Meet Virginia Easthope | Illustrator, Printmaker, Animator & Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Virginia Easthope and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Virginia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I didn’t consider myself an artist for most of my life. I’ve always been pretty creative and expressive – but I never actually thought I was talented enough to pursue a career as an artist. The cultural messaging around creative careers was that to “succeed,” you had to be the best of the best, and I was JUST OK. Formative years and beyond, that’s really how I saw myself across the board. Despite my early onset imposter syndrome, the arts have always been a core pillar of my identity. I was lucky enough to grow up in a family that prioritized creative practice and I was always singing and doodling. I knew I wanted to end up in the arts, I just never dreamed it would be as an artist.

In my senior year of college, a friend who edited our school newspaper approached me about editorial cartooning. I was shocked. It was the first time anyone had asked me to create visual art for them on purpose! It’s almost funny how that experience kickstarted a causal hobby that snowballed into a passion and has now become a small business. Almost a decade later, I’m confident in describing myself as an illustrator, printmaker, animator, and musician.

Despite an education tailored specifically to working on the administrative side of the arts, I continue to find myself with a foot planted firmly in both worlds. I’ve worked in the non-profit arts sector (primarily in education) for about 10 years while honing my craft and freelancing on the side. To be honest, sometimes I’m still not sure WHY I pursued and continue to pursue a career in the arts. It’s never felt practical or safe but has also never failed to make me look at the most difficult aspects of my life directly in the eyes. It’s a constant reminder that humans are too complicated and distinct to be simply, “just ok.” I think sometimes we all need that reminder – and a place to yell it out.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist, although it feels more like I’m just chaotically crafty. I’ve got big feelings that don’t fit inside my petite body and will force their way out however they can. Across my primary disciplines – my work tends to be kind of colorful, spooky, and anthropomorphic. I can’t look at something and not imagine it with windy, elastic limbs and a strange face. I’ve always loved fantasy and sci-fi, and I feel like those themes play a large role in my art. But as Animation continues to teach me – there’s still an enormous amount of magical realism in the simplest of everyday movements.

A lot of the work I’m making right now is for musicians. I started my creative life as a musician and theatre kid and worked on the admin side of music for a few years so it’s been really rewarding to help create animations and album art that bring music to life in new ways. In terms of personal projects, right now I’m working on a tarot deck made from linocut prints. It’s taking FOREVER but it’s coming together nicely. My deck is informed by tarot scholars, science, magic, astrology, and lots of input from other artists and poets. The Major Arcana set should be available in 2023, and the rest of the deck? Who knows.

My biggest challenges don’t feel particularly special or rare. I know that art is a vital part of what makes a civilization thrive vs. survive, but in a world of constant and systemic crisis, it’s hard to know where my craft fits. Sometimes I feel selfish or wonder if I should be spending my time doing something that has a more direct impact on real living people. Sometimes I still get hung up on the concept of the right or the best way to do something, when my best work always comes from messy feelings and instincts. During creative dry spells, I feel pressure and shame for not being able to productively monetize my most natural skillsets. Being in my own head about everything is definitely a regular obstacle, but ironically it’s also what makes me an artist.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m currently living in dreary ole Seattle but my best LA recommendation would be to be outside as much as possible. LA has some of the most beautiful neighborhoods I’ve seen in my entire life. Technicolor flowers everywhere you look and gigantic succulents that belong in the prehistoric era. If you have a car, drive straight to one of the breathtaking national parks near the city. For karaoke – Club Tee Gee cannot be beaten.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh geez! Where to even start? I’m so grateful to my incredible parents, sibling, and extended family for instilling my love and appreciation for the arts from day 1. From my mother’s drawings and songs to my grandfather’s push through doubt and fear, none of this would be possible without them. My older brother Evan has forever been my hero, and in following his every footstep, I walked into a lot of creative rooms I might’ve otherwise missed. His talent, perspective, and leadership are unmatched. I had incredible musical mentors in Alicia Dara and David Lavin, and continue to thank my lucky stars for Shannon Bodrogi and Dan Kelly and their guidance through the world of visual arts and business. Special shout-outs to Melanie Kruvelis, Catherine Roseman, The Whags, Roxy Hornbeck, my insanely talented partner Brian Scott, every friend who encouraged me, and every person who has supported my work. It is no small treasure to have such a creative community.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gini.easthope/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiaeasthope/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj06pGZqr0yQSo7s695YtOg

Other: https://virginiaeasthope.bandcamp.com/releases