Meet Christina Gilstrap: Freelance Illustrator and Concept Artist.

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

Hi Christina, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I always had problems with balancing things in my life. In highschool, I wanted to do everything: Fastpitch Softball, Drawing, Being apart of the Yearbook Journaling Class, Having a Boyfriend, Hanging out with Family and Friends. It has gotten me into a lot of trouble, because I always thought I could juggle it all. My relationships would suffer, including the relationship with myself. I didn’t know that self-care was a thing, until going into my late 20’s. I developed severe anxiety and depression from not being able to balance my life. In college I worked a lot to support myself and my boyfriend at the time while doing my art classes. I had to make a choice, to somehow fit my art career into my life. My professor told me if I don’t go all in, I would never know if art was what I wanted in my life. So I had to dedicate most of my hours to my school and fit my work life in. Thankfully I worked for my aunt, uncle, cousin; they allowed me to have flexible hours for my long classes. Even now, 3 years after school it’s still difficult to balance my life. Self-care has become one of my priorities. I went to therapy to help my mental state. I have the most amazing and kind therapist in the world, and her guidance has really helped show me how I can work on myself. Balance is a tricky trait to have, one that I’m still trying to figure out. However I think I’m getting better at it! 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a concept artist and an Illustrator. I love using bright and vibrant colors. Because of my ethic background, I tend to sneak in some asian qualities into my characters. However, I do try and incorporate all races into my sketches and artwork. As for how I got here, I went through college, then took few CGMA Master Academy. I can say without a doubt in my mind that this was NOT easy. Countless late nights, painful tendonitis spells, and like I said earlier, the balance. The biggest lesson is to frequently take breaks, stretch, and drink lots of water!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Very first place we’ll go is my favorite sushi restaurant, Sushiology. Living in Georgia is great, there’s so much to see now. Definitely a lot more than in that one Futurama episode! The Aquarium is the biggest place in the world, and it’s definitely wonderful. The Penguins and Otters are the best part. There’s also a lot of great hiking trails, the Kennesaw Mountain Battle field has a beautiful view! My friends and I went to Tallulah Gorge and Blood Mountain, and while they have amazing views, they will kill your calves!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Father, Stanly Gilstrap, who is always supporting my art. He also gives me constructive criticism. He is always there for me no matter what, and I love him very much. My Mother, Maria Belinda Malone, who is a hard working and amazing mom. My Sister, Angela Urgel, an amazing sister who is a role model to me. My love, Nathon Kepley, a man who loves unconditionally and has taken care of me. He has always been there for me through everything. My best friend Olivia Guenther who is also an artist and has been a huge support for my art. And my Aunt Diane, and cousin David who helped give me work while I search for my dream job! All of me friends, Will, Tyler, Riley, Seth, George, Ana, Alex, Brandon, Ivy…the list go on. Thank you all!

Website: https://christinagilstrap.artstation.com/
Instagram: Greenpandadraws
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/christina-gilstrap-905826a2
Twitter: greenpanda_art

Image Credits
Blame the Controller on Youtube (commission for Clipped Coin Book and Kwan Concept Art)