Being Geek Chic is a blog about one woman navigating the male-dominated industries of production and tech. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi, Founder, CEO and Director of Mighteor - one of the world's first internet video production companies. Learn more about Mighteor here.
Meet Sam Skyler. She’s an artist, creator, geek, and huge fan of kaleidoscopes. She’s currently creating an art book filled with vibrant kaleidoscope deceptions of your favorite geeky characters.
That’s right—you’re favorite geeky characters. The first half of her art book is designed by Skyler; the second half is filled with art chosen by the supporters of her Kickstarter campaign. So go fund a fellow lady geek and see your favorite characters and worlds through the Skyler’s kaleidoscope eye.
Read on to discover how Skyler discovered her passion, her geekiness, and at the same time, her courage.
And be sure to follow her on social! Like her on Facebook, follow her on Instagram, and remember: she’s got that Kickstarter campaign going until November 3.
Q: How did you discover your passion for art?
A: Ever since I was a child, I always wanted to create art. Being able to see colors evolve and transform always captured and held my attention. When I saw my first movie in theaters, which was Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, seeing the characters move around and how the backgrounds were painted is what got me hooked on illustration and animation. It was from that moment on that I’ve always wanted to understand and study color, movement and design, and how could I capture those same feelings in all of my artwork.
Q: Where did you find the inspiration to create your Kaleidoscope geeky art book?
A: The inspiration to create my Kaleidoscope art book evolved when I was creating designs for my Star Wars 365 art a day series. It’s a project that I started last year on December 18th that will end the day that episode VII come out! I created a few Kaleidoscope designs and people really enjoyed them and asked if I could create new designs of different characters or universes. I loved that idea and realized that it would be wonderful to showcase these designs in a book. I decided to take my dream over to Kickstarter so it could become a collaboration with other people willing to contribute. I’ll be designing the first half of the book, and the second half of the book will be designs voted on by every Kickstarter supporter! It will be fun to see how the book evolves!
And I’m also looking forward to making a few of the designs into a coloring book. Every backer will receive one and I’ll also donate one to a children’s hospital or school to help keep geek culture and the arts alive!
Q: When did you first discover you were geeky?
A: When I was younger, I never really felt like I fit in because I loved different things than all the other girls and was obsessed with animation, Star Wars, and other sci-fi and nerdy fandoms. When it came time to enter high school, I ended up switching schools so I could be in the airbrushing, art and animation classes. It was there that I received an amazing foundation of the arts and animation. Many of my peers had these same passions and it was wonderful to be in a community that was positive and supported one another.
Q: If you could take any fictional character out for a drink, whom would you choose and what would you drink?
A: Good question! I think it would be really fun to take Buzz Lightyear and go to the Mad Hatter’s tea part from Alice in Wonderland and celebrate everyone’s unbirthdays! And then go dancing! Who knew Buzz had such amazing dance moves until Toy Story 3!
Q: What would you tell your 13 year old self?
A: I would tell my 13 year old self that following your dreams is one of the hardest and most difficult things you will ever go through. But it will also be the most rewarding because of the lessons you will learn and the people you will meet along the way. Create the work that makes your heart happy and never let others tell you that you can’t love something, be something, or achieve your dreams. When you put time, energy and love, into anything that you create, and you find the courage to share that with the world, that is when you’ll connect with people who want to be connected to you. And also brace yourself, you will see multiple new Star Wars movies in your lifetime! So be proud of the things you love.
Emma Bauer is a Being Geek Chic Contributor. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, dog lover, tea drinker, art appreciator, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. Follow her on Twitter: @emmalynnbauer
