Thanks for talking with us Heather!
So how did you get into design?
I’m not sure how to answer since I started so young. I fully believe that I am where I am now because of terrific teachers and my incredible parents who recognized my love for drawing at such a young age. Instead of steering me elsewhere they encouraged it. My parents enrolled me in art classes at a local studio in Manassas called Creative Brush Studios when I was nine, and I continued to take these classes until I graduated high school and started college.
And what are your ties to Richmond?
I am currently a full time student a VCU set to graduate May of 2019 from the communication arts program. I moved to Richmond to go to school at VCU and I quickly fell in love with this historic city and the people who live here. There’s a large community of artists in Richmond that can’t be found anywhere else.
So why take on this project with LocalWear?
Working with LocalWear was great. I appreciate how much you care about the artists you work with and how you plan on representing us on your site. I can’t wait to see it! Although this collaboration with LocalWear was unusual for me subject matter wise, I had fun creating designs that celebrate Richmond.
And what do you specialize in?
I specialize in illustration and creature design and work in several different media, both digital and traditional.
Any parting advice, inspiration or ideas for young artists and designers starting out?
The most important things I’ve learned in school are to be professional when communicating with clients and to draw every day. If you want to become an environment artist, draw environments everyday. If you want to become a creature artist in Hollywood, draw creatures everyday. If you want to become a portrait artist, draw a portrait a day. Time on task is important.
Lastly, how can people find you online?
You can find me and my work at heatherrankinillustrations.com as well as on instagram, username: Heatherr0808.
Thank you, Heather!
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