BTA: Stella Fire

We teamed up with a few artists and Creators for our #IMVUAdvent Calendar on Instagram. One of them was Stella Fire, who goes by Stellar Ink when editing. Check out her story below, Behind The Avatar. 

IMVU: What’s your Avatar Name?

StellaFire: StellaFire

IMVU: How did you get started on IMVU?

SF: I got started on IMVU when a friend of mine back in high school recommended it to me. This was back when we had mics and credit ATMs lol. I immediately fell in love with this virtual world and it was just so cool to be able to make friends around the world and have fun.

IMVU: Why did you create a Stellar Ink from your regular account Stella?

SF: I created Stellar Ink as a way to separate my Fun/ Personal IMVU life, and my Art/business IMVU life. I wanted to build a brand that IMVU users would recognize and wanted to be more approachable when it came to other users asking me for artwork.

 

IMVU: How did you get started as an artist on IMVU?

SF: At first I was just trying something new. My editing skills weren’t that great and it was more of a hobby. But with the amazing support system from family, friends, other IMVU businesses, and my “starlets” I have been encouraged to pursue my dream of becoming a graphic artist. Over the years editing for IMVU users has taught me so much and I am so grateful for having such inspiring people around me. Yes it took lots of time and effort on my part, but I definitely owe it all to those who have helped me along the way. (You know who you are)

IMVU: What have been some of your favorite edits? 

SF: My favorite edits tend to be the fantasy ones. I just love when my final art piece looks like it could tell a full story.

IMVU: How often do you create new edits?

SF: I find myself editing all the time, whether it’s for my clients, or personal work. I am very grateful for my fellow IMVU community members that commission me regularly to make art for them. Editing is and always will be a passion of mine so getting to do it often is a blessing.

IMVU: What do you describe as your “style” when it comes to editing?

SF: My editing style is very dynamic and changes slightly depending on what I’m working on. Over all I’d say my editing style focuses on color, and lighting. I feel like those to elements mean most to me as an artist when looking at my work.

IMVU: What advice would you give for users who might want to try their hand out in editing?

SF: My advice would be that as you venture into your own art journey try not to compare yourself to other artists. Only compare yourself to you. Look at your past work and your current work. SEE and CREDIT your progress. Decide for yourself what areas you’d like to improve on. When you focus on other peoples art, at times it can be discouraging. But if you focus on your own craft you can become your own biggest motivator!

IMVU: What do you like about IMVU? Why?

SF: I like that while MVU is a virtual world, it provides real life opportunities. Being able to connect and build relationships even when someone is literally on the other side of the earth. That’s amazing. I am happy to have been given the opportunities I have, and to have met the people I have on this amazing virtual world.