For our “X Questions With” series, we’re speaking with talented individuals from around the world who have inspired us with their creativity and passion. If you have a story to tell or someone you’d like to see profiled, let us know in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter!
We recently discovered the bright and lifelike pencil drawings of Katelyn Gillispie on Instagram. Or, we should say, rediscovered. As it turns out, these vibrant sketches are the work of someone we profiled two years ago for a Peek Inside. It’s amazing to see how much Katelyn’s style has progressed in the time since we first met her, and we are excited to have the opportunity to catch up with this talented young woman. Check out our original chat with Katelyn here and see how she’s developed as an artist.
Name: Katelyn Gillispie
Age: 19
Country: United States
Education: Sophomore in College (studying to become a psychiatrist)
Creative Works: Instagram – @xo_artist_xoxo
Favourite Quote: “The Earth without ART is just EH”
1) A couple of years ago you let us take a “Peek Inside” your sketchbooks – what would you say has changed most about your art since then?
A few years ago I liked to just use pen, and using colour always scared me. I think the style of how I draw is a lot different from two years ago.
2) How would you say that you’ve changed in the past two years, as a person and/or as an artist?
Two years ago I was diagnosed with a panic disorder. At that time it was a huge life change for me. The main reason I stopped drawing was because my hands would shake almost constantly. It would make me hate drawing just because I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands steady, etc. Then as life went on I figured out things that would help me with anxiety and panic attacks. Drawing/art has always been a huge part of my life and by drawing I can focus on it rather than what I’m feeling nervous/anxious about. I think as the years went on I just remembered that I shouldn’t let something like anxiety keep me from doing what I love to do.
3) Do you have a favourite medium to work with?
I love using colored pencils. I use the Prismacolor brand. I love those colored pencils the best.
4) Has anyone, or anything, in particular inspired your creativity and artistic passion?
I think that just other artists in general, inspire me to do better or give me ideas. I love seeing what other people come up with and what they draw. I also love Disney and recreating something from a movie or character.
5) Why did you choose Paperblanks® as your sketchbooks?
I choose Paperblanks® as my sketchbooks because of all the different types of styles the books come in! I love the designs.
6) How long have you been drawing? Have you received any training?
I’ve been drawing ever since I was a kid. I remember when I was younger I would take a book of pictures and have either my dad or my mom draw a picture from the book. I was so amazed that they could do that so I just loved watching them and one day my dad said, “You try and draw it, Katelyn.” I remember saying “I can’t draw like that!” and my dad told me “If you practice you can.” That’s a story I always love telling people, just because it’s the first thing I can remember about drawing when I was younger.
7) Do you have any advice to share with other aspiring artists?
If you ever think you’re not good enough or everyone is better than you, stop. I think that if you draw and you love it and you like what you do then that’s all that really counts.
About Paperblanks®: At Paperblanks®, we believe that art should have a place in all aspects of life. That’s why we follow the artist’s way in everything we do – creating, crafting and releasing designs we believe have the power to touch people. For more about Paperblanks®, go to our website at paperblanks.com.
