feeling, that I can’t quite explain accompanying me with each artwork I finish.

It truly brings experiences that you cannot feel otherwise


What does it mean to you personally and the way you live your life?

I’ve always had my own little world around me as a kid, it kept me curious and creative, in search of more worlds to explore. In that search I reached the world of gaming, I spent countless hours on fantasy role play games, and sought out concept art for them. Seeing how the worlds come into existence through concept art and illustrations, makes me unbelievably excited, and always wanting more.

By bringing art into my life, I’ve grown to observe and appreciate all the details around me, it has made me much happier, and brought so much more colour to every day.

 

What has been your greatest making achievement?

One of my biggest art achievements is when my mother proudly showcased one of my artworks on her wall. She’s always been my biggest inspiration, as she used to draw when I was still little and was the one who introduced me to fantasy themes with her illustrations. She had painted a massive poster of a dragon on a tower and a castle bordered with pine tree branches, I’ll forever remember them.

Having my inspiration be proud of my work will always be an achievement that holds a dear place in my heart.

 

What is your favourite piece of equipment and why?

My favourite piece of equipment, as mainly a digital artist by far, is my iPad. I can use it to draw wherever, it provides so much versatility, allowing me to organise my mood boards and ideas, sort documents, easily share my work with others and so much more. As a freelance illustrator and a small business owner, its use makes my everyday work so much easier, and more comfortable.

 

What is your favourite making website or blog and why?

There are so many websites that are amazing for their own reasons so you can’t just pick one.

I absolutely adore Etsy as a platform for all of the little crafty businesses. It gives everyone the possibility to just start up and go, and It’s so important to be able to start out somewhere. Etsy has been really helpful with that, and there are truly so many amazing crafters and artists that you can support there.

Whereas for inspiration and creating mood boards, I’d have to pick Pinterest. It has gotten me through many uninspiring days and taught me countless things. I really love the fact that I can easily browse through the subjects that I require, and find so many amazing like-minded artists out there.


Why do you like being part of the Festival?

I’m so excited to meet other arty and crafty people and art viewers alike. I find it really important to share what I know about art, as it’s something that should be enjoyed by everyone! So I truly hope that everyone gives it a go, and shares their unique world with us at this festival!


What is your advice to a complete beginner who wants to have a go at your craft?

It’s very important to learn how to learn properly, as silly as that may sound, it is extremely important to understand it, as you’ll get to spend more time doing what you enjoy. And the good thing about it is that it doesn’t only apply to art.

Another thing that you should learn is how to observe objects, landscapes, anything that inspires you, and see what they actually look like. Break it down, and look at all the shapes, and the detail, how the shadows fall onto it, taking in that information you’ll be able to significantly improve your art.

It will take time, and the progress takes time to show, but it will be worth it. Don’t be afraid of it, share your ideas and enjoy yourself!