Clip-Art Creator Interview: Saroum V Giroux

               Clip-Art Creator Interview: Saroum V Giroux

1. Could you tell us a little bit about your art background?

I've been drawing since I was pretty young. Probably 10 years old. I started taking art classes in high school and just loved it. It was only until my senior year of high school that I realized I knew how to paint. I went to San Diego State University and graduated with an art degree, with an emphasis in painting. I taught drawing classes for elementary kids for about a year . I then ventured off into a photography and graphic design business and have been a freelance artist for the last five years. Art is a big part of my life as I am now currently homeschooling my two elementary kids incorporating as much creative learning as possible. I also have a real estate investment business with my husband.  In flipping homes with my husband, I am able to utilize my art and design experiences to help home design and decor.

2. Do you have any tips for TPT sellers (who use clip art) or clip-artists?

For TPT sellers, I highly suggest using quality clip art and for clip artists, I recommend avoiding comparing your work with others. Do not judge your starting line with someone else's finish line.

3. What is your favorite subject matter to work with when it comes to your clip-art?

So far I love creating alphabet and number clip art with specific themes.

4. Do you take requests? 

Yes, I love working on ideas and collaborating with others. I have so many ideas in my sketchbook and hope I can make them come alive!

5. Do you have any related websites to share?

Yes, I have my website which has my blog, portfolio and shop that is related to my clip art work as well as my art and photography work and projects. Check it out at www.artbysaroum.com and I just launched my shop. So hope you have fun browsing.

6. What do you hope to accomplish with your clip-art?

I hope that I'll be able to create a large portfolio of clip art work and continue to grow as an illustrator. And along this journey, I hope to have meet others that support my work, in turn, having a community of artists and art lovers.

7. If you made a million dollars off your clip-art, how would you spend it? 

If I made a million dollars off my clip art, I'll probably scream at first. I'll love to invest some of the money in real estate and then do what I've always wanted to do and that is sponsor a child in each continent of the world!  I'll also love to start a non-profit to help children by creating a camp that nurtures a love for art and nature.

Gem vs. Baby

 Stardate  April 13, 2017

Most days, I try to act with integrity, accountability, take responsibility for my actions and do the right thing.  Today was not one of those days.

It happened at a store in the mall I will refer to as Action Figure World.  I had been going through a difficult transition period in life, and drove up to the mall listening to the local contemporary church-y station in an attempt to feel better about little things I shouldn't have been worrying about.  Some twenty minutes later, there I was, scrambling to find a dorky Easter gift for my husband.  It had to be something personalized, but not too expensive.  Childcare options did not work out and I had recently left my job to stay home with my son.  Finances have never been tighter, so I needed to choose carefully.

I wandered around the store in a sleep-deprived daze, searching for something to complete a basket-on-a-budget.  To my delight, my little nerdling seemed taken with his surroundings, oogling the heroes and Jedi relics that adorned the wall. 

We walked by a shelf of "Stephen Universe and the Crystal Gems" pop figures that took me back to my pregnancy days when I would  binge watch the cartoon and sing the theme song to the wiggly baby in my belly.  All was well and we journeyed on, yet to find the perfect basket surprise.

"Wow, he really likes that!" One of my fellow nerd shoppers exclaimed. "I think he likes the taste!"  I looked down in the stroller to see my son devouring the corner of the cardboard box.  He has quite a mouthful of teeth for a baby his age, and is beginning to resemble "Dale" from Rescue Rangers.  Those teeth...they can gnaw.

But the bite-mark isn't too bad, I told myself.  In the back of my mind, I could hear the leader of the Crystal Gems telling me to just buy it.  You wrecked it, you bought it.

No, I decided, I don't need a Lapis Lazuli Pop Vinyl right now.   It's probably the last thing I need.

She returned to her place on the shelf.

It's not a big deal.  What does it matter? It's just a nibble in the corner.  The figure itself is perfectly fine.

"Um, you need to buy that.  I can't sell that to customers," said a voice from beyond.  Alas, the ever-observant, short-haired Action Figure World lady knew all and saw all.   

So I apologized for my bad decision-making and bought Lapis Lazuli like I should have done in the first place.  It couldn't have been Rose Quartz?!  The clerk was nice about it, but made her point and I understood.

At first I felt anger, for getting caught doing something so stupid, for now being forced to buy a Lapis Lazuli Pop Vinyl I didn't need. Then I felt shame. Seriously, I never want to be "that" person in a place of business.  I respect shopkeepers and public places.  I mean, the Crystal Gems wouldn't do something like that! (Well, Amethyst totally would, but I digress.)

To make a long story short, this gnawed on Lapis Lazuli is now my favorite pop figure in the house.  Times are tough, but I am lucky and blessed in many ways.  It also serves as a reminder to do the right thing even when you are your worst.  Someone is always watching, be it God, T.J. Eckleburg, or Action Figure World employees.

Everything Else Elevens: 11 Underrated Female Literary Characters

I know Jo March, Lucy Pevansie, and Anne of Green Gables and had an impact on who I was and who I am. But this post isn't about the Jos, the Lucys, or the Annes.   I've noticed in some circles, often literary ones, there are certain female characters who have a status they don't deserve.  Some are forgotten, some are underrated, some are frequently disliked or dismissed, and others should be more well known.  With that being said, I give you my list of the Top* 11 Underrated Female Literary Characters!
*=Not necessarily the "top", but the top 11 that came to mind. :)

(Be warned, some spoilers ahead!)

Qualifications: 

A) It had to be from a book I've read (I am not counting movie portrayals)

B) I have to had both enjoyed the book and felt something for the character/learned something from the character

C) The character is either underrated, generally disliked, unknown, or in the shadow of another main character

D) The character cannot be an already celebrated/beloved character (such as Lizzie Bennet, Jo March, Lucy Pevansie, Katniss, etc.)

E) They could be a main character, but are from a book series that deserves more attention.

F) The focus is more on the character than the content, criticism, and reputation of the book.


Amy March

Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott

Amy March tends to get a bad rap in literary circles.  Sure, she has her ditsy moments and makes some questionable choices (the beloved Jo does as well...)  So why all the hate for the youngest March sister?  Amy starts the story on the spoiled, vain, and selfish side...but she is twelve for goodness sakes!  Yes, some of the Amy hate may stem from the fact that...(spoiler)... she marries Jo's suitor and best friend, Laurie.  However, she does grow up and demonstrates a deep love for her family as the story progresses. While I always related to Jo more than Amy, I appreciated Amy's interest in the arts and her creativity and talent.  Cultured and sophisticated Amy wasn't afraid to give Laurie (her suitor at the time) a stern lecture when he needed it and speaks her mind throughout the novel. Jo will be my forever favorite (possibly all-time favorite), but I always found Amy to be the most entertaining of the March sisters, and the most underrated.

Mother Abigail

The Stand

by Stephen King

There are some fascinating female characters in the StephenKingverse (and apocalypse genre in general), but this lady is one of the strongest heroines to date.  Surviving the apocalypse as a 106 (108?) year old independent woman all alone cant be an easy task.  Mother Abigail rises as a leader and is the glue that holds the mission of the story together.  Despite experiencing a variety of hardships and heartaches, she remains kind, determined, and strong in her faith.  Sure, Frannie and Nadine deserve their places in fictional character acclaim, but let us not forget this wise elder who fights, survives, and leads her people to take a stand.

Angela Wexler

The Westing Game
by Ellen Raskin 

Without giving away any spoilers in possibly the best mystery in children's literature,  Angela Wexler (and The Westing Game) should be as famous as Agatha Christie!  Ms. Wexler is a character who is pressured into a marriage she resents, seen as "just a pretty face", and dismissed as a nobody.  While her spunky younger sister, Turtle, deserves her praise, Angela has her own place in literary history.  Described as having one of the "best character development arcs in a mystery" by an English teacher, Turtle's kindhearted and demure sister makes some big changes and brings some big surprises, shaking up the quirky cast of other timeless characters playing The Westing Game.

Polgara

The Belgariad

by David Eddings

Polgara is a formidable sorceress from the beloved Belgariad series.  She is on the list for a) not being as well known as Gandalf and Dumbledore when she (and her father) deserve to be on the same tier...and b) gets a reputation of being too "bitchy"in some circles.  Her sometimes cold and condescending personality makes sense once you learn more about her backstory and experiences.  Some readers attribute this problem to the fact that too many other female characters in the story are portrayed this way (which is true! But they are still great books with great characters.)  For Polgara, I always found her to be a witty, intelligent, wise, and sometimes nurturing character with a mysterious past.  My favorite scenes were always the Polgara scenes. You go, Aunt Pol!

Melanie Wilkes

From Gone With the Wind 
by Margaret Mitchell*

Saccharine sweet and kindhearted Melanie Wilkes lacks the fire, wit, and determination we see in the infamous Scarlett O'Hara.  I'll admit I enjoy the Scarlett scenes and find Ms. O'Hara more fascinating than Miss Melanie as most do, but which one would you really want to be your friend? While Scarlett, despite her (many) flaws certainly deserves her recognition as a beloved heroine. Melanie, on the other hand, is often dismissed as boring or forgettable or even a doormat-despite the fact she openly defends other characters in an almost defiant way(such as prostitute Belle, the infamous rogue (Rhett), and Scarlett herself.) However, she is not perfect, and harbors a lot of ignorance associated with the setting and time of the novel. (There is a lot to be discussed about the book in terms of history, racism, and some pretty warped perspectives)*. Throughout the chaotic changes and dramatic events of this tumultuous time in American history, Melanie remains genuinely kind, calm, loving, and probably the most forgiving character in literature 'till the very end.

Rosalie Cullen

Twilight

by Stephanie Meyer

*Disclaimer* Yes, I know.  Yes, Twilight. Yes, I am well aware of the flaws, trust me.  There was a time before the movies came out, the first book was neat hipster "secret" that one of my former students described as a "gothic mind trip".  Twilight is no "Gone With the Wind" or "Little Women", but I enjoyed this guilty pleasure back in the day.  However, my favorite part of the story wasn't Bella, Edward, or Jacob.  I liked the vampire family and found their backstories and characters more interesting than the love story.  One of the best characters, in my opinion, is one of the least appreciated.  Even among the Cullen Clan, it is usually perky Alice or stoic Carlisle who gets the attention. Rosalie, on the other hand, is "edgy" for Twilight and takes the book to another level.  Sure, she was kind of snooty to Bella, but there is some real character development behind her personality.  It is not Bella's, but Rosalie's backstory and character makes Twilight feel more like a real "vampire novel".

Samara Marshall

Living Violet

by Jaime Reed

Speaking of Twilight, this character (or her story) couldn't be more opposite than Bella Swan. As the main protagonist in Jaime Reed's Living Violet (Cambion Chronicles), Samara is a character you feel you "know".  Sure, the book has your boyfriend "from beyond", but this spunky, snarky, Shakespeare-quoting character was a lot of fun and gives the reader a refreshing take on the genre.  Samara's voice and actions come across in a natural and believable way that works well in the story.  I don't want to give away any spoilers, but Samara is a unique lead heroine in a unique paranormal romance that deserves more attention.  Some of her inner thoughts had me laughing.  Great voice, great character.

Fleur Delacour

 Harry Potter Series

by J.K. Rowling

I remember the Harry Potter discussions.  Who is your favorite supporting character? This was usually met by the typical Hagrid, Cho, Ginny, Mrs. Weasley, -even Draco replies.  Who is your least favorite character?  So many times Fleur Delacour came up in conversation.  Why? She's "flaky" or "spoiled" or "high maintenance".  That is partly true, but if that's the case, why does everyone love a spoiled, mean, and high maintenance character named Draco Malfoy?!  I do think some of the Fleur hate stemmed from the fact that two beloved characters-Mrs.Weasley and Ginny Weasley- did not share Ron's enthusiasm for the Beauxbatons witch. To me, despite some of her flaws, Fleur makes some surprisingly heroic, strong, and non-judgemental decisions.  She shows a deep love of her sister, gratitude when she is protected, and shows how much she truly loves her soulmate in the face of crisis.   She may come across as another pretty face, but there is more to Fleur than meets the eye. (Though she probably shouldn't have dissed Mrs. Weasley's music choices.)

Nya

A Long Walk to Water

Linda Sue Park

I first encountered Nya when my mother encouraged me to read "A Long Walk to Water" by.   I'm glad I heeded Mom's advice, because I couldn't put it down!  While Nya's part of the story takes up a little less than half of the book (the other is devoted to another character) any girl that has to walk barefoot for miles to retrieve water for her family...then walk BACK with it on her head...deserves some recognition! The other main character, Salva, gets more literary attention. However, there is a good reason, as Salva is a real person and Nya is fictional.  It's also important to consider that Nya, while a fictional character, represents the reality of many girls in some parts of Africa.  Check out this fast-paced read to learn more about this brave girl. (Side point, but this book does  A LOT of good for real people. In so many ways. Check it out!)

Susan Pevansie

Chronicles of Narnia

by C.S. Lewis

While I love C.S. Lewis and the Narnia Chronicles, I spent many years feeling rather unhappy with the way Susan's character was handled in the end.  To avoid major spoilage, I won't go into the details.  However, I've found there is much more to Susan's "end" than meets the eye, and lots of open doors for the character after researching the subject years later.  Ending aside, Susan is a character in Narnia that is often forgotten.  No wonder she feels the way she does when she is older!  Everyone has a lot to say about brave and righteous Peter, courageous and imaginative Lucy, and even the sneaky yet goodhearted Edmund. Then there is Susan. The girl that isn't Lucy.  Susan is a practical, motherly, and stubborn character who always wants the best for her family, and rises up to face many challenges in the story. As a skilled archer, she is proactive and daring, playing a big role in the history of Narnia. She is definitely a character who deserves more cred, and who knows, maybe a better "ending" awaits Susan after all...

Mrs. Frisby

Mrs.Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

by Robert C. O'Brien
Mrs. Frisby isn't your typical middle grade  heroine for a few reasons...she's a single mother, she's a widow, and did I mention she's a mouse?  This daring rodent makes the list for starting the book as a skittish and nervous field mouse and evolving into a hero who is more courageous than the bravest rats.  To date, Mrs. Frisby is the only main protagonist of a middle grade novel (I can think of) who is actually an "adult" and a mother.  Motivated by a desire to protect her children and save her sick son, Mrs. Frisby is one of the literary greats.  To find out why, give this timeless novel a read! (Some parts are quite different than the animated film!)