Reader of the ish
Issue #29
By Kelly Mellott
Published: September 1st, 2006 | 12:00am
Name: Alison Casson
Age: 30
Location: Ventura and Los Angeles, California
My Job: I’m a collaborator, illustrator, graphic
designer, and fine artist
I am all about: making and collecting art, clean and open rooms with little to no furniture, surfing, traveling, tattoos, fashion, food, forward-thinking, honesty, and collecting magazines, books, music, and movies.
I like all genres of music: Miss Derringer and Deepakalypse, the Evens, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, the Coup, Mastodon, and Lightning Swords of Death.
The best part of being me is: I get to make art all day, I have good friends and family, and I’m healthy.
I find the most inspiration in: everyday life, patterns and fabric, 1700s and early 1900s style, traveling, people, music, books, and love.
I love what I do because: every day is different. My schedule is flexible, so it’s easy to travel, sleep in, or work toward a deadline for 40 hours straight. Before I became an illustrator, I traveled all over the United States, Europe, and Asia with my sketchbook, working in kitchens or in hospitality at concert venues and the occasional skate shop. I was struggling back then for cash, but I always liked where I worked and things always came around. But making art for a living is certainly my first choice.
The worst part about where I live is: I drive a lot. But I like where I live because my main studio and home overlooks the beach in Ventura. I also share a place with business partners in downtown Los Angeles, so I’m on the road a lot — that would be the only inconvenience.
I feel most comfortable when I am: in my bed after being away from it for a long time.
I never want to be a: a person who takes things for granted.
If I could have coffee with any artist, it would be Fafi and the first question I would ask her would be: “Want to do a collaboration?”
My favorite thing about doing illustration is: meeting other artists, art directors, and designers. Also, seeing my work in print or film is definitely exciting.
The thing in my future that has me the most excited is: Please and Thank You clothing, my new paintings, upcoming art shows, and collaborations, Christmas, my birthday, my half-birthday, summer weather, collecting more art on my skin, and someday buying a house.
I read Venus Zine because: it is a great source for inspiration and information. The articles cover relevant artists. And Joan Jett is rad.
I think I was chosen to be Reader of the Ish because: I am the one-millionth customer! Nudge, nudge, wink, wink … say no more!
See more of Casson’s work at alisoncasson.com.
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