An Interview with Artist Alicia Haberman from The Conscious Ink
Alicia is a talented illustrator and production designer working bi-coastally from Brooklyn, NY and Venice, CA.
When it comes to her unique style of work, she explains: "I used lush, free-flowing line work and feminine imagery to create ethereal pieces that express energy and emotions."
Whim's Editorial Assistant Cecile recently had the chance to ask Alicia some questions about her artistic career, inspirations, and plans for the future. If you're an aspiring artist, you'll certainly want to listen up, as Alicia has also revealed some incredible advice for creatives wishing to pursue a similar path to her own!
Q: What was the most valuable thing you learnt from your early work with Michel Gondry?
A: Michel is one of the hardest working artists I know. I just saw one of his upcoming films, and I’m still so inspired by how honest his work is. His stories are always authentic, and the sets themselves are often handmade. I strive to bring that raw aesthetic into my work. When Michel has a vision, he doesn’t hesitate to experiment and put in all the hours to see it realized. Gotta respect that.
Q: What media (films, art) inspires your work, past and present?
A: I’ve always been drawn to music inspired design, and obsessed with vintage rock posters from the 60’s/70’s. My mind is still blown by some of the posters that came from the art duo "Hapshash and Colored Coat” (Michael English and Nigel Waymouth). Lately I’ve been into ethereal work from artists like Mark Heine, Elena Vizerskaya, and Kirsty Mitchell. If you don’t know them, check them out.
Q: How much creative control do you retain when working with big names such as Kanye?
A: That really all depends on the person and type of the project. Typically the bigger the name, the more likely they will have to cater to management and sponsors weighing in. Fun. But if you bring a clear, out of the box idea to the table, and they trust you to crush it for them? That’s a win, creatively. That type of freedom is when I fall in love with this job all over again.
Q: What sort of projects are you attracted to?
A: I’m definitely drawn to projects where I tie in illustration and hand lettering. Whether it’s on an album cover, a backdrop, a mural.. I can’t get enough of it.
Q: What advice would you give to young creatives with a drive to make a name for themselves in a range of fields as you have?
A: In the beginning of your career…work on everything imaginable. Reach out to experienced creatives and let them teach you. Work too many hours, even sometimes for free. The more you expose yourself to, the more confident you get, and ultimately hone you’re own personal style.
Q: What's your next project?
A: I just signed on to do my first solo gallery show in Brooklyn this fall, so I’m pretty psyched for that! I also design with an unbelievable experiential and music agency called Pop2Life, so look out for some kickass events from us through next year at www.pop2life.com.
We want to thank Alicia for taking the time to answer these interview questions and encourage you to further check out her work by visiting her website, blog or following along on Facebook. Enjoy!
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Cecile Blackmore is a writer from Brisbane, Australia. She writes and edits at The Creative Issue and hoards vintage clothing – follow her adventures on Instagram at @saintcecile.