Q: What is your full name and do you have any nicknames that you go by as an artist?

A: My full name is Mullica Zudsiri. Haha I have no middle name. No nickname as of yet besides the fact that my blog is iamtea-rriffic.

Q: How old are you and are you currently, planning to, or have attended art school?

A: I am 19 years old. I’ll be turning 20 this April. I am currently a sophomore at the Hartford Art School in West Hartford, Connecticut. I am a graphic design majorwith minors in ceramics and art history.

Q: Where were you raised and does this play an role in your artwork?

A: I moved multiple times as a child but predominantly stayed in the North New Jersey area all my life. I’m really close to New York City so I think that’s played a big role but also since I moved a lot I found the easiest way to make friends was through my art. I drew a lot of friends in my day.

Q: Who and what inspires your art? Besides the usual answer such as family and life?

A: Gosh haha what can I say that hasn’t been said before? I think I’m strongly influenced by philosophy and also spirituality. I’m strongly invested into work that deals with other people.

Q: What is the first thing that pops in your head when you wake up in the morning?

A: Mostly I think…damn that was too quick. I love sleep, it’s the best escape. You can’t ever get hungover from too much sleep! Especially art students, lol.

Q: When was the first time you remember drawing something as a child, and, what was it?

A: My mom hated it but I use to draw on the walls of all our apartments since I was like 3 or 4. I always drew people, so lots of stick figures!

Q: How would you describe your art?

A: Honestly I feel my art is still very art student. I’m still trying to figure it out. I don’t really have a clue which direction to go. I just know its gotta affect people. I didn’t plan on being an artist or studying art. That wasn’t an option for me before. My mom did eventually have to get over it when I decided my senior year of high school to apply.

Q: When you encounter an artistic slump; how do you come out of it?

A: I usually try to go do something else. If you already know you aren’t going to be productive might as well make better use of that time. Besides usually great ideas spring up from totally having a good time enjoying life.

Q: If you would send out a message in a bottle for the next generation of artists to read, what would it say?

A: I think it would have to say. “Yes, you are an artist but remember we all are. You just happened to be ahead of the curve  =) .”

Q: What art tools can’t you live without and why?

A: I can’t live without my x-acto blade because it’s handy for sharpening every drawing tool. I carry it with me on campus late at night and it’s just great for cutting everything in between. I also can’t live without really good pens. Discovering rapidograph pens made my life. I’m more of a line artist than anything.

Q: What non-art items can’t you live without?

A: I can’t live without….duh duh duh. MY IPOD! It’s the best way to avoid talking to people when you walk around campus. I also have a serious lip balm addiction.

Q: How personal do you get in your artwork?

A: I don’t think I get very personal. That describes my personality well. I’m very much about other people and I also have this mentality to hold in a lot of my own problems. Then I explode, but thankfully the important people in my life forgive me.

Q: What is your biggest motivation as an artist? This is different from inspiration, what I’m asking is what makes you pick up that brush, pencil, pen ect…?

A: Honestly, as cheesy as it sounds the strongest motivation I have is other people. I don’t think I’m strongly self-motivated. I love drawing other people because I love bringing a smile to their face.

Q: What is your favorite movie and book?

A: I’m so bad with these questions because I don’t collect either. I have a habit of watching or reading either or once or twice, if it was in my own possession. I’ll say one of my favorite movies is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and …..Avatar. That movie was excellent. Favorite book I’ll say my philosophy text book.

Q: What are you listening to on your iPod right now, and does music play a role in your art?

A: Right now I’m listening to this youtuber Gabe Bondoc. I love his voice and just the energy about him. I also think that the asian american youtube artists are sooo talented and we need more of that in the mainstream. We’re not as diverse as we want to think we are. I think music plays a role because it helps keep my energy going on long studio nights.

Q: How do you feel when you are working on an art piece in terms or feelings, emotions?

A: I’m usually impatient. I like to see results fast. So if i’m not getting anywhere after a few hours, I get frustrated really easily.

Q: Besides your art; are there any hobbies that you like to indulge inn?

A: I love to sing and play guitar. I’m not great but it’s enough. I also love drinking tea!

Q: Is social media(blogs, myspace, facebook) and the internet in your words good for the art world. And for you as an artist?

A: I think they are. I can find references and learn about art so much more quickly. I also think they’ re a great way to expose yourself. I mean that’s exactly why I have this interview with you! It’s because of my tumblr. =)

Q: There is an big issue with people posting art and photographs on social networking sites (including tumblr ) without giving credit to the artist. What are you thoughts on this and has it ever happened to you?

A: I usually post pictures of art or photos and I try my best to at least give credit to the artist. I think it is very necessary. We put a lot of time getting to this point where we produce art that actually says something other people can relate to. I mean it is a continual life process. It’s like not giving credit to the fact I was born!

Q: Where could people be able to find your art?

A: They can find my art at tearrifficcaricatures.tumblr.com! That’s where I do my caricatures of fellow tumblrs. You can also go to iamtea-rriffic.tumblr.com! That’s my personal blog and where I post some of my art that aren’t caricatures.

Q: Any advice to give to other artists out there?

A: I definitely believe in putting yourself out there. Artists need to do a lot of work before they can put themselves out there and get paid. So don’t be discouraged if people don’t catch on right away. You have to be strong and take criticism well. It can only make you better.

Q: Is there anything else you’ll like to say?

A: This is my first interview ever! Thank you so much! I can’t wait to read this in a couple years and look back and see someone else in my position. These questions have also helped me to evaluate where I am right now and what I want to work on.