The Westword (TW): How would you describe your art style?
Nique Dillon (ND): I am not sure. I would say semi-realistic in a way. I try to capture people’s likenesses while also making it stylized.
TW: What inspires your art?
ND: I am inspired by comics. I try to make comics and go deeper into character design. I also create stories for characters to go along with my art.
TW: What media do you use?
ND: I usually use pencil, acrylic paint, or alcohol based markers but it varies depending on the piece.
TW: What do you try to convey in your work?
ND: I try to work on emotion since I work with characters. I want to convey emotion and feelings properly.
TW: What is your process like?
ND: Usually, when I am trying to come up with a character, I figure out if they are modern or based on a certain style.
TW: Do you ever experience artist’s block, and if so how do you overcome it?
ND: I step away from a piece if it does not come out as I want, and then later I come back with a fresh mindset to figure out how to improve it and fix what is bothering me.
TW: What are some challenges you have faced as an artist?
ND: My biggest challenge is not thinking my work is good enough. This is the main issue I go through.
TW: Who are your favorite artists?
ND: I love modern-day artists. Loish is a big one that a lot of people in the art community know about.
TW: What do you want people to know about being an artist?
ND: Not every piece comes out exactly how you want and that is okay. Learn from it and improve for the next time. Also, sometimes we like to keep our sketchbook private and would prefer not to show it off because there are pieces that are in the making, or things we are still learning how to do.
TW: What would you tell people who are struggling as artists?
ND: I would say to try and find another artist that inspires you and figure out why you enjoy that person’s work. Try to learn from what they do to help improve yourself and your own art.
TW: What is your proudest accomplishment as an artist?
ND: Right now I am working on a comic. It is going pretty well and I have gotten good feedback from family members when I have shown them parts of it. I am proud that they like it so far.
TW: What is your favorite piece that you have done?
ND: There is one acrylic painting that I am particularly proud of. When I finished there was something that bothered me and I did not know what it was. I finally figured out what was wrong and then I went back and fixed it. I am proud of how I was able to see what was wrong and make it better by going back in.
TW: Have you ever considered going into art as a career?
ND: Yes, for sure. The artists I follow have gone freelance and published their own comics. They are able to support themselves and I hope that I will one day be able to do the same.
TW: What is the best advice ever given to you?
ND: If you truly want something that is hard to achieve, you will keep going for it and working to get to where you want to be.
