I have always had an immense love for traditional art. As I grew older, my interest in stylized, digitally-created, illustration grew stronger. Digital painting is a convenient way to map out a vision for a larger-scale, hand-painted piece. For my capstone project, I created poster-sized comics based on my experiences working in the service industry. I have worked as a server and bartender for almost half my life; it is all I have ever known. This pandemic has abruptly changed the lifestyle I know so well, and while the changes have been difficult, it has given me a new outlook on how working-class people likely share similar struggles regardless of the job title.
For those who have not experienced it, trying to keep your sanity in the world of customer service is not an easy endeavor. Digital painting is the way I journal my escapades after a crazy shift. It is path I follow to solidify my story onto a bigger, painted illustration. I first start with iPad sketches using Procreate and then move to painting on thick paper that allows for multiple layers of acrylic paint and gesso. I glaze over images with gesso many times before I reach the final image, sometimes leaving a visible past history of mark-making in order to reflect the process. Comics are a simple but dynamic way to showcase a series of events, with minimal dialogue. My goal is for the viewer to be immersed into the unpredictable life of a bartender and to understand the stress and frustration, but more importantly, to catch a glimpse of how wild of a ride it is.
Gallery
