Margaret Schons
Oregon City, Oregon
My name is Margaret Schons, I am 30 years old, and I am a children's book illustrator. I had my first work published last year in a book called Pleasant Nightmares written by my good friend Jacob Zach which is now available on Amazon. When i'm not working on commissions or personal work I can generally be found reading anything from murder mysteries, fantasy or classic novels, comic books or manga. (Audible has been a Godsend so I can paint and read at the same time). I'm also a big movie buff. My fandoms include Marvel and DC films, Laika films, Pixar, Dreamworks, Wes Anderson, and classics like the Twilight Zone, Dark Shadows, and of course, classic horror like Creature from the Black Lagoon and anything with Vincent Price and his fellow Godfathers of Modern Horror.
If I had to describe my art style in a few words I would have to say detailed, and cute with a slightly dark, quirky sense of humor. I love art that tells a story dating back to my former dreams of a writing career. Making art that I can feel proud of is one of the most satisfying feelings I know and being discovered by people who love it. As well as keeping me connected to my own inner child.
How and when did you start creating art?
From my earliest memory I was drawing. I never really considered anything else other than writing and when I realized the writing business wasn't going to work out I chose the next best thing and decided to become an illustrator. There I could combine my love of books and art and tell my own story visually.
What media and genres do you work in?
I generally work in watercolors and ink for my illustration work but I also dabble in mixed media like acrylics and molding paste.
Who or what are your influences?
My favorite artist since high school is Stephanie Law who is a God to me in her unique mastery of watercolors has been a strong influence in my roots. I love lots of details and activities in my pieces like something is happening and you want to find out what. I do a lot of plants and animals and generally some kind of fantasy influence. I have a great love of children's fantasy literature. My mind going back to the things I loved doing as a kid when I had few friends. I also get a lot of inspiration from children's movies like the Iron Giant, Labyrinth, Coraline, and anything by Hayao Miyazaki.
What was your inspiration for Jack Frost?
It was the Christmas season and i think the Guardians movie had recently come out but being me I didn't want to simply do a fanart piece and did a Jack Frost in my own style. I was also doing a lot of pen and ink work at the time.
Describe your creative process?
I start with the spark of an idea. Browse Pinterest for references and sketch out a few concepts generally while drinking my morning coffee. Pen out a finished sketch and start painting. Most of my pieces generally take 3 or 4 days max to complete.
What are you working on currently?
I have recently opened an Etsy shop. I have a few projects ideas for this new year like designing a calendar and creating a coloring book.
What are your near/long term goals as an artist?
Making my art a full time business so I can quit my full time job as most aspiring artists hope for but I still have a lot of work to do before I reach that point of financial security.
Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?
I have several online shops. My Etsy shop www.etsy.com/ca/shop/VellichorIllustre Its a new shop so new products are being added all the time. You can follow my Instagram account for updates www.instagram.com/marschons/
Fine Art America www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/margaret-schons
DeviantArt www.deviantart.com/marschons
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