Cassius Violet is a self-taught designer with deep roots in the vibrant city of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Since 2013, she has immersed herself in the world of graphic design, harnessing the creative power of Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 to bring her visions to life.
On Tumblr, Cassius has become a celebrated figure for her conceptual artworks, which artfully reference a wide array of cultural influences, from beloved movies and gripping series to timeless literature and contemporary masterpieces. Each of her creations tells a compelling visual story, inviting viewers to engage with the rich narratives she weaves into every piece.
A standout feature of Cassius's artistic style is her innovative use of mixed media, skillfully blending various techniques from both traditional and digital realms. This approach results in dynamic compositions that are not only visually stunning but also layered with meaning and texture.
With her unique voice and creative flair, Cassius Violet is redefining the landscape of graphic design, captivating audiences and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the art of visual storytelling.
1. You love creating new posters and conceptual graphic pieces for your favorite media products (such as movies, series, and books). Did creating fan art lead you into the world of design? Exactly when did your interest in creating graphic pieces emerge?
I honestly don’t see a dividing line between fan art and art. I see posters and drawings of characters from books, series, movies, etc.; and for me, these works are on the same level as any other artistic creation. For years, I followed a large number of people producing amazing fan art, and I envied their talent (laughs). At that point, all I knew how to do in Photoshop was turn a color image into black and white. I wanted so much to convey my own feelings and visions about my favorite characters and fictional worlds, but I had no artistic skills to do so.
Then, a series called Hannibal premiered, and because it was new and visually interesting, that’s when I started to experiment and "play" in Photoshop. The first piece I created received two positive comments, and thanks to that feedback, it gave me enough encouragement to want to create more and more. Throughout the series, I evolved a lot artistically and have made thousands of graphic pieces since then. Finding the right tools and knowing how to manipulate them to create the art you want is immensely satisfying; it liberates you. Learning the craft is important, but my passion comes from the narrative, and I can’t fall in love with a visual composition if there isn’t a narrative, a concept, a meaning behind it.
2. Which artists do you admire and draw inspiration from the most? Why?
Tough question! I get a lot of this type of question on my blog, and my answers are all over the place because I can't choose just one group of artists as my inspiration (laughs). Steven Spielberg, Carol Ann Duffy, and Wendy Torrence are some of the names that inspire me, and none of them work in graphic design. My inspiration is more tied to humor than to technique. Usually, when I like an artist, I admire their impeccable ability to capture an atmosphere, an essence, a vibe. Whether that’s in a film, a poem, clothing, among others. I love looking at the layouts of magazines from the '70s and collages from the '80s. I adore the posters by Drew Struzan and the photographs by Sally Mann. I am a big fan of the work of Midnight Marauder. Their work is sharp, dense, and full of life. I am fascinated by their consistency and skill.
3. Can you describe your art style in a few words? By the way, what does your art style reveal about you?
This might sound terribly pretentious, but if I had to describe my work, I would say it’s like a Crystal Clear Dreaminess.
I really love having abstract ideas with a structured skeleton. I enjoy creating something that is quirky enough to be unique and well-finished enough to belong in this (physical) world. I like to think of myself as a dream master, creating something physical from an abstract universe or thought.
4. What advice would you give to people who want to start creating graphic pieces, especially dedicated to their favorite movies and series?
The advice I can give to everyone is: start now. If you want to create, research, chase after knowledge, and have enough tools to create.
When I started creating on my laptop years ago, I had no idea what I was doing, but I was loving every second spent on tutorials and frustrating attempts in Photoshop. Making art, even if it’s bad, gives you a confidence and joy that you didn't have before. Even if you’re terrible at first (which is normal), you’ll only get better and better with time and practice. Also, do it for yourself, not for others. If people love your work, that’s just a bonus. In the end, create art because it brings you joy.
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