Originally from the East Coast, artist Krystal Dyer has found herself pursuing art and landing in San Diego. She talks about her creative journey thus far. See her works on display at the Se San Diego Hotel on Thursday, August 26th! 

Tell us about yourself? 
I am originally from South New Jersey (that's Jersey, not Joisey).  I went through 12 years of Catholic school, and then college at The Art Institute of Philadelphia. I took an internship at Nickelodeon in NYC where I was offered a freelance position. I then graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Media Arts and Animation in March of 2006. I worked my butt off and landed a job with Think Up Toy Designs as a Concept Artist and Pixel animator for a few months until I was offered a job at Splintertek/Lockheed Martin as a Graphic Illustrator/Flash Animator. The economy sunk and I went through job after job after job. I decided 'it's now or never', so I bought a one way plane ticket, packed two bags and grabbed my cat, and a week and half later... I was living in sunny San Diego. I picked up a job at RT's Longboard Grill in Pacific Beach doing promotions and serving. I started painting live on stage with bands and selling my art. I paint what I feel from the music. I go up there with a blank canvas, no idea, and just... go with it. Most of my art on canvas and skateboard decks are from live performances around San Diego. Painting live is fun for me, great vibes, and although it may not be my dream, I'm making good connections and it's helping me stay in practice until I do reach my dream job. I have always had an amazing support system from my parents, especially my Father. He still supports me to this day in everything I do, as do my friends out here, the rest of my friends and family back east, and my boyfriend. I am very lucky chick!

From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
My surrounding... Music that I hear, emotions, friends that surround me, silence, birds, sirens, the ocean.... whatever is going on around me is what triggers my creative vibes for that specific piece. 

What do you love most about what you do? 
It comes without force. Like I said before, it's second nature, not a days go by where I'm not doing art.

From start to finish, explain your process; what does a typical art-making day look like for you? 
First things first, I pick my location. Say it's my living room floor, then I put on a good movie or some music that fits my mood and then I pick my medium. We'll say I decide to paint on a skateboard deck that day. I'd lay down a tarp (I rent, can't get my carpet messy) and set up my paints, brushes, and water cup. I go through the vibes and paint the skate deck. Most of the time I have no idea what I am going to paint and I just go with it, making doodles with paint. Sometimes I have an idea and sketch it out before painting on it. 

Medium of choice?
Sharpie Marker on Paper is my favorite. I'm starting to play around with paint pens a little but I guess my second favorite is Acrylic Paint. I do still love simple pen and ink and when I choose to get with times, I like toying around in Adobe Flash.

What sort of techniques do you most like working with? 
I use a lot of line quality in my work, I think that comes from being an Animation Major in College.

Any accomplishments/goals you hope to achieve as an artist in the future?
I want to create cartoon characters, preferably for children. My dream is to work at The Jim Henson Company drawing Characters. I have also wanted to publish my own Coloring Book as well as illustrate childrens books. 

Why showcase at RAW? 
Why not? I'm new to the West Coast and every little bit helps. I saw an ad for RAW and had no idea what it really was. Saw that they were looking for artists, and said, HEY I'm an artist. Got a phone call, smiled a bunch, wrote some stuff down, and here I am. Still smiling at the opportunity. 

Favorite thing to do outside of your craft? 
Although, I haven't done this since I moved here because I'm a little intimidated by the Pacific Ocean, sting rays, and sharks ...  surfing. I used to LOVE to hop in my car, drive to the beach, and get a nice surf session in, clear my mind and take in new inspirations. I also like to skateboard, play basketball, frisbee, spend time with family and friends, play Mario Kart, and eat ice cream.

Any current rising stars within the art arena that you would recommend we look out for?
Michelle Christine Ambler has a cool style to her paintings and it's fun to watch her techniques live, Jon Fiero, Brian Wilkinson, Jessica Delorzeno and Craig Dilger are some crazy sick Photographers. Craig and Jess are east coasters but so talented. They blow me away! Also, Jennifer Carter, she's a fashion designer ... besides being a beautiful person, she is very skilled!