Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddison Cross.
Hi Maddison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a cartoonist. I love creating stories and characters. When I was about seven years old, I teamed up with some friends in our afterschool daycare to create and sell our artwork. We made comics, posters, and bookmarks from our loose leaf sheets and priced them for 25¢ a piece.
Being an artist just makes sense to me, considering my family is full of artists of various mediums. My grandmother scrapbooks, my mom builds, and my aunt used to be a cosmetologist.
I always wanted to sell my art and leave some sort of impact in the world that resembled kindness and hope. With a few different paths along the way, I can definitely say younger me would be very proud of who I am now. Currently, I am finishing my degree in computer animation to become a storyboard artist. I also sell my own art online, I’ll be selling in the artist alley for the first time at LA Comic Con, and I know there is definitely more to come in the future!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s never really a smooth road following your dreams. I’ve heard the common “art is not a real job” from a lot of people– both close and distant. I even stopped drawing for a long period of time when I discovered my love for writing in fifth grade. That went on until my senior year of high school.
Running a small business is also rough. Especially when you start it on a whim at age 20 with no experience whatsoever! It’s a lot of learning along the way and trial and error. I didn’t get consistent orders until the height of COVID-19 in November. I’m still learning four years after startup.
School hasn’t been easy either, but deep down I know it will be worth it and exciting to work for an animation studio where I can help others share their stories.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a self-proclaimed illustrator. My style is often compared to the likes of Steven Universe (Cartoon Network) or Star vs the Forces of Evil (Disney Channel). I specialize in, but not limited to, digital art. I’m known mostly for my cartoon, bubbly take on fan art for 2000’s “emo” bands, like Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance. I also have my own original art and characters featured in my portfolios.
I’m proud of my drive to constantly improve. There’s always room to grow. I hope this doesn’t come off conceited, but I am also proud that I’ve come so far that many people come to me for advice on drawing and wanting to learn the things I’ve absorbed from various places. I can never keep those methods to myself. Art is hard enough as it is.
I believe what sets me apart from the others is my constant drive. I am always creating. If I’m not drawing, I’m thinking about drawing or drafting the idea in my brain. It can be tiring, but I really wouldn’t want it any other way. Also, I don’t mind sharing my processes. I find it as a way for both parties to learn and exchange ideas. It could make room for collaboration too! Collaborations are fun!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Always take risks! My mom has pretty much raised me to be the type to say “there’s only one way to find out.” We still use that motto doing just about anything. Taking risks has led to me selling my art on Etsy, entering contests, buying my domain, and so much more!
My recent major risk was signing up for LA Comic Con’s artist alley. Someone informed me that the convention was coming back this year. My mind instantly wondered what the process would be like to sign up for a booth. I asked questions, gathered the funds, and reserved my booth. I’m equally excited and nervous, but I know it will be great for my art while also being a fun experience.
Contact Info:
- Email: betterwithapen97@gmail.com
- Website: betterwithapen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/better.with.a.pen/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/better_withapen
- Other: Etsy.com/shop/BetterWithAPen
