Photography by Molly Smith
Meet Pearl.
At age 12 she is the Creative Director and Lead Artist for Anchors-n-Asteroids; a mother/daughter co-design team living and working in Los Angeles. Pearl hand draws all the Iconic Portrait Tees that they sell. She has an innate ability to capture the spirit of some of the most iconic artists.
Do you remember the first piece of art you did that you really liked? Do you still have it?
I did my version(of a girl) of Munch’s Scream in Kindergarten. Yes, I still have it.
Do you have a process in making the illustrations for the t-shirts?
After I find someone I like, I research them. I doodle a bit, then sketch my portrait changing things until I finally end up with what I’m happy with. It takes a while.
Are there anythings you always do each time you are about to make art when making art?
I always listen to music. Usually it’s my subject.
What is your favorite art mediums to work with?
I love pencil and clay, but not so much paint.
Other than the illustrations you do for Anchors n Asteroids,
what are some other things you find yourself getting into?
Skateboarding, acting, collecting vinyl records.
Favorite artists?
Basquiat, Warhol - the 80’s. I also love album covers of the 60’s and 70’s.
Why do you create art?
It’s an outlet for my energy. I don’t like to exercise :)
Anything just about YOU unrelated to art?
I’m shy and more introverted.
Favorite meal? pizza
Favorite color? green
Favorite time of day? night
Would you rather take a nap on a hammock in the shade OR surfside on a beach towel? hammock
Ice cream or popsicle? ice cream
Rollerskate or ice skate? neither
Pepsi or Coke? Coke
Cats or dogs? dogs
“Creative kids rule…Pearl is curious and like a sponge soaking up everything around her. Always watching and asking questions and seeing the beauty in everything. She is quick witted and kind. She’s also an introvert so I think drawing is a way of expressing herself and communicating. We’ve always been a tight knit family of three, so I think she’s picked up things from us along the way. Ross, her Dad , a tattoo artist who‘s always drawing and me, having a background in fashion. As her mom and business partner, I’m here to support and empower Pearl. She makes the design decisions; she chooses who she draws, and then we discuss the colors and fabrics they’re printed on. After that, I facilitate the actual production of getting her portrait designs made and to market, so I think naturally we make a great team. We also crack each other up..laughing is key. Success to us is more than just money!”
-Gwynne, Pearl’s mom
