Suvudu Universe

Today’s spotlight is on Gisele! You can find Gisele at her personal site and on Tumblr.

Over the past few weeks, I noticed an increase in Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee fan art over on Tumblr. Both light and effortless, Gisele’s art makes me feel like I’m walking on clouds in my own fantasy world. There’s a simple elegance to her style that I genuinely adore, and for that very reason, I wanted to highlight her talent and love for Star Wars.

Gisele is also currently working on a personal comic project, entitled Star Strip. Make sure to check that out!

Tell us about yourself.
I am a Canadian illustrator and writer. Truthfully, I have a Masters degree in English Literature and Language, but over several years, I have taught myself to draw and I love it so much!

When and how did you become a Star Wars fan?
Star Wars has always been part of my childhood. My mother, in an attempt to keep me and my brothers quiet for an afternoon, had us watch the original trilogy. I truly got into Star Wars, though, when I saw the prequel movies as a teen. I loved the prequels so much; their visual style and cinematics left me in awe. Since seeing those movies, I have wanted to create an expansive story just like them. The Clone Wars television series helped seal the deal in me becoming a full fangirl, though.

What tools do you use to create your art?
I usually use Photoshop CS5 from sketch to final product. Though, I sometimes just sketch on paper and then scan it for revision in to PS. I also use a Monoprice drawing tablet which is fantastic and inexpensive!

Ahsoka and Barriss in “Street Fashion” by Gisele J.

What is your favorite Star Wars piece that you have created and why are you fond of it?
Well, as of yet, most of my pieces have been quick sketches I do in between comic work, but I am very fond of the one I did of Ahsoka and Barriss in Coruscant “street fashion.”

What’s the best and worst thing about being an artist?
The best thing about being an artist is having the ability to take your ideas and fully visualize them for others to see. Additionally, the artistic community is especially supportive, which I think is also tops!

The worst thing is how main stream media and the “average person” often devalues art. The stigmatizing of artists as people who haven’t really grown up, the misunderstanding of how much work actually goes into a piece, the idea that it’s alright to pay an artist below minimum wage for their work because “they’re doing what they love anyways,” as well as the romanticization of the “starving artist” which is silly because most artists I know love to eat.

Star Wars Rebels comes out this year. What are some of your theories concerning the plot or characters? What are you looking forward to seeing the most?
I don’t know if I can theorize that much on the plot to be honest. I do dread that it will end on a sad note since the main characters of the show are not the main characters of the original trilogy. Unless, of course, they’re set to appear in the new movie coming out. I have a strong feeling that Ahsoka Tano might return! Seeing as how she was such a popular character in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, I don’t see how they could keep her out. Of course, she will probably just show up as a background character. What I am looking forward to seeing the most is more representation of ladies in the new series, which is looking good so far with Hera and Sabine as two of the main characters. I’m holding out hope they’re written well.

Are you looking forward to the future Star Wars films? What are your hopes or worries?
Since finding out that Lupita Nyong’o is staring in it, yes, I am very much looking forward to the new films. As with Star Wars Rebels, I hope that the new movies have good female representation. I worry, though, that it’s being directed by J.J. Abrams who’s style, in my opinion, is getting a little tired. Still, I am sure it will be fun, and at the very least, visually stunning!

How else do you express your love for Star Wars (cosplay, fanfiction, etc.)?
I have been writing scripts for quite a few fan comics to be honest, and I do plan to start in on the art for them soon. I haven’t written fanfiction in a while. I don’t have the skill for it. I think I’m not very good at writing out descriptive dialogue. Although, I haven’t done any Star Wars cosplay yet, I do plan on cosplaying as Master Luminara Unduli for next year’s Comic Con!

Any final thoughts?
I am truly honoured that my art has been featured here! Thank you so much!

It is my great pleasure to feature your art here at The Wookiee Gunner. I’m all about supporting the expression of fandom love and appreciation through fan art. Keep up the amazing work, Gisele! I know your awesome talent and abilities will take you far.