Interview with the Fanpire Series 6: From Germany with Love

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Name: Shingel
Age: 22

Country: Germany

Cumbermon (on twitter) or PashArts (on redbubble and facebook)

MEETING CUMBERBATCH ON GRAHAM NORTON

“The Graham Norton Show” said on Twitter that they were looking for Cumberbatch and Pine Fans in the audience, so I wrote them an e-mail. They called me the next day, I had a really lovely lady on the phone, we had a nice little chat about London and about Benedict (I was utterly nervous) and I ended up being invited to the recording of the Show.

It was my first trip to London and the UK ever, and luckily I’ve had my travels already planned. I wanted to go to the STID premiere that week, which was just an hour before the recording. So sadly, at the actual premiere, my friend and I saw Benedict and the others arrive at the red carpet but had to leave after hours of waiting to get to the studios.

It was the first time I traveled alone. And of course I fell in love with London so I traveled back a couple times after that, for theatre or screenings or just general sight seeing, but as a student I cannot afford too many travels of course.

I tweeted after the recording [of the show] that you might see me on screen as the bus girl from Germany since I wasn’t sure if the scene would make it to the cut version. The episode aired the day after, I was staying at my hostel that evening, had wifi on my phone and just watched my twitter mentions explode. It was crazy. The (capslock) reactions went from happy jealousy to questions about his scent. My face appeared on tumblr gifs which was very very weird and a bit scary for me and the video became one of Benedict’s best TV moments.

The majority of the comments was luckily positive. People were happy for me and had respect for my twenty hours on the bus. The negative ones were either those saying “why did she deserve that?” or the usual fan-shaming party, stamping the “crazy fangirl dedication”. But most were positive.

While it all happened, I had something like a little blackout so I didn’t remember everything as well as the others – thanks to the surprise and shock effect. So what you see on TV is pure adrenaline. My friend and I took a walk through London afterwards that night and I finally calmed down and just smiled [as I remembered] having your favourite actor running to you, hugging you and giving you a kiss on the cheek isn’t something which happens everyday, right?
One year later, I still can hardly believe it all happened. If there wasn’t the proof on video I probably wouldn’t (although I still avoid the scene, who likes seeing and hearing herself in a video after all?!). And it still makes me smile, a lot.

So first time London, first film premiere, first TV Show, first time meeting my favourite actor and first time meeting people I can now call my friends, that “Graham Norton Show” was definitely one of the luckiest and most exciting experiences of my life.

ABOUT BENEDICT

What acting role convinced you that Benedict Cumberbatch was best?

Sherlock got me to the Cumberbatch world in the first place, so I have to mention him. His best performances besides that: Creature (Frankenstein), Hawking.

Favorite Ben role?

This is really difficult to pick. Van Gogh, James (Third Star), Sherlock.

Least favorite Ben role?

Also difficult. But probably Paul Marshall (Atonement).

Favorite Benedict Quote?

“You can get through anything if you believe you can. And I believe you can.”

ARTWORK

Shingel

Can you describe what you do?
I’m a passionate artist specialised in TV & films fanart.

As an artist do you use more oils or acrylic?
Mostly graphite or watercolours is used, but if I paint on canvas, definitely acrylic.

How did you get your humble beginnings?
It was all self-taught. Used to draw a lot with my sister when I was little – and basically never stopped ever since.
I make art because it’s my way to express feelings and it’s fun to create or recreate things with your own sense in it.
And: Believe it or not, Benedict inspires.

Fun Facts

Online presence:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PashArts
Society6: http://society6.com/PashArts
RedBubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/pasharts

If you could change just one thing about the fandom with the wave of a magic wand, what would it be?

Invent a real-life Tardis for easy fangirl-traveling. 😉

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to do what you do?

PATIENCE! With patience you can do everything.
Don’t give up, it’s all learning by doing and a progress. Try different techniques, find inspiration and you’ll see how much fun it is.

How do you know when an artwork is finished?

When the details are all worked out or when I think that the composition of colours is (almost) perfect.

What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without?

My Faber Castell Pencils are my most important tools.

Why should people add you on social media? What makes you so special?

Anything to say to your followers/fans?
Don’t split your infinitives! \\//