Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Caldwell.
Gina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For those who may or may not recall, I answered this in an interview back from 2018. The short and sweet explanation is that I’ve always been drawn to art, (who hasn’t) but it was one particular day in kindergarten where I made a promise to myself to pursue it as a career after drawing a dragon. It was almost like an instinct, with no compromise in sight. I couldn’t really explain the strange urge to make this my life goal, but here we are.
From there, drawing became like a second nature, inspired by all the things I loved growing up: fantasy, animals, manga, books, TV shows, movies, animation, and so forth. Things that I still continue to enjoy to this day, maybe even more so due to the added stresses of modern life. I continued down my art path through elementary school, middle school, high school, and into college.
While my initial goal was to become an animator, I discovered over time that I really resonated with illustration – something that I had already been doing most of my life. I certainly recognized this during my time at Ringling College of Art and Design, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a focus in Illustration. From there I joined a major entertainment studio, working my art into marketing, live events, and product design, with the added benefit of creating murals in-house.
I also currently run my own freelance design business and work on my own creative projects.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely been a bumpy road, filled with ups and downs, especially with COVID-19 and the introduction of A.I. Unfortunately, much of the entertainment world was greatly affected in 2020, and mass layoffs ensued. Our studio was not immune to this. Me and my fiancé, along with many of our colleagues, lost our jobs that year. We then decided to relocate to New York for a fresh start, and new opportunities. While the following couple of years yielded great freelance success, the years that followed proved challenging. The self doubt that emerged at times was hard to fight off.
Despite all this, I continue to create, because I love what I do, and because I have faith in the human spirit. I want to make beautiful images and stories that are timeless – work that I hope will have a lasting impact on people for many years to come. Much like Hayao Miyazaki has done with Studio Ghibli, or even ancient stories like The Odyssey or The Epic of Gilgamesh, which still touch people today. The messages they bring and the hope they instill will always speak to our souls.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in fantasy illustration and design. I love to illustrate creatures either of my own design or those inspired by mythology and fairy tales. I also love intricate patterns and hand lettering, also based in more fantastical subjects. I take a lot of inspiration from art of the 19th century, The Golden Age of Illustration, and from Japanese manga and animation.
I would say I’m known best for my style. I’ve been told that my work appeals to both children and adults alike, which has meant very much to me. I’m always happy to hear if my art brings joy to someone else’s life.
I think one thing that helps set my work apart is my traditional background, which really ties back to my style. I maintain a love of line, detail, and a dash of color, all while working with watercolors, colored pencils, and inks. For me personally, traditional illustration will always possess that organic, tangible quality that we so often lack in our heavily digital environment.
What does success mean to you?
Success, for me, is about passion and perseverance. Being passionate about the things you love and the things that move you most. Being passionate about helping your family, friends, and community. Being passionate about finding beauty in the simple everyday things – especially in nature. Passion fuels our creativity with drive and purpose. Perseverance is having the fortitude to maintain that passion and see it through. Like Rocky Balboa, going the distance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gocwellstudio.wixsite.com/website
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocwellstudio/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gocwellstudio/
