Interview with Olivia Penero [blackkisses]

What is your specialty?

Fashion Design is my thing.

Where can we view your portfolio online?

At my blogs: http://thedrawingdiaries.blogspot.com , http://writingaddsspicetolife.wordpress.com

What made you interested in design?

The rise of the 6-inch-heels! I so adore them!

How would you define your design style?

I am a true lover of the classics and the little black dress. So, I go for classic chic, casual clothes, mini dresses and coats. And don't forget the heels.

Shapes, color, concept: where do you usually begin when conceiving a design?

I start with getting a clear concept, which would be a basis for my work. I have to finalize what theme I would be doing, for example, clothes for winter or summer.

Which festivals or awards in your field do you find most interesting?

The never-ending fashion shows for Chanel, DKNY, YSL, etc.

What is your favourite type of customer?

Someone who will be honest enough to tell me if they do like what I'm suggesting them, and being polite in doing so. Customers should also be aware of what style fits them, so when he/she goes to buy at my fashion boutique (in the future), we can work as a team to find what suits her/him best.

List some things you dislike seeing in design.

Exaggerated proportions which would never make its way into the streets and wrong color combination. Trust me, this happens.

Do you believe the newer generations are better at designing?

Not all modern fashion designers are better, just good or okay.

Which software applications do you most utilize in your work?

ONLY Photoshop! It's so wonderful to have these kind of software available to the public.

Up to what point do your designs reflect your personality?

Everything I do reflects my personality. I design with who I am as a person.

How do you distinguish passing fads from mainstays in new trends?

Comfort is always essential to fashion. Who would want uncomfy trends to last?

If you weren't a designer, what would you be doing?

I would either be a writer or a lawyer, I suppose.

Can you see yourself in this field twenty years from now?

Yes, of course! I intend to ba more than a low-class fashion designer. I want to make it to the likes of D&G and Chanel!

Have you completed formal art studies, or are you self-taught?

I'm currently studying Digital Illustration and Animation at a University, but most of my works are self-taught, using the internet as my main source of materials for reference.

How similar are your current drawings to those you did as a child?

They are not similar at all! Haha! I used to draw the heads larger (and I mean LARGER) than the rest of the body, though my like for drawing dresses was already obvious from the start.

What was your favorite comic book as a child?

Comic books were an essential part of my growing up, and I wasn't limited to a few.

Do you have a particular style, or does it vary a lot?

My style is a variety of lines, shapes, inks, pencils, paints - anything I feel like using and doing on any given day. I try not to limit my style too much, because I find that my best art comes from random, unexpected combinations of styles.

What is hardest to draw?

I would've answered "drawing males!" a few months ago, but right now, I'm finding automobiles hardest to draw. I don;t know why, but there's something about my hands that don't seem to agree with drawing "unfeminine" autos.

What type of music do you listen to while you work?

That depends on what I WANT to draw. If I feel like drawing mythical creatures, I usually play musical scores from soundtracks like Avatar and Alice in Wonderland, but if it's a usual drawing session, anything goes. As long as I don't hear techno, hard rock or metal, all's fine.

What part of your work do you do on paper and what part digitally?

I can choose to do lineart and the coloring on both paper and digital softwares. I don't limit myself to doing a certain drawing step on a single medium.

What advice do you have for someone who likes to draw and would like to make a living from it?

Your passion should be your profession. Trust me. The world would be brighter.

What did you first read? How did you begin to write? Who were the first to read what you wrote?

The first book I read was The Wizard of Oz. I started writing when I was in my sophomore year in high school, since I was a member of our school paper. Of course, there were people who had to proof-read my work, so the first one to get a look at my style was out adviser.

What is your favorite genre? Can you provide a link to a site where we can read some of your work or learn something about it?

I can write anything from thriller to romance, for kids as well as for young adults. This is my blog site where you'll find 40+ posts of my work. This link: http://lifeat7teen.blogspot.com will lead you to the homepage though, so you'll have to navigate to read them.

What is your creative process like? What happens before sitting down to write?

When I sit down to write or ready my computer for typing my stories in, it actually means that: 1. I've done months of thinking about my plot, characters, and settings. 2. I've been able to research about my chosen main topics or necessary events in history. 3. I have a clear idea of how my story will be written.

What type of reading inspires you to write?

Romance and adventure novels spark my passion.

What voice do you find most to your liking: first person or third person?

I usually write from the third person point of view, but I'm just as comfortable with the first person and the second. Anything is fine as long as I like my plot.

What well known writers do you admire most?

I simply adore the classics: William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens. They are such gifted writers/poets, and their work serve as a major influence in my writing styles and grammar.

What is required for a character to be believable? How do you create yours?

Every good writer knows that for a story to have its full effect on readers, the characters must be believable. So how do can we make it believable? Well, first, we've got to put human qualities in the character. For example, Jane (let's use an example) should be frightened when facing danger, as any human would. She should be using language people can understand too, and, depending on what personality you want her to have, you must let the readers see (or read) that in your story and how she converses with your other characters. Make your character as human as possible, unless you're writing fiction.

Deep down inside, who do you write for?

I write for the glory of the Lord and for those hopeless romantics. :)

Is writing a form of personal therapy? Are internal conflicts a creative force?

Yes, yes. When my emotions are running high, I tend to create masterpieces of literary works without noticing it. Only when I calm down or regain my usual self do I notice how wonderful my article is.

Do you participate in competitions? Have you received any awards?

Yes. I've won lots of awards since joining our school paper, with 1st, 2nd, or 4th places out of hundreds who participated.

What do you surround yourself with in your work area in order to help your concentrate?

Music. I can't relax and get things organized without music from classic composers like Bach, Choppin, Yiruma, and Mozart. I thrive in this environment.

What sites do you frequent on-line to share experiences or information?

Normally at Blogger, Tumblr, and Facebook.

What do you recommend I do with all those things I wrote years ago but have never been able to bring myself to show anyone?

Well, it depends if you still want others to see your works. The passion has to be present, and if it still is, gather the courage to show your works to those you know who won't laugh at your mistakes, if ever, but tell you points for improvement. No one can get better in writing without being criticized first. It's after that wherein you can really know what mistakes to avoid.

What do you do? What is your musical specialty?

I am very good at singing and playing the piano/keyboard.

Do you work alone or in a group? If in a group, who are the others you work with?

I work alone, but I would love to be a member of a group.

Is there a web address where one can listen, see, or read some of your work?

http://www.youtube.com/user/faithful2him16 This is my youtube channel. :)

How did you begin making music? Who introduced you?

I started when I was 7 years old. My dad can sing pretty well too, so he and I would sing together.

When do you have your most lucid moments, in the morning or night?

I would say I get most of my energy at night. I'm kind of a night person.

How often do you practice?

I practice everyday!

How do you feel right before going out on stage?

I pray to the Lord first to give me strength and courage to do what I'm about to do. I need his guidance!

Which musicians or groups have been inspiring to your career?

There are a lot of people throughout history who have inspired me. Mariah Carey has excellent vocals and compositional talents, Yiruma has very relaxing and inspiring music, and Sarah Geronimo, one of my uber favorite Filipino artists, has lung power as that of Celine Dion.

List three songs that are key to your life.

1. Through It All - Hillsong 2. Exceptional - JoJo 3. Believe In Me - Demi Lovato

What type of music do you detest?

I have no eye for hard rock, techno that sounds like hell to the ears. Also songs that have cursings. :(

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business?

Just have faith and make sure that your passion for it continues to grow. Don't let the sparks grow dim and don't forget, nothing is impossible with God. Have complete faith and trust in Him and you'll be just fine.

What is your specialty? What subjects do you deal with?

I am very good at written journalism. I enjoy writing features, editorials and editorial columns, and some news articles. I love cartooning too.

News, to me, is all about delivering the facts accurately, clearly, and easy to read. Those who read the news have to get a clear idea of what the article is about just by reading the first paragraph.

To you, what is objectivity?

Objectivity is fairness. No biases. No taking sides and such. What a world we would have if these were present.

What is your blog address? What subjects do you deal with?

I currently own two blogs that I occasionally check-up on. I have a Blogger: http://mynameisveeyah.blogspot.com and a worpress blog: http://writingaddsspicetolife.wordpress.com . I can discuss anything to my liking, and that's normally everything. From politics to Fashion, I cover those in my own style of writing. These days however, I've been posting stores I've done and artworks I've created.

What was it that made you create your blog? On what date did you start it?

It was the day that I had a small argument with my parents that I decided to make a blog. I felt desperate to pour out my feelings (of love, anger, disappointment, etc) in a human way. Writing them was the only way I could really comfort myself after what went on, so that's how I came to the Blogging world. I remember starting it last 2004, then grew tired of it when I had nothing to write about. I later resumed and renamed my blog in 2007 (active til now).

How has 'having a blog' contributed to your life?

Being an occasional blogger has made me more confident in who I am and who I can be as a writer. It has also allowed me to speak out my ideas to the world and feel good about it. It's just a wonderful feeling to have a blog, even though not many people get to read it. It's the thought that, one day, someone with connections would find my blog, like what he reads about, and tells others, thus starting a chain reaction.

How often do you post? Does regular posting of your blog require a lot of effort on your part?

As I said, I'm an occasional blogger, meaning I just post whenever I'm free to go online. That's really frequent these days, since I'm on vacation, so my blog's normally updated every two weeks or less. Posting isn't such a hard thing to do. I just write whatever I feel like, and the flow of words and how I'm going to write it just comes to me.

How do you promote your blog?

I have a Facebook account, so I usually put up my blog URL in the status box for others to view. Aside from that, I just tell my friends to browse, even for just a little while.

What advice would you give to someone who wishes to begin a blog?

Just be yourself and know what you want to write about. I know it sounds cliche, but it's really the most important rule about blogging. I failed to do these two when I first started, so I easily got bored. When I finally realized what I was doing wrong, I made a point to change my blog, so it just worked out effectively. And another thing is that you shouldn't get disappointed or discouraged when no one reads your blog or follows you. It may take time for others to find your page, but they will, I assure you. Lastly, just have FUN!

What hobbies have you got?

SINGING, playing the piano, Dancing to upbeat songs, writing feature articles, and watching music videos. And who can forget about surfing the internet???

If you were sent to a deserted island, which book, CD and film would you take with you?

Book: The BIBLE CD: Hillsong Albums Film: Any musical movie

In moments of tension, what techniques work in calming the mind?

Personally, I go to a corner and just pray, clench my fists and then release them, to get rid of the shaking. Or, if I can't do any of these, which is highly impossible, I sing aloud or silently. It really keeps me focused.

A simple pleasure that for you is quite big or important.

Being able to laugh and smile at least 10 times a day is one of the simplest and greatest blessings I could ever want.

It is 5 pm on a typical Sunday: what are you doing?

Still at church, mingling with friends or jamming with them through music.

Something in which you are completely incompetent.

Playing the violin!!! Although I want so much to learn!

What was your first vehicle?

Back in Primary school: The Scooter

Please list something you have not yet done, but that you would definitely like to do someday.

Model for Chanel ;) Direct a cool suspense/mystery movie Publish a Novel Get married to the guy of my dreams Get together with old friends and have fun! Design clothes for DKNY or Chanel or Forever 21 or Burberry

To which other place in the world would you move without hesitation?

Europe, specifically Italy or France

Which animal do you prefer for company?

What do you imagine yourself doing for your retirement?

Book signing for all my literary works, going to press conferences, talking to young generations about Hope, Love, etc.

Did God create the world in seven days, or do you believe in the theory of evolution?

I firmly believe that God is the Creator, the Alpha and Omega. YES, God created the world in 6 days, and then rested on the seventh. :)

Do you believe many illnesses can be caused by the mind?

Yes, I definitely do. Not eating, for example, causes anorexia. This world gives us standards that aren't very human, like you should be a UK size 8 or even 6 to be beautiful. God created us, so we should take care of our bodies. Overeating is just as bad.

Does brand name influence your buying habits?

Yes! Who wouldn't want Vera Wang in their Wardrobe? Or Burberry? Brand names definitely affect my buying.

Ask me a question, make a comment, or request my opinion on something:

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