Gabby Ramirez is an artist based in Houston, TX. We had the pleasure of seeing her art while strolling the aisles at Space City Comic Con. Her drawing of Daenerys Targaryen from “Game of Thrones” caught our eye and we had to stop and admire! Her style is inspired by Disney, but is very much her own. Gabby answered a few questions about her process and art exclusively with Shuffle Online.
When did you know you wanted to become an artist? How did you get started?
Gabby Ramirez: I don’t think there was a certain moment in my life where I said, “hey, I want to be an artist.” I have always had a strong passion for the art of filmmaking and cartoons. I knew I wanted to work on movies and I thought to myself you can draw, why not animation? From then on, my goal has been to work for Disney. I enrolled in The Art Institute of Houston and got a degree in Media Arts and Animation. After I graduated college, it was impossible for me to land a job in animation in Houston. I thought about moving to California, since it’s the animation capital of the world, I just didn’t have the income. That is when I started doing small art shows and cons. At the moment I work as a full time graphic designer and do shows on my free time.
How would you describe your art style?
Gabby: I have a versatile style. I can do it all. I had the chance to have my portfolio reviewed by Disney, and they told me to make my work more like theirs but my own take on it. As an artist, it’s hard to have your own style without copying someone else directly. I just mixed different things from artists I love and added my own characteristics and came up with my own style, which I think is Disney-ish and cute!
When designing and creating a new piece, where do you find inspiration?
Gabby: My inspiration comes from a lot of different things. I get inspired by artists I follow on social media, what I am obsessing over at the moment, my mood, what I eat, my cat Dursley and Jake Gyllenhaal’s face. A lot does come from out of nowhere. I will be talking to a friend and out of nowhere think ” you know what would be cute if a bear was a ballerina,” so I will just stop and sketch it out before I forget. It is always good to have a sketchbook on you!
What is your creative process?
Gabby: Once I have an idea, I just draw. Most of the time, I sketch it out in pencil on paper. I will have several different faces and bodies sketched out, and then I’ll scan them into Photoshop and play around with what looks best. Most of the time I work on several different illustrations at once, because ideas just keep popping up. On my computer, you’ll easily find about 50 half finished illustrations.
Is there one medium you prefer over the other? 3D modeling over illustration or graphic design?
Gabby: That’s a hard one, because each one has its perks! If I had to choose one it would be Illustration, It’s easier to draw out what I want then do a 3D model of it, I sometimes draw out a character that I end up creating a 3D Model of!
Do you have any artists that have influenced your style or that you admire?
Gabby: Honestly, Disney artists who I follow on Instagram. There are so many—Brittney Lee, Liana Hee, Gabby Zapata, and Victoria Gedvillas—who I have had the pleasure of meeting. They are super inspiring, beautiful, talented humans who I would want to hang out with one day.
Is there anything that you haven’t designed, but are looking forward to working on?
Gabby: I have a few projects I am working on at the moment, mostly for my portfolio because I want to apply for Disney or any animation studio and see what happens. If anyone from Disney is reading this, check me out!
What would you like for people to take away from your art?
Gabby: I draw to make myself and others happy. When I am doing a show and someone says that they love your art and makes them smile. It’s such a good feeling to feel appreciated for doing something you love.
Are you working on anything currently and where can you find you next?
Gabby: Like many people at the moment I am obsessed with “Game of Thrones.” I am working on a series of “Game of Thrones” characters. I have started the sketches and hope to finish those soon! I have a few shows coming up, I will be doing Pancakes and Booze in Houston August 5! I was lucky to be invited back for the second time. I will also be doing Amazing Houston Comic Con Sept. 9-11th. I hope to see you all there.
Follow Gabby on Instagram @gbbyrmrz and check out her website, and Etsy shop here!
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Catherine grew up watching action flicks at a very young age which led to her love of film. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelors in Radio-TV-Film in 2012. Always the adventurer, Catherine traveled and lived in Sydney, Australia for a year where she took a selfie with Brad Pitt. She runs Shuffle with passion, lots of caffeine and tacos. When she’s not editing or writing you can find her crafting and planning her next adventure.