Meet Hillary Frazier | Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hillary Frazier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hillary, is there something you believe many others might not?
The proliferation of social media often makes artists feel they have to continuously produce content to be “legitimate” artists. As a teacher, I have always stressed the importance of practicing often with my students. However, I have also started encouraging rest when needed. Burnout is real, and if you cannot fully enjoy the process of creating, then it is going to feel more draining than rewarding.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am primarily an ink and marker artist. However, I have since branched out into digital art and have been having a blast with it (and I am almost mad at how long it took me to go in this direction). I love how one medium can help encourage decisions and experimentation within the other.

I always receive comments about how I draw a lot of women, and how the women always look empowered. The interesting part about this observation is that I normally create pieces out of a place of vulnerability.

One of my biggest strengths (and sometimes hindrances) is that I have to put a ridiculous amount of color in ANYTHING I produce. I can go into a piece expecting to make something in a monochromatic color scheme, and that will go out the window the moment I realize that I am bored from working in just one color. I have learned that I want to surround myself with a plethora of colors at all times, and I want my pieces to reflect the same sentiment.

It was not easy getting to where I was, mostly due to no other hindrance aside from my own self-doubt. I have to encourage myself to be an advocate for myself. I have been blessed with being surrounded by people and “yes” men, but I know at the end of the day, I cannot always rely on other people to give me the extra push I need to succeed. I used to say “no” to everything, mostly out of fear and anxiety. I have since taken one piece of advice to heart: “If you are not uncomfortable, you are most likely complacent, and that is 100 times worse.” I have tried to embrace change and new experiences as much as possible because the alternative of staying stagnant seems infinitely worse.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, we would get a coffee at uptown Rhino Coffee, and then we would hang out at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery to check out the exhibits and roam around the gardens. We would go to Artspace Shreveport to see what was on the walls, and then maybe go to the Robinson Film Center across the street to get a bite to eat and check out a fun indie movie. We would certainly check out anything happening at Festival Plaza, whether it is the Farmer’s Market or a special holiday festival. If they were looking for a nice place to have a drink, we would either go to Seventh Tap or Great Raft Brewery. If they were not wanting a beer, then we would hang out at Bear’s for the vibes and friends, Fatty Arbuckle’s for the cocktails, or Strange Brew for the relaxed atmosphere. Also, it is Pride Month, so a show at Korner Lounge or Central Station is a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, first and foremost. They allowed me to major in Studio Art even though that could have ended up being a bad idea (I am joking, of course). In all seriousness, they always bought me art supplies as a child, and my dad is a big kid who likes comics and cartoons, so he instilled that interest into me and my siblings from an early age. I do not think I would have even considered art as a long-term goal had they not supported it as a short-term hobby.

My partner, Sean, is always with me at vending events slinging wares and chatting with people in my stead when I have to step away. He has become a staple at my vending table, so much to the point where people will ask where he is when I am vending without him. He also puts up with me and my inevitable pre-event meltdowns (which is also a joke… possibly). His parents have also become an amazing source of encouragement in the last couple of years.

My friends continuously come out to support me at events I am attending–even if I have nothing new to sell. I do not know how I lucked out with having such amazing people in my corner.

Lastly, Shreveport is full of artists who are always uplifting and inspiring one another. I have always had a little voice in the back of my head that talks down to my capability (something I work to combat every day). I do not think I would have gotten as far as I have were it not for this area’s creative cheerleaders and entrepreneurs.

Website: www.hillaryfrazier.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fkafrazierart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilfrazier/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadameDraws

Image Credits
Tiffany Bradford