Meet the Artist – Taylor Kauppila
When did you start drawing?
I started drawing very early on since preschool and kindergarten, and I just kept doing it because I love it so much.
What are your favorite things to draw?
Characters mostly. People are very fun to draw for me, especially faces, expressions, and poses. I love doing the colors of them too.
Who are some of your artistic inspirations?
I’ve always drawn the most from animation—Japanese animations in particular like The Ancient Magus Bride by Kore Yamazaki and Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto. For western artists, I always liked the style of 90’s cartoons for the painterly style of the scenery and the dark and bold aesthetics; Don Bluth’s animations are good examples.
Any projects you’re working on or looking forward to working on?
Mostly I’ve been working on my own story that I hope to someday turn into series of manga. As of this time, I have the story title as Digger Girl until I can think of something else.
What’s a good way for fans to check out your work?
I have an Instagram account which is tk_elleri1. I also have a Facebook artist page called TK Elleri. My Deviantart page is https://www.deviantart.com/elleri1 and my Twitter is TK Elleri1.
Meet the Writer – J.O. Young
When did you start writing?
I first became interested in writing when I was nine years old. I had an amazing fourth grade teacher that did a Poetry and Writing unit. Mrs. Kirkpatrick inspired me to start creating stories, and I have been writing ever since.
What are your favorite things to write?
Adventure, Science Fiction, and Fantasy.
Who are some of your artistic inspirations?
Edgar Rice Burroughs (John Carter of Mars), Mike Resnick (Kirinyaga & many short stories), and Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn series).
Any projects you’re working on or looking forward to working on?
I have several projects that are in the works. Two that I am currently working on are the Oklahoma TimeQuest issues 2 and three as well as the second season of my young adult science-fiction series, Freaks.
What’s a good way for fans to check out your work?
My work is available on Amazon, and I have a free sample of the Freaks along with free short stories on my website. The best place to stay up to date and find my work is on my Facebook page J. O. Young.
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