Q&A: Geneva Benton
Geneva Benton, also known as GDBee, a name making its way around and a name that will be even more known than it is now. She is a native of North Carolina and a self-taught illustrator who specializes in character art and portraits.
I've had the pleasure of doing a Q&A with GDBee and if you folks are interested in viewing her works, Her social media outlets will be listed below!
[Arc En Celia, GDBee]
Is your artwork a passion or more of a hobby?
"It’s certainly a passion! A little later this year, I’m planning on making it into a full time income stream."
What inspires you to create your original work?
"Random things. The way paint looks and chips off a wall. A single kiwi. I really have trouble explaining it?"
I see from your work you love to use the more vibrant colors and even the warmer colors (i.e. “Pisces” and “Artist”). What goes on in your mind that you come up with such vibrant and even warm combinations?
"Also the same with the question above this one. I honestly could not tell you other than I thought a certain color paired with another color looked pretty at the time. I really haven’t taken the time to study proper color theory."
[Pisces, GDBee]
About how much time do you spend on one piece?
"It varies from a few hours to a few days. Most things finished are the “few hours’ variety lately due to some time constraints."
Would you say your following is a positive push to keep going or are you more of a self-motivated artist?
"I think it’s a bit of both. I have the urge to draw almost literally all the time, but sometimes get random bouts of self destruction in questioning why I do this. The recent amount of support has been staggering, and people’s kind words have been helpful in getting over this recent bout faster than the previous ones, so just for that I’m eternally grateful!"
Are you working on any long-term projects? If so, would you be willing to share what it/they is/are?
"I am getting started on a sort of self esteem for
girls art book that is flowers and plants based. I’m trying to learn how to write for the self esteem part. Hopefully I will launch a Kickstarter for it later on this year if all the cards are played right."
Do you have any favorite pieces you’ve done?
"My favorite so far is Arc en Celia. I don’t know why exactly, but I guess it’s the colors and cloud hair?"
Do you have any artists that you look up to? If so, who? If not, do you look up to any type of artists (musicians, writers) that coexist as inspiration?
"Definitely a few other artists, most notably a Chinese digital artist named Benjamin Zhang. As for musicians, Sigur Ros is definitely a huge player."
What do you like to do in your free time when you aren’t creating?
"I definitely love to kickback with a nice role playing game or cooking when not drawing. Games in particular are old school classics like Final Fantasy Tactics or some newer JRPGs like the Legend of Heroes series. I am slowly trying to get back into running in the spare time, also."
[Slightly off topic question]: How do you view life from where you stand?
"Though I do have random bouts of sadness and anxiety, I try looking on the bright side of everything. All I know is to be good to everyone, be a good Christian, and help out as much as I can. And try not to be so darn selfish."
[Thank You, GDBee]
If you could tell young artists anything, what would you tell them?
"Keep drawing!"
Where do you see yourself in the future (goals, living, etc)?
"I don’t want to be rich or anything, but as my main goal I would like to be able to live off my art and be able to pay all the bills with it. Have a happy, healthy relationship with my family and boyfriend, and just coast and keep drawing."
As you can see, it takes a little creative imagination and sometimes a break with games and cooking to keep some artists going to make the beautiful works they create. To see more work from GDBee, be sure to visit her Facebook, Tumblr, DevianArt and her website! Or you can always follow her on Instagram!
