Interview: Allison Cole

Name: Allison Cole
Occupation: Illustrator, artist
Location: Providence RI

www.allisoncoleillustration.com (illustration site)
http://bangbangyourethread.etsy.com (shop)
www.comicsoflove.com (comics site)

1. What kind of art do you make?
I make all kinds of art - comics, cut paper art, and digital illustration. I generally keep all 3 separate from one another, but sometimes there is overlap. I graduated from the RISD Printmaking department, where exploring many methods and styles was encouraged. I love all things cute and colorful.



2. What do you enjoy most about working in these mediums?
Of all the mediums I work in, I think the common thread is my printmaking roots. I approach most projects with some preliminary planning and I often think in terms of layers of color. Making multiples is also still a huge part of what I do - I run an online shop where I sell art, stationery products, and accessories featuring my illustrations.



3. What challenges have you found in your work?
Finding the time to do everything! Having my mind pulled in many different directions is sometimes difficult. I keep lots of notes and to-do lists so I don't forget new ideas if I am busy working on something else.



4. Where do you find inspiration?
I bring my camera everywhere, if I see something I like, whether it is a color or a pattern or a scene, I can capture it and file it away for future reference. I keep a lot of binders so that I am always on top of my ideas. I have a binder full of notes and sketches for my personal art and illustration projects, a binder for magazine clippings of current illustration that I find inspirational, and one full of magazine articles and photos that I refer to when I am in need of a new idea to illustrate for my portfolio when things are slow.

5. What are your favorite artists, designer or blogs.
I read a million blogs, and have too many favorite artists to mention, but if you check out the links on my website it gives you a good idea!