Rebelart Interview | Respect the PinMaker

Tell us the story behind your artist name

I always identified with the Rebellion and the hope to overcome. And Star Wars has played a major influence in my art and life.

Where are you from?

I’m originally from the Naboo-like rolling green hills of Maryland but I live in California.

How did you get into pins?

I was a t-shirt designer for a number of years. I got into doing conventions and started seeing the possibilities of art with pins and exploring a new medium interested me.

What made you want to start creating pins?

Seeing new avenues for another medium for creating miniature works of art seemed fun.

What was your first pin purchase? / What were the first pins to really spark your pin collecting?

My first pin purchase was probably from PunchItChewiePress and Bbcre8. I have a couple from them and they were also very informative and friendly when I had questions about getting into making pins.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I’m inspired from nearly everything. I think that’s the beauty of being an artist. I’m almost never not thinking of art, new ideas or interesting things I could put my own spin on.

What was your first pin release?
My first pin release was a dual release. I designed a Rebel pilot skull based on one of my earliest T-shirt designs. And a Kylo ren helmet featuring the snowy battle scene between Rey and Kylo.

It was both my first attempt at pins and a learning experience. Luckily the pins did great and sold out in 2 days. That was a boost and push into making more.

Seeing your art become a tangible thing, anything, is exceedingly enjoyable and a big motivator.

What pin release are you most proud of?

I am proud of every pin I’ve made. I like to take a lot of time and care in conceptualizing a design, and if I don’t feel it works. Or I’m not adding anything to the world of collecting this type of art, then I don’t pursue that design.

The 2 pins I feel like I really had that “yes” moment while creating would likely be my “Snowy Days” trooper pin. The first to feature a Scene within the helmet. And kickoff that series for me.
And my “Rebel Under the Sea” Ariel - Leia pin. Which started my Princess x Princess Leia series. That has been a fun journey so far and a bit outside my comfort zone while causing me to grow.

How many pins do you have in your collection? / What are your favorite kinds of pins to collect?

I think recently I figured about 100.
I collect Only Star Wars pins. And I’ve very picky ha.
My favorite to collect are artistic and creative Star Wars Pins.

What advice would you give you someone that wants to create pins?

My advice would be to really flesh out your idea and design in the sketching stage.
This will serve to visually assess if this design works. How it needs to be changed, and save you time reworking it at later stages.
Also try to come up with fun or interesting ideas.
Anyone can make an ariel pin, and nearly everyone has, what will make yours different and interesting? You’re entering A sky full of stars, you want to glow brightest and not get lost among them.

Hard or Soft enamel?

I like them both. Both work in various ways for a variety of designs and outcomes.

Favorite Star Wars movie of all time. why?

“A New Hope”, definitely. Too many reasons to say. But none necessary. It’s phenomenal for every reason.

Least favorite Star Wars movie. why?

None, every Star Wars journey is different but feels tied together. And that’s wonderful.

Where can people find you? (social media, website, etc)
Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Website