Art & Life with Laura Carberg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Carberg.

Laura, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve always been a huge nerd and scribbling on everything I was allowed to. My earliest memories consist of fat crayons and big visions, and I think before I knew how to describe it, I viewed art as a way to tell stories. Stumbling into a mall comic book store in the 90’s only solidified my love of visual story-telling. As I relocated around the country during childhood and during young adulthood, the stories grew into escapism. Constantly studying the work of the artists I’ve come to admire, soaking up their advice like a sponge, and constantly trying new techniques, let me tell more and more with my work.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am most heavily a comics-artist – story and emotion-driven art, characters, expression, environments – comics have it all! I love to do penciling and inking, but coloring is what breathes life into a page at the end of a process. That being said, I love to do concept art for games and characters and tell a story that way.

Live, I do lots of sketch cards and larger-sized works as commissions, and do digital paintings and commissions as well.

I think what I want people to say when they look at my work was that they could feel that image. That they could look at a frame or especially a finished cover or illustration, and see that slice of a moment and know that this imaginary life, or moment, or object or whatever, had a backstory, a present, a future – without needing a single word.

Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
I think the biggest lesson I had heard but had to learn for myself was to not let others’ perception of who you should be or what artists are stereotyped as define you. Organize and budget like it’s your job because it is. Thirst for knowledge and technique, forever, so you keep growing.

And yes, sometimes you will think you’re “crazy for doing this.” Sometimes I feel like I’m burning the candle at both ends doing what I love for work, but even on my most burnt-out days, I wouldn’t change it for anything. It’s exhilarating even when it’s exhausting.

Inspiration is fickle. Motivation and planning are the best skills you can have to get you through the “dry spells.”

Don’t be afraid to be your own person, and take the time to appreciate the people that support you.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I make appearances pretty much anywhere I can. My most consistent is First Fridays artwalk in Downtown Phoenix, on the first Friday of each month, after 5 pm. (though I do skip July & August due to the heat) I do Live streaming of digital work, and live sketching with copic or inkwash & watercolor. I’m always open to new conventions, far and wide, so shoot me a line on my website if you’re interested in having me out. 😉

My website/portfolio, as well as social media info: www.Lauroboto.com

My ongoing werewolf comic (warning: for adults!) www.feralcomic.com

My Patreon and Ko-Fi get monthly print updates and “big news”: www.patreon.com/Lauroboto and www.ko-fi.com/Lauroboto

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Lauroboto.com
• Email: Hey@Lauroboto.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Lauroboto
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lauroboto
• Twitter: www.Twitter.com/Lauroboto
• Other: www.FeralComic.com

Image Credit:
Laura Carberg (artist)

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.