Introducing Samantha Hahn!

Artist: Samantha Hahn  

We are happy to welcome US-based illustrator Samantha Hahn to CWC!

She is also a member of cwc-I (our NY office) and has already completed numerous projects.

In this column, we will take the opportunity to find out more about her.
Here are a few tidbits about Samantha that we were able to glean with a few questions.  She also shared some photos of herself and her baby!

Samantha running♪

 

Studio

 

Sweet tiny mustache baby!

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* What drove you to becoming an artist?

I always knew it was wanted to do. It just felt like I was born with the passion to do this. Art is my life.

* Who are your favorite artists?

The young Andy Warhol, Egon Schiele, Lisa Yuskavage to name a few...

* What media do you use to make your artwork?

Pen, watercolor, ink, collage and anything else that seems interesting

* Can you describe a bit of your creative process?

I get an idea and look for references, then use those reference as a jumping-off point to capture something expressive in the subject or in my process.

* How do you get yourself ready to create?

I am anxious to put my brush to the paper so I'm usually over-hasty to do so. A mess of drawings, paper, pens, inks and magazines usually surrounds me at my drawing table. It can be a big mess. I try to clean it up a lot but when I get working my materials are everywhere!

* What is your impression of Japan and how does your work relate to it?

I'm so fascinated by Japanese culture. To me it seems like a blend of rich
history and tradition and the subversion and exploration of that through
wild pop culture. I really, really want to visit. Hopefully someday! I love
using inks which I suppose is one of the Japanese artists' traditional media. I
use it in my own way, but certainly admire the beautiful brush strokes of
quintessentially Japanese art.

* Where do you find your inspiration .

Vintage magazines, blogs, my neighborhood, nature and interesting textures
and media.

* What would you do if you were not an illustrator?

I am already a teacher. I love sharing my passion for my craft with
students. Especially children.

* What is your favorite music to listen to while creating?

Oh boy, it really depends on my mood. Sometimes classical, sometimes
alternative, sometimes rock, sometimes old school hip hop....anything under
the sun! I love Coeur De Pirate, Stevie Wonder, Blond Redhead, Brahms, and
Aimee Mann quite a lot.

* What is your favorite item of the moment?

Hmmm....I love my new glass quill.  It is a pen that you dip into ink, like the old-time feather quills but it's made of glass. It's really fun to play with.

* Do you have any advice for young artist and illustrators?

Yes!! It takes lots of luck, pluck, will and skill....so keep at it!

* What is your personal motto?

I guess off the top of my head I'd say something like "despite all the
things we think we need, love is the most important". My family and art are
my world.

★★★

Thank you, Samantha!

We can't wait to meet her in person someday!!

Samantha also has an amazing blog.
Please check it out! You can see all her recent work there, too!

Samantha Hahn Blog: http://www.samanthahahn.com/blog/