Hi, Raheem Nelson here. I'm the Creative director behind No Starving Artists. Being a creative person in Quarantine has been a blessing in disguise. I've been surprisingly focused and productive. I started wondering how some of my creative friends were handling this time. I had the pleasure of interviewing the very talented Micheline Hess. Micheline is an illustrator behind the comic book series Malice in Wonderland and Diary of a Mad Black Werewolf.
Ra: How have you kept busy during quarantine?
Mich: I have kept busy with cooking for my mother and I, as we live in the same building. Freelance illustration projects have been a great way to pass the time and make money. I've also gotten heavily involved into teaching myself 3D modeling using a VR app called Gravity Sketch. I'm also learning a free 3d application called Blender as well as a 3d texturing application called Substance Painter. The internet and Youtube are a real treasure trove of tutorials and other great advice for anyone trying to develop a 3D workflow.
Ra: How has your business been affected by COVID?
Mich: Most of my money is made by freelancing as an Art Director for ad agencies. Those jobs have started to dry up in a LOT of places. Because I also make money at comic and art conventions, that’s another means of making money and networking that is completely closed off for the duration.
Ra: What do you look forward to doing when things get back to normal?
Mich: I’m already pretty introverted, so I don’t feel like I’m affected quite the same by all this, as a person who is more sociable. That said, here are some of the things I’m looking forward to.
• Eating at restaurants alone or with friends.
• Not having to worry so much about my mom, who is elderly, being out and about. (I have a feeling this will be a while, though)
• Having increased work and travel opportunities.
You can follow Micheline on IG @michmasharts and check out her portfolio at https://www.michmasharts.com