Meet Aubrianna Robinson | Cartoonist & Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aubrianna Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aubrianna, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
So there I was, alone in a tiny cafe located on the corner of a parking lot and smoke shop. It was warm and stuffy and due to recent outbreaks, we are required to wear gloves and face masks which makes me feel like a plastic bag of hot air. I was crouched under the sink, draining the crud and coffee grounds into a grime-stained bucket when I think to myself, “Is the money really worth it?” My job was supposed to just keep me financially stable, afloat during the chaos of the world. Instead it was an anchor, and I was tied between my wallet and soul.

On the weekends I went to the local park to draw people as cartoons, and it felt good to have the outdoors as my office. Although it was quiet and empty most of the time due to the lockdown, I still met all kinds of people. There was one man, however, who changed my view on myself and what I wanted. Like many people during the quarantine, this man decided to go back to old hobbies. He added that he has been attending online lectures about “How to Be Successful”. Which, as he described, meant making money, starting a business, making connections, etc.
He watched about seven of them, but only ONE described “success” as “happiness”. Do what makes you happy. Take any risk for it, and if you succeed, you’ll never feel doubt again.

Of course this makes so much sense, but it’s only human to think of the risk of failure, debt, hitting rock bottom. But, if you have a passion for something, nothing will get in your way! He walked away after we finished our conversation and I sat under the cloudy sky feeling inspired. I planned a schedule for myself, quit my job, went on a mini vacation (with no internet- that helped A LOT) stopped talking to people who made me feel bad, changed doctors, and removed all negativity.

That was over a year ago, and since then I’ve been working as an art teacher part time, helping kids make comics the professional way, joined many comic and art conventions, met new people, started my own webcomics and art store, and work as a Cartoon-Yourself artist at the park. All my income is strictly art-related and I can’t believe I haven’t done this sooner. Better late than never!

You already know the answer when you DON’T do something- you’re already living it. So why not try?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The toughest part about being an artist and creating is that it comes from your soul. It’s a part of you! Most jobs are mindless: you just file the paper needed or ring up the item and that’s it. If you do it well enough, you get promoted until you become manager, and so forth. No matter how you feel physically or mentally, you’ll get that work done.
Art is different.
You have to be ready to make art, you have to be in the zone. You can’t force it!
A lot of artists think they’re a failure when they feel less passion in their work, when in reality they just have to make a little bit of effort. There needs to be a bit of confidence to get started. Art is more than just a measly task, it’s a part of someone’s energy.
There are lots of times I struggle between making art I “should”, and making art I “want”. Once I got into a groove of what I wanted to do, I ended up making the art I should do!

It’s a long, difficult process that requires a lot of soul-searching. You’ll never feel satisfied either! As long as you never give up.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Every time a friend of mine wants to visit San Diego, they think the best time to is between August-October. NO! This is the hottest time of the year, even though it may be the opposite for the rest of the States. Best times to come would be between March-June. (The rest of the months are just 50 degrees, so that’s why I don’t prefer it, but you don’t have to listen to me)

I’d take them to the top touristy places:
BALBOA PARK, where I work as a cartoonist and know the park inside and out!
EVERY BEACH, but I’ll call them by their nicknames: Hippie Beach, Family Beach, The Okay Beach, The Beach with the Boardwalk, and the Seal Beach. (we can do this all in one day, too!)
DOWNTOWN, specifically Gaslamp after dark because there is a lot of people around and they’re fun to watch. But eating in this area is way too expensive, so it’s not a big one
OLD TOWN, especially if they like Hispanic atmospheres
CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT, this is why it would be better if they showed up when it’s not so hot because this place, although pretty, can get real hot when you’re walking around all day. Scenic views, so my artists friends and I can sit down and paint for hours with nobody to bother us!
NARNIA, there is a place in the middle of a suburban neighborhood where the rocks and trees are all graffitied and you can add some artwork 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Little Fish Comic Book Studio, where I learned that kids aren’t as scary as I thought! Plus, they help me figure out what’s popular so I can succeed with my comics, heehee.

Comic Artists of San Diego (CASD), because they inspire me and I love going to conventions/field trips with them!

Alex Hoey, for being my light and teaching me that being kind is the most important thing in life.

Website: https://www.aubriannarobinson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blobri/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aubrianna-robinson/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Aubrianna113

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubrianna.robinson

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC06JW2-GLatq0dPpUqjKHvQ

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@awbwi?lang=en

Image Credits
Sonic the Hedgehog fanart Over the Garden Wall fanart