Up-And-Coming: Brooke Weeber

Whimsical, nature-based scenes brought to life through illustration

Brooke Weeber is a Portland-based Illustrator whose work I came across via Cool Hunting. Her creativity, nature-based scenes and originality immediately grabbed my attention. The indie-ish style of her work is so natural and thought provoking to look at. After doing a little more research I soon found out about the interesting journey Brooke has been on to get to where she is now. “After receiving her BFA in painting from the University of Oregon in 2003, Brooke flew her native Northwest for the big city, where she focused on her other passion – professional baking. She received a degree in Professional Pastry Baking at the French Culinary Institute of New York in 2005 and worked as a high-end cake decorator immediately. Craving more trees and more drawing space, Brooke packed up her apartment and re-rooted herself in Portland in 2009.” Her intricate, humorous and beard-obsessed watercolor and ink designs got me wondering about the creative process, attitude and work ethic that goes into creative work such as hers. I contacted her and she was kind enough to be interested in sharing her thoughts with us. Below is an interview with Brooke Weeber.

Name: Brooke Noelle Weeber

Hometown: Eugene, Oregon

Current Location: Portland, Oregon

Tell us a little about how you became interested in drawing and art?

I’ve been interested in art since I picked up my first crayon. I took art classes throughout my childhood education and once I realized I could major in it it seemed like a no brainer. When I was younger my mother was a great influence on me. She dazzled me some of the wonderful things she’d painted in college and always encouraged me to follow my passion.

I know that much of your inspiration comes through various landscapes as well as Greek and Native American culture but do any of your drawings have any deep meaning to them? Or do you just create as you go?

I don’t plan my work out very thoroughly or conceptually. I grew tired of overanalyzing my work while I was in art school. I feel that my illustrations come out more organically if I start with something small and let it naturally grow from there, adding various elements as I go along. That allows me the freedom to change my mind what the piece is about.

Whats on your iPod right now?

I’ve been listening to the new St. Vincent a lot as well as the new Feist record. Both albums are really stellar albums to work to. Other than that, I’d say Nurses, Bryan John Appleby, Tune-Yards, the Givers, Bill Callahan and Twin Sister, just to name a few.

I always ask this… Any vices you care to share?

I’m a sweets freak. Before I became a full time illustrator, I was a baker for about 12 years and it made a total monster out of me. I still bake a couple times a week, always have ice cream in the fridge and bags of chocolate chips in the cupboard.

Who are a few of your favourite artists and why?

Andrew Wan because I love her skilled use of watercolor, her dramatic shapes and her fantastic imagination. Cendrine Rovini because of her delicate and ghostly illustrations with an intentionally feminine and somewhat off-putting edge. Deedee Cheriel, who’s colorful nature-based paintings have a fantastically uncomfortable quality that really appeals to me. Those three only scratch the surface of the long list of artists I admire.

Mac or PC?

Mac, all the way.

Your t-shirts are great! They have a very indie-original look to them. Will you be releasing any more in the near future?

Thanks! I don’t have any specific plans to make more on my own, mostly due to printing costs. However there may be some collaborations in the works coming up after the holidays!

Which artist would you look up to most for inspiration?

Carson Ellis is an amazing artist and wonderful acquaintance of mine. I adored her work throughout college and it’s been amazing to watch her develop into such a talented illustrator. If you haven’t seen her and Colin Meloys’ new book “Wildwood,” I implore you to check it out. The pictures illustrate the book beautifully, it will take you on an amazing adventure. I aspire to be as well rounded and accomplished as her someday.

Is it easier to become a successful artist in today’s age with the Internet?

Absolutely. Just speaking of Etsy, for one example. Here’s a marketplace for artists and merchants to sell their work in a way that was never possible before. Prospective buyer’s go to one location to search out artists and buy prints from artists shops. It’s uncomplicated with very little fees involved. Add on to that facebook, twitter, and tumblr, and the ability to “share” artists work through all those sights, it’s pretty amazing. That also means, however, that your competition has the same exposure opportunities you do, if they choose to use it. It’s an overwhelmingly large community and it can be hard to find the recognition you might deserve and somewhat defeating when you don’t. You just have to keep at it, keep putting yourself out there. Persevere and you will find your audience.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming an artist?

I’d say go for it! There’s absolutely no reason not to. Everyone should try it, it’s healthy for your mind and encourages you to think creatively and look at things in a different way.