Cover | Steampunk Art Magazine
2015 March
Chloe Extruded
Concept and Director | Tom Libertiny
Illustrator | Ana Cruz
Photographer | Andy Greenwell
Model | Chloe Verkerke
Fashion Stylist & Wardrobe | AJ Martina
Hair & Make-up Artist | Brandie Brancheau
Jewelry Designer | Nneka Jackson, b-flyy creations
Production Coordinator | Kelsy Benacquisto, Gail & Rice
Production Coordinator | Robere Lett, Affiliated Group
Artist Interview | Ana Cruz
| Steampunk Art Magazine |
How did you start as an artist?
| Ana Cruz |
It was a bit by curiosity. I had started exploring the world of photography anda friend of mine suggested I join the artistic community DeviantArt. I fell in love with the artistic world this community shared and soon was reading tutorials about how to create digital illustrations. I finally felt complete because for the first time I was able to illustrate my dreams and my secret realms.
In time, after much research, discipline, and practice, I became the artist who you see today. Also, to expand my knowledge and areas of expertise, I decided to get a degree in Design and Art.
| Steampunk Art Magazine |
What initially inspired you to start creating dark gothic artwork?
| Ana Cruz |
Since a young age (maybe 12 or 13 years old) I felt drawn into the more obscure side of music. I started to listen to Iron Maiden and Metallica and later I refined my taste to other aspects of gothic and metal music. I also have a big passion for romantic poetry and all the dark and dramatic aesthetics so it seemed only natural to share my twisted realms and make them come alive in my art.
| Steampunk Art Magazine |
What was the turning point for you when you decided to take the leap into being a professional artist?
| Ana Cruz |
That came almost by accident. I was simply just doing my art as a hobby and almost all at once I received a request to create a book cover, and license my art to both a puzzle company and a calendar company. Maybe because my images got published a bit all around the world, I noticed that I started getting more requests for book covers, CD covers, and other projects.
When I noticed that all these requests came in regularly I decided to devote all my time, energy, and passion to my art~I become a freelance professional artist.
| Steampunk Art Magazine |
What recommendations do you have for new artists who want to become professionals?
| Ana Cruz |
Advertise. There are wonderful online social tools such as art communities, Facebook, etc. I share my art in several artistic websites and I always try to keep my Facebook page active so that my art reaches more people and potential clients all around the world.
| Steampunk Art Magazine |
With all of the artwork that you’ve created, what continues to inspire you?
| Ana Cruz |
Music and poetry will always be my constant source of inspiration. They instantly make me create my secret worlds and increase my desire to bring them to life through my illustrations.
| Steampunk Art Magazine |
Let’s talk about Chloe Extruded the illustration that you’ve created for Steampunk Art Magazine. From the photograph that we sent to you and overall theme, how did you then envision and create the final illustration?
| Ana Cruz |
The image by itself is already very inspiring and I’m currently doing a personal project called Alice in Shadowland ~ a twisted view of Alice in Wonderland~ so I’m fueled by fantasy inspiration. I needed to create such a garden to go along with this magnificent character. It was a huge pleasure to create this artwork, and it’s a big pleasure when I’m able to fuse my personal vision with my client’s vision.
| Steampunk Art Magazine |
What projects do you plan to create this year?
| Ana Cruz |
Once again I’m working with Null Paradox for their upcoming book & CD. It will take some months to complete everything. Also, I plan to keep working on my professional art in book and CD covers, and I want to finally launch my art book this year. I started it in 2005 so a 10 year commemorative art book seems a wonderful idea and I want to complete this project by October.
Chloe Extruded
Photograph and Illustration used by permission.