Today we’d like to introduce you to Evelyn.
Hi Evelyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I can start with how I have been drawing my whole life like other artists, however I do feel like a story like mine can be interesting to others. My uncle (grandma’s brother), was wrongfully incarcerated around 2004 for a drug related scandal. They accused him of being someone he wasn’t and since we are hispanic, it was harder to be believed. It took many many years from his life, only to be released as an innocent man in 2019. Unfortunately his freedom didn’t last long, as his tremors got worse and he was old. He died in 2024. Anyways, he would send me letters, upon letters full of kind words and drawings to me since I could remember. Winnie the Pooh, Minnie Mouse, portraits, anything he could think of drawing that day, he would send to me. I kept probably most of them and I like to look at them whenever I could. Id copy his art, id practice drawing for him. I since knew I wanted to pursue a degree in art, no matter what it took. There has been many people in my life that has inspired me as well, but not as much as my uncle Carlos. I love him dearly, rest in peace.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing up in an immigrant home and being a first generation college student in my whole family, Yeah, telling my family I wanted to be an artist instead of a doctor or lawyer was hard. They still supported me though, but with caution. If I wanted to be an artist, Id have to actually do something in my life with it. My dad still to this days pushes me to find a job in art, it has been hard to find a stable job, especially these days with the rise of A.I. No one wants to hire an illustrator locally, since they can generate a flyer in seconds. Ugh. Imagine explaining that to your parents who DO use A.I for their businesses….. sigh. Id say my road has had its twists and turns, suffering from intense depression waves, I sometimes cant even think of picking up a pen. Its stressful having an ear-full from my father, A.I, job markets, everything. I keep on pushing, I tell any artist to keep on pushing, it is not worth giving up. Even if you think the world is falling apart. The world needs artists of every kind.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialized in story telling illustrations and expression of color. However, I would like to one day work in storyboarding and background design in shows, books, etc. Im known for the colors pink and blue, but lately I have been branching out to creating stories with other colors. I am really proud of one of my series of illustrations I have done for my graduation portfolio in 2023. A story of self reflection but allowing the inner wolf win. It is made by using only a mix of two colors: blue and pink. The story begins with a female knight, the armor representing as a shield for her, protection; but with that it comes with a double sided sword, you cannot be weary of everyone you meet. You cannot expect others to fail you when you haven’t given them a chance. Then the other pieces follows her journey of self discovery, until she meets her wolf, in which consumes her. She let the wolf win and by then end she lives a life of solitude. It can be interpreted in many ways. I love when people tell me what they see and all can be correct.
I prefer traditional art, and surprisingly landscape oil paintings. However in this day in age, digital has grown exponentially and with what id like to do in the future, I think im okay at it. Hehe…
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Leaving my business cards EVERYWHERE, handing them out to anyone who you seem would be interested. Businesses, word of mouth, social media and even having friends tell their friends and so on. TELL people you are an artist, do not be shy about it: yell it from the top of a mountain if you have to. The word networking CAN be a little intimidating but imagine networking as more of a repost, the more you repost the more you gain attention. Right? Make your resume interesting, but not overwhelming, what would put YOUR resume on the top of the pile. I created my own logo, which for one, makes you look more professional but it creates a sense of personality. Who are YOU.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evebutticus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evebutticus
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/evebutticus
- Youtube: https:/www.youtube.com/evebutticus
