@bamillustration | www.breemanahan.com
We are honored to have, Bree Manahan, as our Featured Artist, she is an amazing artist that creates stunning illustrations of many different subjects but with a focus on animals, make sure to check out her wall to see them all, and while your there make sure to hit that follow button to help support a fellow artist of our community!
How long have you been an artist? What is your specialty? Where do u find inspiration?
I have been in love with art since I was a kid, but became seriously interested at about 13 years old. I started taking correspondence art courses when I was 15.
I specialize in character or animal-centric pieces, leaning towards a mildly cartoony style.
Inspiration comes from all around me, but I love animation, comics, and video games. My husband Joel is my muse, and often helps me through creative blocks with his out-of-the-box ideas.
Do you have a job in the art industry? If So, what’s one thing you don’t like about it? If no, where would your dream job be?
Unfortunately I work a normal day job, but I’ve always done art out of pure love and need for creativity. Honestly, I don’t know if I could make it in the big industries! But I’ve always dreamed of illustrating my own picture books.
Do you have a favorite Artist?
So many, but my “first love” would have to be James Gurney. “Dinotopia” captivated me at age 6, and I’ve never stopped being in awe of his work.
What is one accomplishment you’ve had in your life? Does not need to be art related.
I was a singer in a band for about 5 years, and got to draw the album art for a rock opera they wrote based on a short Oscar Wilde story, called “The Selfish Giant.” I also helped name the band, “Bongo and the Point,” which was inspired by some animated musical shorts I used to watch as a kid.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
In 5 years, I hope to have reduced my day job to at least part-time so I can focus on honing my art skills. In 10, I would love to have a couple of picture books under my belt. In 20? I’m not sure I can imagine that far ahead!
If you could meet and talk to any person in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
I had the opportunity to meet Gene Wilder a few years before he passed away, and that was enchanting. His comedy was art.
If there was someone else, I might pick Walt Disney, as the innovator in one of my favorite art forms. I’m sure he could teach me some things!
How is one way you make money with your art?
I’ve connected with a small art gallery in La Jolla called “Thumbprint Gallery,” and I sell a handful of prints through them from time to time.
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be and why?
I’ve never been outside of the US except for Canada, so I would love the opportunity to travel to many different places overseas, to meet people and broaden my experiences. However, I’ve always had a soft spot for the landscape of Scotland, and it would be amazing to practice some plein air studies there.
What is your favorite brand of art supply? Whether it’s a brand of pencils or brand of camera or software
I do most of my sketching with an Apple Pencil in Procreate, but Copic markers are my art supply of choice!
Any advice for young artists?
Don’t let yourself be discouraged. Art is a developed skill, and with study and practice there is always room for improvement, no matter what your starting “talent” may be! Work hard, have fun, and allow yourself room to grow.
