Marika Kraukle (aka Raven) is a Latvian artist whose career was driven by passion. She is inspired by her dreams and “driven by emotions mostly.” She used her artistic talents to give back to teens in need by creating one of our designs (among others, like Sad To Happy Journey pictured above and Addicted to Tech) that focuses on homeless teens- Street Youth. Find out what Raven had to say in her Q&A:
Do you have any trademarks/recurring themes in your art?
I’ m not even sure. I love to paint females. Faces mostly.
What mediums do you usually work in?
I work digitally mostly. But I’ m doing some sketches in my sketch book as well. Sometimes when I want to relax I paint traditionally.
Where can our customers find you or your work online?
They can find me on facebook page. Or on deviantart as MisRaven.
What was your inspiration/can you describe the design that you did for WT?
One of the artworks I did for WT is about reasons why children are becoming the street youth. I lived in a depression and I had difficult childhood so all the inspiration came from recalling emotions I had back then.
Other than your own, what is your favorite WT product?
I love a lot of them but my favorites so far are “In the Name Of…”and “You Keep It On the Inside”.
PROUD- People that follow their dreams and make them true
ANGRY- Limited people who can’ t accept others for being themselves
EXCITED- Talented young artists
SCARED- War
LUCKY- Friends that I have
CONFLICTED- When I have no time but I have to finish million paintings. My brain freezes at moments like these and I’ m so confused and conflicted
EMPOWERED- When I receive compliments about my skills
HOPEFUL- That sun is shining and I am alive
SAD- That I have to sleep
STRONG- My partner
.
Freeway or Scenic Route? Scenic Route
Night out with friends or a quiet night in? Quiet night in
Adventure trip or relaxing vacation? Relaxing vacation
Great job with long hours or Okay job with lots of time off? Great job with long hours
The 1950s, 60s, 70s or 80s? 60s
Are your real life (people you know) role models?
My grandmother and my boyfriend.
Are your famous/well-known role models?
I think I don’ t have any role models yet. I admire few but they are not my role models for sure. I think it will come with time.
Would you like to work with/for in the future?
I would love to work with some gaming or movie company. I love to create and think of concepts and create new worlds and characters.
Inspired you most as a child?
I didn’t have a particular person but I know that cartoons and children’ s books inspired me a lot.
Pushes you the hardest?
Myself of course. Everything’ s not good enough, hehe.
WT is all about Defining Your Normal. So, let’ s find out more about what makes you You!
What is your definition of ‘ normal’ ?
In my definition, it means being yourself and doing what you want in life. But in general I think it means “don’ t do anything different, be like everyone else”.
We are all about celebrating people’ s awesomeness, so what makes you awesome?
Well, everything about me is awesome. You wouldn’t ask me that awesome question if I wouldn’t be awesome, haha.
What is a challenge that you face often in your life?
My biggest challenge is to overcome stress and keep cool head. Trying to leave it behind and move forward till I pick it up again.
What is the best compliment that you have ever received?
Every one of them was the best.
What was the best criticism you ever received?
I’ m not sure if I ever got a proper criticism. As I’ m not that kind of person that seeks for attention. Also I post my work only when I’ m confident about it and I spent quite time on it.
What makes your life easier?
Cup of coffee in the morning, please.
What makes your life more difficult?
Lack of time. Also health issues.
What is your definition of success?
When work is not a work anymore because you love doing it.
We are all changing and evolving all the time. How are you in the process of changing?
I’ m a young adult. I already chose my path. Eyes are wide open and I’ m ready for changes.
If you could interview anyone, whom would you choose?
My father. But I don’ t know who and where he is.
Here are some of Raven’s products in our WT store:
