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One of the things I’ve tried very hard to do in this issue is remove myself completely from the interviews I have conducted with these 20 artists, it’s been difficult because some of them I would consider close friends so there’s a certain conversational attitude that goes along with that.

Julia Thyrén is probably the artist who’s art reminds me the most of my own artwork, in fact one of the pieces she has done I recognize the reference photo because I’ve used it in the past too. (Yes I am an artist too, but this isn’t about me). Julia’s artwork is incredible detailed and refined, she’s mastered values and as a result has a tendency to work primarily in monochrome black and white. She works in digital as well as traditional mediums. Most of the artists in this issue all work in primarily digital art, but a few of them create a lot of traditional works along with digital art, Julia is one of those that feels comfortable doing both. It’s that mastery of the traditional media that has helped her conquer the digital realm as well.

Julia has a easy going personality and has even recently started streaming Overwatch on her Facebook profiles so it’s always fun to check out what’s going on with Julia whether it be some great new pieces of art or some gameplay from one of the hottest games around. I’ve watched her for awhile she seems to play D.Va a lot, and She’s good! Racking up lots of kills!

Just like she’s been dominating the gaming live streams she’s been dominating the art world. Julia Kills it.

Urban-Muse.com: You’re a Swedish artist living in Gotland. What can you tell us about being an artist in Sweden that Urban-Muse readers might not know?

Julia Thyrén: Being a artist where I live Is pretty special, in terms of contacts it’s hard for me at least to find some kind of “group” of individuals to relate to when it comes to art. Of course it depends on me as well. But you have to be very self driven.

Urban-Muse.com: According to your Facebook profile you studied Solklintsskolan 6-9, can you tell us about your time there?

Julia Thyrén: That was a rough time for me, especially moving from the mainland (Ekerö) where I grew up to a new environment. It were a time of my life when art was my “escape”. And it was a good time too because my interest for art evolved a lot and I knew that I wanted to do art.

Urban-Muse.com: What would you say to an artist who wants to improve their skill and become better at their own art?

Julia Thyrén: Try different things don’t get stuck with one thing, experiment with tools and draw a lot! And find a community where you can get feedback from more experienced artists.

Urban-Muse.com: Your art has a very unique and aesthetically pleasing. Looking at your work on your profiles, it seems like you are partial to black and white imagery. Can you tell us more about this? Why is that?

Julia Thyrén: I’ve always been drawn to black and white artworks because I feel like I focus on just getting the values correct and I wan’t to master the black and white.

Urban-Muse.com: In additional to your digital work there are several traditional media works done in pencil/charcoal, one would have to assume your penchant for black and white work is related to your prowess here, could you talk about the importance of traditional media expertise for a digital artist?

Julia Thyrén: Starting out with traditional art is a very good start. Learn the fundamentals first and then get in to digital art.

Urban-Muse.com: Most of your paintings are of female subjects. This is similar to Urban-Muse’s posting tendency as well. Why do you think this is? Do you think it’s related to being a woman yourself?

Julia Thyrén: It’s a good question I’ve always been drawn to painting/drawing women. I think it’s because I’m a woman and it’s something appealing with it. And something people can relate to.

Urban-Muse.com: One of the major focuses of this issue is how to deal with negativity. What do you do when you encounter hostility/negativity online?

Julia Thyrén: If I encounter negativity online I take everything with a grain of salt, and try to see the good critics instead of negative comments.

Urban-Muse.com: What would be your advice to our readers on how to deal with situations like this?

Julia Thyrén: Just ignore it because negativity is everywhere you can’t avoid it. It’s a part of our lives.

Urban-Muse.com: What would you say is your favorite piece of yours? What would you say is the most popular? And why do you think that is for both?

Julia Thyrén: My favorite piece Is every artwork I’ve ever done because every piece has it’s own personal story behind it. The most popular artwork of mine is “ City” I guess my followers could relate to it the most, it’s really hard to answer.

Urban-Muse.com: What are your plans for the future?

Julia Thyrén: Finding my self as an artist. I’m fairly young still, so I don’t know how i wan’t to evolve as an artist yet or what my “style” is going to be. But my main goal is to improve and work hard.