(December 16, 2005) Yelena Akopyan: So tell us Erin, where did your interest in art come from? Erin Mooney : To be honest, I probably just watched too many cartoons when I was younger. Also, both my parents are animators, so that’s probably what got me started. They always encouraged me to draw. Y : Are there any special artists that influence you? E : Well other than my parents, there’s my older brother, who I always looked up to artistically. And Steven Guliano [vocalist for the band I am Ghost and Disney animator] is one of my main influences. Y : And what kind of stuff does he draw? E : Cartoon-ish, but kind of grotesque and morbid stuff. Y : Do you mainly draw, or do you also do other things like painting or sculpture? E : I mostly draw with pencils and stuff. Y : What first made you realize that you had talent at drawing? E : Well, I’ve been drawing since I was really young, pretty much since I could hold a pencil. I haven’t been taking art classes until this year, but I always knew that I just really liked drawing and it was something that I wanted to keep doing. Y : Are you taking art only at Clark, or do you do other art things outside of school? E : No, I’m just in Art 1-2 in Craemer’s class. Y : So then would you say that you’re mostly self-taught? E : Yeah I would. It’s just something I developed as I grew up; this is the first time I’ve ever even been in an art class. Y : What are some of the themes in your work? What do you draw about? Like anime? E : Yeah, but I like to have a lot of really strong emotions in what I draw, like happiness and sadness, bitterness and anger. Y : So things like emotions inspire you? E : Yeah, mine and other people’s. Just life in general. Y : Very cool. Do you plan on pursuing a career with your art? E : I know I want to be a graphic designer, but I’m not really sure more specifically. Y : But you think it’s going to involve some form of art? E : Yeah, yeah.