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The[Crafty]Gamer: Lauren Gregg (Nerd Art)
This week The[Crafty]Gamer features freelance illustrator Lauren Gregg. Read on to learn more about the artist and what it takes to create colorful "Nerd Art" prints.
Full name: Lauren Gregg
Age: 28
Hometown: I currently live in Athens, GA by way of Brooklyn, NY. Originally from Upper Marlboro, MD
Occupation: Freelance Illustrator
Creation: Nerd Art
Tell us about your work. What's the inspiration behind it?
When I set out to make a painting or an illustration, there's usually some sort of direction from an art director or a gallery like, "Make a painting about this thing!" or "Illustrate some guy that looks fancy!" which I'll do, but then try to put my own spin on it. I like to add a bit of humor and cuteness to everything I create. When I'm making a painting, I always think, "Would I put this on my wall?" So I am always making paintings that I'd like to have in my house, that way if they don't sell I can have them in my house!
How much time did it take to create each piece?
For my paintings, it usually takes about a week from start to finish. I start out doodling on the computer until I come up with something I like. Then I'll try out a bunch of different color palettes and create a really crude version of the final piece. Finally, I print that out and keep it as my guide while I'm painting. Ever since college I've had this weird anxiety about people seeing my work incomplete, so the actual painting process is really quick. I also keep it fast just in case that creative wave I'm riding dies. If I take a day-long break, sometimes I can never get back into it!
Is your work up for sale? If so, where and how much?
It is! I've got an etsy store full of cheap ($25) Giclee prints and a few original paintings. I also have some paintings at various galleries that you can purchase online at My Plastic Heart, Gallery 1988 and Gallery Nucleus.
Any other information you'd like to share about yourself?
I graduated from the Ringling School of Art and Design as an Illustration major. I also make animations for commercials and television shows with my best friend under the name Kangaroo Alliance. I have 2 dogs, a cat, and a horse. I like to eat pizza. I love LittleBigPlanet!
For more on Lauren Gregg, check out her Web site.
The[Crafty]Gamer has officially moved from the Editor Blogs section to the Features section. We are regularly looking for new entries, so if you'd like your work featured, please send me an e-mail to express your interest and I will follow up with details: annette@gameinformer.com.
Previous entries: Ashley Hay Mad Scientist, Koopa and Gundam shirt designs; David Ngo perler bead creations; Jennie Sue Rolando-themed cupcakes; Alana Dunitz 8-bit Nintendo puzzle cubes; Luke Robinson [beer] bottle cap pixel art; Matthew Ragsdale 8-bit LEGO sculptures; Harrison Krix (Volpin Props) Portal Gun replica; Tyler Stallard NOS-inspired, water-cooled Xbox 360; Donna Pike retroactive pixel paintings; Team Teamwork video game music mash-ups.
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