Interview with the Fanpire Series 7: Jackie and the case of the Art Palace
Name: Jackie
Age: 31
Country of Origin: USA
Social Media: Twitter @enerjax ; Tumblr enerjax
About Benedict Artwork
art by enerjax
What makes you so popular?
I make some arts and gif them :B
Are you more of a modern artist or do you use oil paints and acrylic?
Mainly digital, but I also enjoy acrylic and watercolor, sketching, etc
What piece in your artwork collection makes you proud?
There’s an acrylic painting I did of Sherlock and John in their living room that I quite like. It’s hanging in my home, and I am quite proud of that one. I don’t really spend many days on a lot of my pieces but for that one I somehow stayed focused for however long it took.
What inspired you to start your artwork?
I actually really got into illustrating when I became interested in anime in high school. That’s when I really started practicing on a regular basis.
What’s the hardest illustration you’ve ever done?
I still remember the first time using a tablet and stylus to draw during college, and I remember exclaiming, “This is impossible! How am I supposed to draw down here but look up there [at the monitor].” If I remember correctly, it took me a good year or two to really get comfortable drawing with a tablet.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to do what you do?
Dive right in! I have so much fun making animated gifs and I LOVE to see other artists’ illustrations of Benedict and of Sherlock characters. So much gorgeous and fun art out there, just scrolling through it and smiling or awing over others’ work is very enjoyable. When I receive a message of someone telling me I helped make them smile or laugh today, that just warms my heart. If you enjoy doing it then art all you can.
How do you know when an artwork is finished?
art by enerjax
Honestly, there are quite a few pieces I look back on and think, “wow I really could have added more detail with that one”,well okay I think that with pretty much all of my work, haha! I actually don’t seem to have a lot of time in the day so being able to finish up a piece and just get it out there is what I’m used to doing. But the few that I do use more time to finish and can take a break and come back to later on, look at it, and think “I still like it the way it is” is a good way for me to decide that it’s finished.
Why did you choose to write/express in yourselves in the Benedict Cumberbatch fandom? I’m sure there are other actors who’s work you’ve admired before, right?
Can’t. Get. Over. Talent. And. Dat Face. He’s just my muse, and a LOT of fun to draw. His is probably the one face I can randomly sketch out from memory and be able to make it look familiar, I hope that isn’t insanely creepy.. [but yeahhh probably is] I’ve admired other talents in the past for sure, but nothing resonated with me as powerfully as Benedict’s performances have. His characters just draw you in, and then you see a bit more of him off screen and yep, you dun been Batched.
For those interested in exploring the Sherlock/Benedict Cumberbatch fandom where would you tell them to start?
Wow there are so many options, I think after I dove into Sherlock I quickly stumbled upon Cumberbuddy’s tumblr and it was love at first scroll. After that I found Londonphile’s page and then Cumberlord’s facebook. Can’t forget Reapersun’s jaw-dropping art (*u*) and if you haven’t seen vereentjoeng’s cupcakes on twitter you are missing out on smiles. I could go on with lists and lists of amazing blogs and pages, there are such fantastic, talented people in this fandom and it’s such a treat to hear their stories, talk with them, etc. You will be welcomed with open arms, trust me.
With your heavy social media presence, how do you find the time to draw?
If I have a moment (and the energy) I draw! Some days I get lucky and can pump out a couple, and others I’m in bed when the day has ended wishing I’d had more time to draw that day. When something happens in the fandom that is just irresistible, I literally drop what I’m doing so I can enjoy drawing it! (sorry cleaning, laundry, adult responsibilities, I need to put you on hold, there’s art to art) When it’s been a while because life gets busy, I plan a free day in advance that’ll be my drawing day and just go nuts. But there will always be time for gifs!
Random, but what is your favorite Benedict quote?
One that stands out in my mind is “I’m a little bit obsessed with all things horsey”
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