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Artist Samantha Rothenberg—known to her Instagram followers at Violet Clair—launched her popular Instagram Story series “Screenshots with Psychopaths and Other Stories” in 2019. We chatted with her about how engaging with her online community is vital inspiration for her darkly humorous illustrations and comics.
SQSP: When did you first decide you wanted to become an artist?
SR: Being an artist was my ‘dream job’ since I was a child, but I didn’t attempt to pursue it professionally until my late 20s.
SQSP: How does your identity as a woman impact your work?
SR: Enormously—especially in my comics where my own experiences are often (though not always!) the inspiration behind many of situations my female characters find themselves in.
SQSP: How much of your personal style or personality gets reflected in your professional brand?
SR: So much of it! I have a pretty dry and sometimes dark sense of humor, which I think is often communicated in my output. I also dress the women I draw in outfits I wish I owned or were wearing that day.
SQSP: Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?
SR: Lately, my artwork has been strongly impacted by my followers, and their submissions to an Insta-story series I started called “Screenshots with Psychopaths and Other Stories.” It is inspiring to hear women share their stories. I’m also a huge fan of graphic novels, especially those created by women. There’s usually a giant stack of them on my nightstand—reading a great graphic novel fires up my own urge to create. Same goes for thought-provoking books and television. I’m currently working my way through Roxane Gay’s body of work, and re-watching “The Sopranos.”
SQSP: What future project are you most excited to work on next?
SR: I’m pretty excited about, and currently spending most of my free time writing and sketching an outline for a graphic novel about dating in New York City.
SQSP: How does your community influence your work?
SR: Lately, community has been at the core of my work. “Screenshots with Psychopaths and Other Stories” wouldn’t be possible without the Violet Clair community, who have even taken to calling themselves ‘Clair Bears.’ Their submissions, stories, and the discussion that unfolds in the comments are hugely influential to me.
SQSP: What role does your website play in building your brand and your business?
SR: It plays a huge role! As much as I love social media, I really see my website as my homebase. It’s where I can showcase the breadth of my work, sell products, share original content, and allow visitors to learn a bit more about my story.
SQSP: What advice do you have for artists looking to go into business for themselves?
SR: Getting started is the hardest part. You need to get really comfortable with accepting (and even embracing) rejection. When I first started, I reached out to as many people as I possibly could, and at times it felt like I was shouting into a void. It’s important to keep going and believe in what you do with an enthusiasm that borders on delusional.
To learn more about Samantha’s work, visit her website or follow her on Instagram. Feeling inspired to start a project of your own? Visit squarespace.com and get started today.