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Nikki Burnette June 2008

Thanks! I’m so glad you think so. I’m really inspired by so many different things like books, music, other artists, movies, etc… But I’d say that my style mainly comes from my personality and from what I like to look at. I’ve always been told to draw what you love, and that’s what I really try to stick with. I love bright colors, pretty witches, fairies, and mermaids, all kinds of animals and creatures…generally happy scenes with a little dark twist sometimes! I’m a very cheerful, optimistic person and that’s what I try to portray in my paintings. 

Even though I paint mermaids and fairies, I think I am most known for my witches and I think they are my favorites to paint as well. I’m mainly inspired by J.K. Rowling’s portrayal of the witch/wizard world in her Harry Potter books. Before her books, when someone said witch, I think most people thought of the typical portrayal of a witch…green face, hooked nose, warts, black hat, pointy teeth…and this was the way they were often painted as well. But after her books, I think people realized that there can be a range of different types of witches from good to bad. So I really try to portray a unique take on witch art by drawing joyful, attractive, sexy, sassy, playful and sometimes even a little mischievous witches with detailed outfits and fun companions with just a touch of the dark side. 

2) How long have you been an artist? What got you started? 

I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been interested in the creative world and anything handmade. I remember watching crafting and painting shows like Bob Ross when I was as young as 5 or 6. My family is very artistic, so that probably helped me to get started. My grandmother was an artist and my mother is a very talented seamstress and loves to crochet and knit.  

So I think I started out doing things with them. I used to draw the covers of my Disney storybooks with my grandmother and then my mother taught me how to needlepoint and knit at a very young age. Then I slowly moved into drawing my own things in grade school and continued signing up for every art class possible after that. But I don’t think I really took myself seriously until I decided to go into art school. I actually went to the Art Institute and studied Game Art and Design. I’ve also always loved video games, so I was excited about being able to combine my two passions: art and video games. But upon graduation, I realized that my biggest dream was to be able to create the art that I wanted and not the art that someone else wanted me to which is how I ended up where I am today! I’m thrilled that I’m able to work full-time as an artist creating the art that I love. 

3) Tell me something that I might not know about fantasy art. 

Wow, tough question! I think the most exciting thing that I’ve discovered about fantasy art during my time as a self-representing artist is that fantasy art is appreciated and adored by all ages. When I first started selling my work, I had an idea of the type of person who likes fantasy art. In my mind, I pictured them to be about 18-30. But I was shocked to find out how many different ages have bought my art! At a fair, I had several younger girls purchase my art, one as young as 6. And I just found out the other day through an email, that one of my online customers is 71! I just think it’s fantastic that fantasy art covers such a broad spectrum of people. I think almost all people enjoy leaving the mundane real life to enter the exciting and mystical world of fantasy if even for a few moments.

Selling my artwork and products through eBay and Etsy is really exciting, but also quite difficult at times. I’d say the most challenging thing is trying to bring out my business side when my artistic side won’t be quiet! I always am happiest when I’m drawing or painting new original paintings. But I carry so many things with my art through my store like hand-embellished prints, stickers, bookmarks, magnets etc… and I’m constantly adding new items to my line like coloring pages. I make all of these items myself in my studio so I have to keep in mind things like inventory, making sure all of my listings are correct, shipping, correspondence with customers, ordering new materials, and the list goes on and on! So yes, the most difficult thing is definitely trying to resist the urge to paint and instead go and take care of the business end of selling on eBay and Etsy. 

But the perks…there’s really so many of them! I think it’s very rewarding to create your own art and products and sell them through these two sites. I also really enjoy chatting with my customers and meeting other artists. I’ve established many relationships, both business and personal, through selling on these two sites and learned so many lessons that I consider invaluable.

5) Do you have 1 favorite character that you've painted? If so, which one would it be?

I think this is my favorite because it incorporates so many of the elements in art that I really like. I love the Art Nouveau period and absolutely adore the intricate borders and designs from that era. And I am also enjoying the somewhat revival of that period that we’re experiencing now. So I tried my take on Art Nouveau by creating a Halloween/gothic inspired border with my two favorite characters in the middle. I spent probably 40+ hours on this painting with most of the work going into the border and I’m just very proud of it! 

6) What tools of the trade do you prefer? What type of paint, brushes, etc.? Have any music playing while you work?

I have to have music playing or the television on at all times when working on a painting! Evanescence is usually my go-to band when painting, especially if I’m painting a witch or anything else on the gothic/dark side. It really gets me inspired!

7) Any words of wisdom for the young ladies who are considering a career as an artist? 

Nikki Burnette's Official Website: http://www.aurella-art.com

 

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