Creating Authentic Art for the Human Condition 

Written by: Melody Lipford

Interview with Chiara Celini

Chiara Celini is an artist and freelance illustrator from Edinburgh, UK. She graduated from Edinburgh College in 2019 with a degree in Illustration and Visual Communications. 

Aside from her passion for ‘visual storytelling, design, color, and pattern,’ her work also focuses on important modern issues such as mental health. 

She makes her art accessible worldwide to those interested in viewing or purchasing, as well as collaborating with her art through various forms. 

We had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Chiara and learn more about her artwork and her passion behind her pieces.

Pictured above: Chiara

An Interview with the wonderful artist, Chiara Celini 

Melody: When did you first become interested in illustrating and art in general? Was there a certain age you remember or a time in your life where you decided to pursue art

Chiara:

I’ve always loved drawing since I can remember. Creating has always been my happy place and my comfort zone. I remember at around eight years old, being obsessed with fashion design. 

I was completely convinced that I’d pursue it as a career. I’d cut up little bits of paper and fabric, doodle ladies in different outfits and capture their emotions. 

I went to a school that didn’t really encourage creativity, it was very academic oriented and it definitely killed my creative streak. The teachers didn’t encourage or understand how hard art school would be to get into. 

So, when I knew illustrating was my passion, I hustled every day, did my own research, grew from rejection and continue to do so to this day.

Melody: Did anyone person or any artist inspire you on your journey and/or influence your art form?

Chiara: Honestly, I find this question difficult, because to me inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere. I sometimes get so caught up in being inspired by successful illustrators, that I lose focus and any smidgen of confidence that I have.

It’s great to be inspired by others, but I’m slowly learning my best ideas have come from observing my own emotions and hardships and being inspired by what I have around me; family, nature or just general day to day life scenarios.

Melody: How has mental health become an influencing factor in your artwork especially as seen through your Instagram posts @chiaraceliniart?

ChiaraAs much as I love illustrating a flower or a pattern, I want to also create for a bigger purpose. 

After years of struggling with poor mental health, from anorexia and body dysmorphia to extreme anxiety and depression, I thought how can I use something that affects me everyday to help others that also experience it. 

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so that’s when I put two and two together and began capturing these hardships (that too many people face silently and alone) in light-hearted stories and illustrations. 

I received so many heartfelt messages after these posts and I can’t express how much it means to me when my illustrations help someone, whether it brings a smile to their face, normalizes a situation, or allows them to feel free to share their problems with me. It’s just a beautiful thing.

Melody: What is one takeaway or message you hope viewers gain from your artwork?

chiara: Oh so many! 

I hope they gain whatever feeling I try to provoke in that specific illustration. Whether it’s a giggle because they can relate, an “awww” or a little cry because they are touched from the story. 

The main message is “YOU DO YOU!” Comparisons and this feeling of constant perfectionism causes so much mental pain. I know this all too well. I wish people could just look at themselves and strive to be the best version of them and not what society thinks the best version of them should be. 

Melody: Do you have a favorite piece, project, or collection so far out of your work?

chiara: I’m my own worst critic, so liking my work, let alone picking a favorite is difficult. 

I was proud of my Frankie Magazine piece. It was such an important topic in today’s climate and it was a lot of work to get just right. 

Melody: What is one piece of advice you wish someone would have given you as a younger person interested in pursuing art and illustration as a career?

ChiaraDon’t feel weird for wanting to draw for a living. 

Honestly, sometimes I think why the hell am I trying to draw for a living, just remind yourself why you do it! 

Melody: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about your artwork or any upcoming projects or pieces?

Chiara: This career has honestly just started to shape me, and I’m only at the very beginning of it. 

It’s not an easy job and relies a lot on self determination and discipline. So, when I say every single share, like, comment, order, message doesn’t go unnoticed – I mean it! 

I’m so grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from everyone so far. Much love! 

Find about more about Chiara on her webpage and social media platforms here: 

 

www.chiaracelini.com  

Instagram @chiaraceliniart 

Facebook ‘Chiara Celini Illustrations’

Etsy shop ‘ChiaraCelini’

Creating Authentic Art for the Human Condition 

Written by: Melody Lipford

Interview with Chiara Celini

Chiara Celini is an artist and freelance illustrator from Edinburgh, UK. She graduated from Edinburgh College in 2019 with a degree in Illustration and Visual Communications. 

Aside from her passion for ‘visual storytelling, design, color, and pattern,’ her work also focuses on important modern issues such as mental health. 

She makes her art accessible worldwide to those interested in viewing or purchasing, as well as collaborating with her art through various forms. 

We had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Chiara and learn more about her artwork and her passion behind her pieces.

Pictured above: Chiara

An Interview with the wonderful artist, Chiara Celini 

Melody: When did you first become interested in illustrating and art in general? Was there a certain age you remember or a time in your life where you decided to pursue art

Chiara: I’ve always loved drawing since I can remember. Creating has always been my happy place and my comfort zone. I remember at around eight years old, being obsessed with fashion design. 

I was completely convinced that I’d pursue it as a career. I’d cut up little bits of paper and fabric, doodle ladies in different outfits and capture their emotions. 

I went to a school that didn’t really encourage creativity, it was very academic oriented and it definitely killed my creative streak. The teachers didn’t encourage or understand how hard art school would be to get into. 

So, when I knew illustrating was my passion, I hustled every day, did my own research, grew from rejection and continue to do so to this day.

Melody: Did anyone person or any artist inspire you on your journey and/or influence your art form?

Chiara: Honestly, I find this question difficult, because to me inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere. I sometimes get so caught up in being inspired by successful illustrators, that I lose focus and any smidgen of confidence that I have.

It’s great to be inspired by others, but I’m slowly learning my best ideas have come from observing my own emotions and hardships and being inspired by what I have around me; family, nature or just general day to day life scenarios.

Melody: How has mental health become an influencing factor in your artwork especially as seen through your Instagram posts @chiaraceliniart?

ChiaraAs much as I love illustrating a flower or a pattern, I want to also create for a bigger purpose. 

After years of struggling with poor mental health, from anorexia and body dysmorphia to extreme anxiety and depression, I thought how can I use something that affects me everyday to help others that also experience it. 

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so that’s when I put two and two together and began capturing these hardships (that too many people face silently and alone) in light-hearted stories and illustrations. 

I received so many heartfelt messages after these posts and I can’t express how much it means to me when my illustrations help someone, whether it brings a smile to their face, normalizes a situation, or allows them to feel free to share their problems with me. It’s just a beautiful thing.

Melody: What is one takeaway or message you hope viewers gain from your artwork?

chiara: Oh so many! 

I hope they gain whatever feeling I try to provoke in that specific illustration. Whether it’s a giggle because they can relate, an “awww” or a little cry because they are touched from the story. 

The main message is “YOU DO YOU!” Comparisons and this feeling of constant perfectionism causes so much mental pain. I know this all too well. I wish people could just look at themselves and strive to be the best version of them and not what society thinks the best version of them should be. 

Melody: Do you have a favorite piece, project, or collection so far out of your work?

chiara: I’m my own worst critic, so liking my work, let alone picking a favorite is difficult. 

I was proud of my Frankie Magazine piece. It was such an important topic in today’s climate and it was a lot of work to get just right. 

Melody: What is one piece of advice you wish someone would have given you as a younger person interested in pursuing art and illustration as a career?

ChiaraDon’t feel weird for wanting to draw for a living. 

Honestly, sometimes I think why the hell am I trying to draw for a living, just remind yourself why you do it! 

Melody: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about your artwork or any upcoming projects or pieces?

Chiara: This career has honestly just started to shape me, and I’m only at the very beginning of it. 

It’s not an easy job and relies a lot on self determination and discipline. So, when I say every single share, like, comment, order, message doesn’t go unnoticed – I mean it! 

I’m so grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from everyone so far. Much love! 

Find about more about Chiara on her webpage and social media platforms here: 

 

www.chiaracelini.com  

Instagram @chiaraceliniart 

Facebook ‘Chiara Celini Illustrations’

Etsy shop ‘ChiaraCelini’

About author: Melody lipford

 

I grew up in the United States, specifically in the Appalachian Mountains. I grew up with humble beginnings and always strived to be the first one in my family to graduate college. As a recent college graduate of Emory & Henry College, it is safe to say I achieved that goal.

However, my adolescence and college years were not free of anxiety and depression that comes not only with that goal, but also were mental illnesses I had suffered from since childhood. Through it all,  I have learned self-care and have strived to use my love of writing to break the stigmas that encompass such a common subject such as mental health.

I look forward to doing this at Home of Passion and invite readers to start this discussion in their own lives. Let’s end the stigma together.

Find me on instagram @melodyrose9

About author: Melody Lipford

I grew up in the United States, specifically in the Appalachian Mountains. I grew up with humble beginnings and always strived to be the first one in my family to graduate college. As a recent college graduate of Emory & Henry College, it is safe to say I achieved that goal.

However, my adolescence and college years were not free of anxiety and depression that comes not only with that goal, but also were mental illnesses I had suffered from since childhood. Through it all,  I have learned self-care and have strived to use my love of writing to break the stigmas that encompass such a common subject such as mental health.

I look forward to doing this at Home of Passion and invite readers to start this discussion in their own lives. Let’s end the stigma together.

Find me on instagram @melodyrose9