Maryline Cazenave

Today the artist Maryline Cazenave joins us to talk about her artwork Maryline does beautiful and adorable artwork of animals. Artwork that makes you smile and feel happy.Here is her website and you can visit her Facebook Fan Page. You can purchase her psp tubes at CDO.Thank you so much for talking with us Maryline.

1) How did you become a part of the psp tube community?

Well, 2 years ago, I started receiving weird e-mails in my inbox! People kept asking me if they could use my art for signature tags! I had absolutely no idea what a tag or a tube was, so after a while, receiving yet another request, I asked the person who had written to me to tell me more. She explained everything to me and suggested I submit my art to a tube company. Which I did. I got a reply 10 minutes later from Kelly Jaquay Huff, telling me CDO would love to sign me!

2) What does your artwork mean to you?

My art is the most important thing in my life after my family and the people I love. It’s my second home, whatever’s going on in my life, I can go to my artwork knowing that it will be a source of satisfaction and joy! I’m ever so greatful that I have this in my life, and even more that I do this for a living, I honestly think I’m very lucky!

3) What inspires you in creating your artwork?

Fashion mostly. I used to be a fashion designer and nothing inspires me more than some window shopping or a magazine, I really think high heels or a clutch bag are objects of beauty. Six years ago, I fell upon a picture of photographer Rachael Hale, it was a kitten in a pink handbag, I fell in love with the concept, and I’ve been developing it ever since! Oh, but I don’t only do fashion, sometimes I can be inspired by a cute pot in the kitchenware department!!

4) How long have you been selling psp tubes?

I’ve been licensing my art as tubes to CDO since February, and I’m loving every minute of it, seeing my art as tags is sooo much fun!

5)How do you create your artwork? Is it by hand or digitally? What tools do you use in doing the artwork?

I always start with a picture, I’m not good enough to draw everything by hand, but I do my best to take my own pictures, so my art is my creation from A to Z. Then I go to photoshop and manipulate my pictures on screen, I take a pic of a cute pup and put it together with the pic of a nice handbag, and Voilà! What I do next depends, I used to paint everything by hand on a canvas with acrylics, it took me ages, but it was nice to have the canvas when I was done (plus I could sell it too). But a few months ago, I managed to make my digital paintings look handmade (it took me a while), and it has permitted me to work much faster. I really like both ways, and intend on keeping doing both. Sometimes I need to get my hands covered in paint!

6)Aside from psp tubes, what else do you create with your artwork?

Well, up till now, I’ve licensed my work for cards, calendars, mugs, puzzles, tapestry items, prints, journals, cross stitch kits…I’m probably forgetting a few, I’ve been licensing my art for 5 years now, and it has been hard work but I’ve managed to get my designs on a lot of products. The problem is my licencees are located in very different countries, and sometimes, it’s hard to ge my hands on my own stuff, for instance, how do I purchase mugs that are only sold in Japan? So this year, I’m going to make my art available online, so that anyone who wants a print, a mug or a journal doesn’t have to speak Japanese. I’m working hard on this project, and as soon as it’s ready I’ll make an announcement on my Facebook page.

7) As you have developed your style and artwork, which artists have influenced you?

My style is very realistic and detailed, and I’ve kind of developed my own special technique which would probably make any conventional artist frown, and apart from Rachael Hale’s imagery , I can’t say anyone has really had a great impact on me. My work is influenced by trends mainly!

8) Does the psp community help artists become more well known with getting their names and artwork more visible?

Yes, of course it does! The psp community is copyright compliant, so anywhere my art is used, my name is mentioned, and that is the best favor you can do for an artist. Some manufacturers I work with don’t even put my name on the items they produce, so it’s a relief to work with people that respect your work. Licensing my art as tags has put my name out there more than any other agreement I have signed. It’s weird to think that I’ve spent months trying to get my work on calendars, and that it’s the deal that I didn’t ask for that has been the best for my art!

9) What do you enjoy the most about being part of the psp community?

Well that’s an easy question! I LOVE getting feedback from taggers. It’s so different than talking with manufacturers, who discuss sales and royalties. With taggers, I’m not an investment, I’m just an artist who provides them with fun and enjoyment. That’s awesome! And I find the psp community to be very warm and encouraging, I’m really glad I found all you guys!