Artist Feature: Riley
“You can learn so much from studying other’s work and putting your own spin on it.”
Riley is an animation major and a sucker for strong character design. Outside of art, she loves writing, figure skating, and world history!
How long have you done art? What mediums have you tried?
I’ve actually been drawing since I was two years old, but I’ve since graduated from crayons to digital. However, I also have a lot of love for colored pencil, and work in pretty much every medium for school!
How would you describe your style?
The thing I pride myself on most is believable characters. I put a lot of effort into expressions and posing to really make them look alive, and that’s sort of the through line in all the different styles of work I do! Others also say my color choices are very recognizable.
Tell us your Lore Olympus story.
I got into it around the start of the pandemic, because I needed new things to fill my newfound free time; I fell in love with the striking visual aesthetic, and couldn’t stop reading.
How has fan art changed your style or helped you grow?
I NEVER did fanart before Instagram. I was very haughty about it, and now that I’ve gotten into it I have no idea why I ever refused. You can learn so much from studying other’s work and putting your own spin on it. It’s made me work with colors and body types I’ve never drawn before, and I’m so grateful for that.
Which Lore Olympus fan art are you most proud of and why?
Oh gosh, that’s so hard. I love all of them for different reasons; if I had to choose, I suppose I’d have to go with this recent one [Persephone sitting on Hades lap on the throne]. Just because of how many people loved it and felt seen by it; plus, it was inspired by my darling friend Diana!
If you could body snatch one LO character for a day, who would it be?
Ooh, that’s a tough one. Probably Eros, mainly because I want to hang out with Persephone. And besides, he has great hair and wings, sooo… need I say more?
Do you have any goals or aspirations for your fan art?
I do! I’m studying concept and story for animation at college right now, with hopes of working in visual development. I also have a personal project that has been my baby since I was 14, and I’d love to bring it to fruition as a show or comic one day, whichever I can make happen.
Any advice for someone looking to build their art skills?
Draw from reference! Observe from life, not just photos! Believe me, I hated this advice when I got it, but it did wonders. If you truly care about improving and like to see fast results, draw. From. Life! It isn’t cheating, promise!
Just for fun: Who did you get on this quiz?
Ha, I got Cordon Bleu! Some people might be surprised by that but I’m not. I too throw diva-level hissy fits when I’m not receiving enough attention. I just wish I was that cute.