Scribble Town (ST): Let’s move to the New Year with Kristine Marsh’s animations! Thanks Kristine for being with us today!

Kristine Marsh (KM): Hello! I’m a full time illustrator and designer who specializes in creating original artwork for children’s media using a variety of styles. I graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 2010 with a BFA in Cartooning. Afterwards, I started my own business called Knightingale Studio. We are a small design group that does animation, illustration and graphic design work in addition to creating original content. My work has appeared across a range of commercial platforms including books, games and apps. In my down time I enjoy cooking and relaxing with my loving fiancé, Eric and our adorable corgi, Colonel.

ST: It sounds like you are surrounded by love I can see that in your super cute illustrations and animations. Where are you and what are you up to these days? Is there a particular animation you are working on?

KM: I currently live in NJ and aside from freelance I’m developing two animated series concepts titled, “Samurai Chinchilla” and “What’s for Lunch, Munch?” You can find out more about the first at . I hope to launch a Kickstarter campaign within the next month in order to fund a short animation showcasing the world and characters. Keep in eye out!

ST:  There are many things for all of us to look forward to! With all of these current goodies in the works can you tell us how has your art practice changed over time? What kind of animation or art did you start out doing and where has that taken you?

KM: I actually entered SVA as a traditional animation major. It has actually been my dream since the 6th grade to be the creator of an animated television series. When I was really young, I did what most kids do: Draw my favorite characters from my favorite cartoons! I drew Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Cardcaptors, a lots more (I actually really loved Kids WB!). To this day I still say that I developed a knack for adapting to different styles by do so. Once I got to art school, it really pushed me out of my comfort zone in a lot of ways, but it taught me to experiment with different techniques and forced me to look at elements of design in a new way.

ST: Kristine, you just proved that dreams do come true! That in itself is such an inspiration for us to all just continue with what we have fun doing. Are there any other artistic mediums you work with?

KM: For mediums, I do a lot digitally these days, for the sake of time and efficiency. I use Adobe Illustrator almost exclusively, with a little bit of Photoshop. When I work traditionally I like to experiment and I often mix media, like pen, ink, brush, marker, colored pencil and watercolor.

ST: Is there a particular animation technique you like to create with? Does the story follow the technique or vice versa?

KM: My goal with my art is actually quite simple. To me, I see art as a very powerful medium and I always strive to create artwork and stories that makes a positive impact in peoples lives. Hope, Unity and Love are actually the core believes of my studio as well. I believe firmly in the aspect of family and friends, taking care of and giving to those you care about and who need your help. For me, art of course is a form of self-expression, but more important I see it as an opportunity to speak into people’s lives and leave them with something encouraging and I hope that that same perseverance will spill over in the life of another and so on.

ST: We all have mentors, who are some of your favorite artists? If so, how have they inspired you? It’s always nice to be aware of what about their artwork touches you.

KM: Some of my favorite artists and directors include: Makoto Shinkai, Hayao Miyazaki, Bill Presing, Peter McCarty, Anne Pätzke, Sean Galloway, Luigi Lucarelli, Jen Corace, Mary Blair, MEOMI honestly there’s just too many to name! And I discover new favorites online all the time! But the things that always catch my attention: Color, Composition, and Character! I’m a big fan of a really simplistic style, but I’m also a big fan of beautiful line quality and color. These are all things that inspire me and challenge me in my own art as well.

ST: I know what you mean when you say there are just too many to name!  It’s the same with crafts and art projects. But out of all of them do you have one craft, piece of art, or art technique you can share with our Scribblers for them to make at home? Perhaps give advice on how our Scribblers can start making their own animation at home.

KM: A quick bit of advice: I love looking at kid’s drawings and hearing them talk so passionately about their ideas. Never let go of that enthusiasm for creating new things! As you get older, it’s easy to get bogged down, you start comparing yourself to others and not everyone may like your ideas. It can easily become more about technique (which is still very important) and less about the concept. But keep plugging forward, learn, absorb and experiment, don’t let go of that boundless creativity! May you stay inspired all your life and always keep drawing by hand!

ST: That’s amazing advice, Kristine!  In short- let’s keep our ears, eyes, and heart always open for the creativity to flow. To learn more about Kristine Marsh please go to www.kristinemarsh.com or email her at . Thank you for being with us!