About the Editor:
Brittany VanSnepson joined Create Mixed Media and F+W Media’s Fine Art Community in April 2013 as an Associate Content Developer (Editor). She has a Bachelors with a double major in English Writing and Communications, with an emphasis in speech, from Saint Mary’s of Notre Dame. After several internships, she landed her dream job of editing books and blogging about pop-culture. Brittany lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her mutt, Woogie. When she isn’t madly making marks with a red pen on paper, she’s reading, hiking, procrastinating about writing, reading, traveling, helping out in a friend’s vineyard, oh and did we mention… reading!
What kind of art are you known for?
I’m probably the only editor on the team that came into this business with more of a publishing background than an art background. When I first started working here, I didn’t know anything about art. It was a big learning curve but I soaked it all up in my eagerness to learn more. I’ve since become fond of art journaling and, I guess, if I was to become known for one style of art – that would be it!
What’s the best book you’ve read lately?
Great question! That’s a tough one. I’m currently about to start reading Devil in the White City. However, I recently bought Tiger Lily and I’m super excited to gobble it up! I’ve only read a page or two, so far, but it reads like a fairytale and I’m big into fairytales.
Do you have a talisman/power garment/magical thing you wear?
Not really. I think it’s cool when people do and I’ve tried it a time or two, but it’s just not my thing. There are certain objects or jewelry that I find gorgeous, but I can barely keep track of my cell phone, let alone a talisman, of sorts.
What’s today’s Word to Live By?
I think this changes daily depending on one’s mood, outlook or just life in general. If I had to pick one for today… I’d say: Be the person you wanted to be when you were a child.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Hands down, to have control over the elements! I’d love to be able to calm storms or help a friend’s vineyard from the devastation of an early frost.
What’s your favorite place in the world?
I have a feeling I haven’t been there yet, but I do love the Great Lakes.
What’s your best piece of advice for artists?
Go with the flow and read some of our amazing books for ideas, tips and techniques! (I know, I’m shamelessly plugging.)
What are you working on right now?
I’m working on the motivation to stop procrastinating.
What’s your current favorite, can’t-live-without-it tool/supply/material/junkyard find?
I recently worked with Christine Adolph on her new book about foil that’s coming out in 2016 and, as a result, I’ve simply become obsessed with foiling techniques in my art journal.
What is your least favorite technique that you still use anyway?
I don’t think I’m advanced enough to have a “least favorite” but, if I had to choose, then I’d say doodling. Mainly because my doodles never seem to look as good as I envisioned them to be.
If you could surround yourself with only one color, what would it be?
Wow, that’s a hard one! I love blues, grays and purples. So, possibly burgundy or teal.
What’s the most inspiring trip you’ve ever taken or adventure you’ve ever had?
I’ve traveled a lot in recent years, but I absolutely loved my visit to Washington. I visited a friend in Seattle and then we hit up Forks (I wonder why?) and it was an amazing experience. I keep telling everyone that I originally went to appease my teenage love for the Twilight series but I’m going to return for my love of the scenery. It was so majestic!
What one thing do you want to do that you haven’t done yet?
Write a book. I’ve finished some short stories and one novel length piece of fiction, but my goal is to one day publish a book.
What do you listen to when you create?
When it comes to creating art, I don’t have a strict musical preference. I pretty much listen to whatever music speaks to my mood that day. Sometimes I’ll turn on country or blare some rock n’ roll – there’s no telling what the day, or my art, will bring!
With whom would you love to spend one day making art?
I loved working with Dina Wakley. She was so energized and you could really see the passion she had for what she was doing. I think that, since I primarily work with an art journal, I’d probably want her by my side.
When is your favorite time of day?
I’m a night owl but I still say that the brisk morning air and a gorgeous sunrise always makes me smile.
Why do you make art?
At first, I made art to try out some of the techniques that so many of our authors would talk about. Though I still try out new techniques, now I primarily make art for the sheer joy of it.
What is on your workspace right now (physical objects)?
A bazillion books from our Fine Art line. I’ve got all the latest art journaling books and DVDs. Everything from Art Journal Kickstarter, Incite 3, Art Journal Courage, Gelli Plate Printing, Amazing Pages and, of course, all of Dina’s DVDs!
If you could re-do a classic movie, what would you remake and how?
I wouldn’t. I don’t think that the classics that I like would be anywhere near the same if they were made in today’s day and age. Nothing against the modern filming industry.
What’s your best piece of advice for artists?
Don’t be afraid to try something. If you end up not like a particular technique – don’t use it. Try something else until you eventually find the art form that speaks to you the most.
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