Howdy everyone, it’s been a busy semester for us here in Illustration, we have some students to feature for the month of November! First up will be senior Eien Carpenter —-
1. Tell us about yourself! What’s your name, where are you from?
Hi! My name is Eien. I was born in Omsk, Russia. I moved to the US, specifically St. Louis in 2005!
2. What brought you to KCAI? Why Illustration?
A speaker came by my high school to teach us about KCAI, and I was completely enthralled. Initially I wanted to do concept art for games, and found that illustration would suit me best. But then I discovered how vast the world of illustration really is!
3. What do you like about Kansas City?
I enjoy the art community, and all the eclectic food places and coffee shops!
4. What is your favorite snack?
I find myself snacking on expired Starbucks pastries more than I like to admit, but- well, here we are.
5. What medium do you prefer?
I have a few, depending on what kind of look I want to achieve. I really enjoy ink, specifically used with brushes and nib pens. I like the flow and the control - or lack of control - you have over a brush. I love gouache paint for colorful illustrations. I find that gouache fits perfectly between acrylic and watercolor, has a nice matte surface, and is fairly easy to maneuver. I have been working on my digital art for a few years, and I feel like I’m finally getting a hang of it!
6. What’s your favorite project thus far and why?
I am really enjoying my senior thesis, since I get to focus on exactly what I want to accomplish - which is to make a short comic book. Aside from that, I really enjoyed the trading card project from Junior year.
7. If you were not doing art, what do you think you would be studying or doing instead?
Although I have too many interests to count, I think the runner-up to art would be anthropology and archaeology. I have a fascination with Ancient Egypt (clearly), and it’s most of what my work is based on.
8. What do you like to do outside of class? What hobbies do you have?
I mostly work. But I also like to watch shows on Netflix, journaling, and playing ukulele. Sometimes I play tennis with my best friend, but I’m no good.
9. Who and/or what is an inspiration for you in art making?
I have always been inspired by 1980’s manga, especially Mineo Maya’s work. I love the flowy, shiny hair and the big glittery eyes. I also enjoy the work of Robert McGinnis, especially his James Bond posters. Pin-up art is really nice, too. I think I just like beautiful things, stylistically. Subject-wise, I focus on ancient Egyptian mythology. There’s always more nonsense to find out about those crazy gods.
10. Do you have a go-to tool for sketching and idea generation?
I have my sketchbook and my pencil. I tend to sketch really small for some reason. To loosen up, I use a Pentel pocket brush pen. Idea generation mostly comes from narratives in my head. Musicals help, too.
11. What type of art do you want to make?
I really want to write and illustrate my own graphic novel. I also want to make a deck of tarot cards. Publishing and licensing art sounds fun too!
Thank you! Here are some examples of Eien’s work!
