About Me
Artist Statement
The goal of my art is to encourage storytellers. Whether they enjoy the stories I craft in my illustrations or are inspired by my work to create their own. I want to share the stories in my head, bring life to the stories of others, and help encourage exciting new ideas and characters. Stories have always played an important role in stirring my creativity. From mangas like The Girl From the Other Side by Nagabe, to the fantasy illustrations of Wayne Reynolds and Varguy, to open world video games like Skyrim and The Legend of Zelda Breathe of the Wild, to the stories created by playing tabletop role playing games with friends and those played by others (such as Critical Role, Dimeson 20, and The Adventure Zone: Balance). Stories and art that mix the fantastical with the real continue to help me find my own creativity and I want my work to do that for others as well.
Process is an integral part of my work, particularly research and ideation. Researching not only for images used as reference but also understanding what I am making. I am fascinated by researching how objects, ideas, and history/folklore are made and how they work. Then twisting these researched ideas with my imagination. This is why I focus on concept and fantasy art. Creating new and unique items and environments that give a sense of realistic yet still new and interesting worlds. After research, I will sketch either in a physical sketch book or in a digital program with a pencil like brush. If I am making a prop, I will do silhouettes, rough sketches, cleaned sketches, and colors. If I am making an environment or full illustrations; thumbnail sketches, black and white comps (value comps), color comps, line work, and then the final render. Depending on the project, I also enjoy using dip pen. Using a more freeform approach to the fantasy elements I create.
My traditional and digital works rely heavily on linework, as my style flourishes with details. The props, environments, and characters are cartoonish stylized in nonrealistic proportions and simple coloring. My style lends itself to adjustments in the designs quickly. Meaning I can take feedback and critiques from colleagues and make changes immediately. In these changes I find that my capacity for the stories I want to tell grows. Getting new ideas from those around me allows my own stories to grow and reach more people. So, all that being said, please join me in making new stories together.
The goal of my art is to encourage storytellers. Whether they enjoy the stories I craft in my illustrations or are inspired by my work to create their own. I want to share the stories in my head, bring life to the stories of others, and help encourage exciting new ideas and characters. Stories have always played an important role in stirring my creativity. From mangas like The Girl From the Other Side by Nagabe, to the fantasy illustrations of Wayne Reynolds and Varguy, to open world video games like Skyrim and The Legend of Zelda Breathe of the Wild, to the stories created by playing tabletop role playing games with friends and those played by others (such as Critical Role, Dimeson 20, and The Adventure Zone: Balance). Stories and art that mix the fantastical with the real continue to help me find my own creativity and I want my work to do that for others as well.
Process is an integral part of my work, particularly research and ideation. Researching not only for images used as reference but also understanding what I am making. I am fascinated by researching how objects, ideas, and history/folklore are made and how they work. Then twisting these researched ideas with my imagination. This is why I focus on concept and fantasy art. Creating new and unique items and environments that give a sense of realistic yet still new and interesting worlds. After research, I will sketch either in a physical sketch book or in a digital program with a pencil like brush. If I am making a prop, I will do silhouettes, rough sketches, cleaned sketches, and colors. If I am making an environment or full illustrations; thumbnail sketches, black and white comps (value comps), color comps, line work, and then the final render. Depending on the project, I also enjoy using dip pen. Using a more freeform approach to the fantasy elements I create.
My traditional and digital works rely heavily on linework, as my style flourishes with details. The props, environments, and characters are cartoonish stylized in nonrealistic proportions and simple coloring. My style lends itself to adjustments in the designs quickly. Meaning I can take feedback and critiques from colleagues and make changes immediately. In these changes I find that my capacity for the stories I want to tell grows. Getting new ideas from those around me allows my own stories to grow and reach more people. So, all that being said, please join me in making new stories together.
Artist Bio
Kelsey Ward was born in California, but moved from place to place until eventually settling Colorado where they consider their home to be. They studied art at Fort Lewis College, getting a BA in Art in 2016. After graduating they taught stop motion animation and drawing with a non-profit called Rocky Mountain Animation Labs. After two years of teaching, they decided to purse their masters degree. They received their Masters of Fine Arts in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design in March of 2021. During their studies they also had a concept design internship with the company: Uncultured Schwein. As part of their masters thesis, they developed their own Table Top Role Playing Game called: Builders' Guild. In 2022 they became an adjunct professor with Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.
Kelsey Ward is a Non-binary artists that uses they/them pronouns.
Kelsey Ward was born in California, but moved from place to place until eventually settling Colorado where they consider their home to be. They studied art at Fort Lewis College, getting a BA in Art in 2016. After graduating they taught stop motion animation and drawing with a non-profit called Rocky Mountain Animation Labs. After two years of teaching, they decided to purse their masters degree. They received their Masters of Fine Arts in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design in March of 2021. During their studies they also had a concept design internship with the company: Uncultured Schwein. As part of their masters thesis, they developed their own Table Top Role Playing Game called: Builders' Guild. In 2022 they became an adjunct professor with Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.
Kelsey Ward is a Non-binary artists that uses they/them pronouns.
Builders' Guild (ttrpg):
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/381094/Builders-Guild |
Contact Me
Professional Email: [email protected]
Feel free to contact me and I will try to respond as quickly as possible!
Professional Email: [email protected]
Feel free to contact me and I will try to respond as quickly as possible!