Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Parker.
Hi Natalie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I wanted to be a lot of things. A firefighter, chef, veterinarian, medical assistant, game designer, and finally graphic designer. I was incredibly curious as a child, and pretty wild. I wanted to know and do everything about the world. Little did I know, the pain in my feet and the occasional headaches were going to be a problem. What they don’t tell you about growing up, is that you don’t know when you have to grow up. I feel like my childhood ended in 5th grade. I would wake in pain, and sleep in pain. I still remember my mom telling me that my teacher said she could tell I was in pain, and that I needed to see a doctor. Through the years, my list of problems has gotten longer and longer. I had dropped out of public school, and started working at home. I would say that my drive for creation is partly fear. I am often scared of looking at my own story. That’s why I wanted to share others’ stories. One of the best things to do as an artist is to look around.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have definitely been obstacles. Being disabled has landed me in doctors’ offices, ERs, hospitals, etc. It took up so much of my time, that I missed out on a lot. I’ve lost friends and amazing opportunities because of my health. I have also had my share of abuse that has definitely left scars. Therefore, when I am feeling better on those very few occasions, I am almost resentful towards my body, and I try to make the most of it. Ironically, I usually go too hard, and I crash. It can be a vicious cycle. I know I can’t fix or cure my problems, so I try to use them to my advantage. I have to live with them, and work around them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a self-taught graphic designer, content creator, artist, whatever you want to call it. I exclusively use my IPad, and Apple Pencil. I mainly work with ink, and I use a brush meant to simulate a quill. I am obsessed with negative space. I love to tell stories through shadows and highlights. Using shapes, instead of lines. I have a daily Instagram account, and several online stores. I also take commissions. I like to think my style is an interesting mix of realism and impressionism. Adding extra details to what I want you to notice, and less to everything else. Perspective is extremely important. It’s vital for portraying the mood of the piece.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Of course, my family deserves all the credit! They always supported me through all my phases and weirdness. I am a lot to deal with, but they did it anyways. One of my regular nurses was also a huge support. While she was hooking me up to the IV, she always wants to know what was going on. We became close, and are still good friends even though she is no longer my nurse. My life would be completely different if not for my middle school art teacher. She introduced me to Van Gogh, and I went to read three biographies about him. He is my all-time favorite artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.redbubble.com/people/nightblaze16
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nightblaze16/
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/MqoZRnrK8Sgi3f9v7
