Interview with Katura Gaines
Katura Gaines, Dark Academia, 2021, Digital Art
I was born in 1993 in Colorado. Art has always been a part of my life. My mother used to paint herself, and I remember looking at her paintings in the hallway, wishing that my art could look like hers one day. Fast forward a few years, and my school had a scholastic book fair. I’ve always been a bookworm as well, and was extremely excited! That was the first time my mom bought me an art book to learn how to draw. I’ve been drawing ever since.
In high school, I took a class in digital media that introduced the idea of using a drawing tablet. I had never had the opportunity to use one before, but once I knew how to use it, I moved into drawing digitally. Since then I’ve illustrated books, created clothing, had my work shared around the world, and been able to move into doing art full-time.
Katura Gaines, Saturday, 2019, Digital Art
When I got older I found myself inspired by the typical things almost all artists my age were inspired by (anime, video games, and cartoons on tv), but I also noticed that the characters in most of these shows and games didn’t look like me or anyone in my family. The older I got, the more media I consumed, and the more I noticed a void in the art realm for people that looked like me. I decided I wanted to be the one to fill that void. Every time someone tells me that my work reminds them of someone they know it warms my heart.
Katura Gaines, Atmospheric, 2021, Digital Painting
Read our interview below to get a glimpse into Katura Gaine’s creative journey.
What’s integral to the work of an artist?
Inspiration and having a sense of self. It is important to remember that you are creating for yourself first! When one starts to create for others’ attention, or likes, art tends to lose quality.
What are your most important artistic influences?
Hip-hop and cartoons influence me the most, along with following my favorite artists on social media (i.e. GDBee, Loish).
How do you define success as an artist?
Being able to support oneself with art is one thing, but what I really find successful as an artist is getting to express your ideas and have people invested in the stories your art tells.
How have you developed your career?
I’ve studied a lot to improve my craft. When you focus on improving your work, people like to see the journey of your art and your improvement! Everything else will follow.
Katura Gaines, Pink Fade, 2018, Digital Painting
Artist Contact Info
Instagram: @theartofka2ra
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