Interview with Brett Manning

Brett Manning is a 23 year old artist from Chicago. I first discovered her work a couple of weeks ago, when Detroit band The Juliets released their album online. (It’s free until Saturday, and if you like dramatic strings mixed up with your rock music, you might want to download it.) She drew the cover art. When I saw more of her stuff, I knew I had to post more than just a few images. Brett kindly agreed to do an interview, which is behind the cut along with an obnoxious amount of images.

Set the scene for us. What are your surroundings like while you’re working?

My apartment. It’s older and charming. Hard wood floors, arched door ways, yellow and patchouli colored walls, lots of cushions and soft blankets, a wandering black cat, coffee… There is an express way right out side my window too. It’s funny.

The textures in your drawings seem so realistic. What’s your favorite texture to draw? Are there any that you have trouble capturing?

I love drawing hair and fur. I wish I was better at a lot of things though, like light source and depth. Though at the same time I feel like light source and depth are the last things I should be worrying about when it comes to my work because they’re not really terribly important in terms of getting my point across…but I should still practice!

What’s your favorite thing that you’ve created in your life so far? (It doesn’t have to be art.)

In my life?! Wow, this is a tricky question…I once made purple peanut butter cookies. They looked cool. But, they were not my favorite creation. I don’t have one single event that stands out above the rest of the things I’ve created. They’ve all been significant in some way or another, sooo…I guess I cannot answer this question normally, haha.

What role, if any, did The Juliets’ music play in the formation of their album art?

They just told me what they wanted and I drew it for them. They just gave me ideas on what they wanted, the kind of style and look to go for, etc. It was fun.

Do you have any shows / projects coming up in the near future?

Several…this April I’ll have work in a Chicago gallery in Pilsen and a show in Los Angeles. I’m also working on some more album art for an Indiana band. I still have some commissions to complete too! Being busy feels good.

More of Brett’s work can be found at brettisagirl.com.

The Juliets record release party is this Friday, March 13th at the Magic Stick. Here’s a sneak peek of their video, produced by Kate McQueen, which will also premiere that night.

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2 Comments on “Interview with Brett Manning”

• Dawn
  

  Wow, she’s amazing! So realistic.

  03-23-10 » 10:17 AM »

• morgan
  

  she is so amazing! I haven’t been this impressed with an artist in quite awhile!!

  03-05-11 » 2:28 PM »

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