This week we had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Melizza Chernov aka @Melizzachernov as our Artist spotlight of the week.
Hello! Please can you give us a brief little introduction about yourself?
Hello! I’m Melizza Chernov. I’m a children's book illustrator and aspiring writer. I graduated from Rhode Island School of Design and my debut children’s book titled A HORN IS BORN written by Bill Borders was published by Blue Whale Press in November 2020. In Spring 2022 my next book O POSSUM’S PREDICAMENT written by Patti Bumpus Richards will be published by Clear Fork Publishing.
What inspires you?
I'm inspired by the natural world, by mythology (fairies, gnomes, dragons etc..), and by cozy things like teas, coffee, chocolate, reading and comfy chairs.
What is your favourite thing to draw?
Lately, I’ve really enjoyed drawing the suggestions that people have sent me through my Teaming-up Tuesday weekly IG event! Teaming-up Tuesday is fun because my audience will DM me a word and every Tuesday I pick one of those words to illustrate and post a time-lapse video of myself creating it!
What art goals do you have for this year?
While I’ve been creating art for some time, my goal for this year is to really establish a business foundation for my art business that will allow me to offer a fun collection of quality art prints, do some art licensing and develop a portfolio to attract the right agent.
What techniques/supplies do you use?
I truly love to draw and paint. Everything I create is hand drawn and hand painted then I scan that image in and do minimal work digitally. However, I’d like to learn more about how I can create using digital programs.
What advice would you give to another doodler/artist?
The most important thing I’ve learned along the way is to have as much fun as you can both in the studio and out of the studio. Your hobbies and non-art life matter and many times they influence the things you create. You are awesome so getting excited about you is the best place to create from!
Where can people go to learn more about you or see more of your work?
You can find my work on IG at @melizzachernov
Or on my website at www.melizzachernov.com
