Illustrator Ashley Beresch describes herself as a “very cool mom.” We’d like to add some adjectives of our own: The first one that comes to mind is refreshing, like a just-ripe tangerine. Ashley is a musician and self-taught illustrator doodling her way through life in Atlanta. Her belief that art spreads magic to others comes through in her pieces, which often transcend the limitations of hand-drawn sketches and move into the realm of visual storytelling.
If you were lucky, you may have spotted her goods at Hodgepodge Coffeehouse & Gallery this winter (and you may have even walked away with a masterfully minimalistic screen print adorned with The X-Files references or fern leaf-laced positive affirmations). But if you missed her at Hodgepodge, here’s your second chance at a first impression of this up-and-coming hand-drawn storyteller.
Here, Ashley talks to us about her bookish beginnings in Augusta, Ga., songwriting, the maker community, zine aspirations and getting comfortable with more color on the page.
CommonCreativ: How did you develop your illustration style?
Ashley Beresch: I started to develop my style around the time my brother was born. I was 12 and felt really motherly towards him, very involved in his upbringing. I loved picking out new books to buy for him. That’s when I started to see how broad the world of illustration was—it didn’t have to be super realistic or cartoonish. Throughout high school I worked in my uncle’s independent bookstore, The Book Tavern, in Augusta, Georgia, and was surrounded by beautiful book covers, graphic novels and children’s books. When you’re always around these gorgeous, detailed illustrations, it’s hard not to be inspired.
In a way, I’m still developing my style. I’m only 23, so I know I have a lot to learn and a lot of room to grow. But the heart of my work will always be storytelling. That’s what first inspired me to develop my constant “doodling” into something more cohesive.
CC: You’re an illustrator and a musician. Do those mediums correlate to one another? Will a doodle inspire a tune or a lyric inspire a sketch?
AB: Being an illustrator comes in handy when designing shirts or stickers. I had a lot of fun with our last release, where I made tangerine pennants to sell at our shows. For the most part, my brain keeps the two separate, but there is some overlap. Both mediums are meant to express something, to say something to the reader or the listener. There was a period of time where we were considering moving, [so we were] constantly looking at houses. I kept drawing houses over and over, because obviously it was so present in my head. One day I’m playing guitar and I couldn’t get that out of my head, all those feelings that come when you’re looking at homes, and a song just came out of it. I think it correlates less that one directly inspires the other, but more that when I’m inspired, work often emerges in both mediums.
CC: What mediums do you see yourself exploring in the future?
AB: For me it’s less about mediums and more about color. I’m most comfortable working in black and white, so it’s stepping out of my comfort zone to be bright and colorful.
CC: Do you know your Myers-Briggs personality type? What is it?
AB: INJF all the way! I’m very inside my head, very emotional. I don’t buy into a lot of the personality test stuff but man, that one is spot on.
Ashley Beresch
CC: Who or what inspires you on a daily basis?
AB: I’m always drawn towards media that is more physical—movies, photographs shot on film, prints or art drawn by hand. Right now, M. Sasek’s This Is… book series. They’re sort of illustrated travel guides, more geared towards children, and done in the most beautiful style. They’re so bright and fun and expressive!
CC: As a mother, have you ever given any thought to illustrating a children’s book?
AB: Quite often! Books are a big part of our relationship; I’ve read to Liam every day since he was born. When I was in college, I wrote and illustrated a children’s version of Beowulf and it was one of the most fun projects I’ve ever done. So, one day! I have a few kids-themed projects on my running to-do list.
CC: Where has your work been featured so far?
AB: Atlantans might have spotted my prints and cards at Hodgepodge this winter. It was my first time mass-producing and selling art in a retail setting, so that was a big learning experience!
I’m also a part of MAMA Art Collective, a women-led community of makers in Atlanta. We have a studio space in East Atlanta Village and meet every week—and we have childcare! I’ve been making companion illustrations for our weekly blog, which has been a fun exercise in working on a deadline. I’ve also been working on several freelance projects over the last few months, from logos to album art to portraits.
CC: Do you have anything exciting in the works this spring?
AB: Spring begins a season of getting back to personal work. I mentioned my mile-long to do list, right? I’m working on several zines—mostly bringing together comics and drawings I’ve been hiding away in my sketchbooks. I find zines are such an accessible and physical format for storytelling. There’s lots of other stuff… but that’s first.
CC: What excites you about Atlanta’s art scene? What would you like to see more of?
AB: Speaking of zines! Murmur is a great organization. I’ve attended several of their events over the past year and hope to get involved myself. I’m also enjoying Paper Ghost Studio’s monthly gallery shows. Atlanta has such a diverse art scene with so many talented voices—I think it would be great to see them brought together more often.
You can see more of Ashley Beresch’s work on her portfolio site.
