Bethany
- Aug 1
- 5 min read

August 2024 Artist Spotlight: Jasmine Becket-Griffith

Fantasy, history, and paint collide to bring to life the realms of Jasmine's imagination.

27 years ago, Jasmine Becket-Griffith launched her website, Strangeling.com. However, Jasmine's love for art and her entrepreneurial spirit was present long before this.

I've spent the last few days debating on how to present this blog post to our readers. I came to the conclusion that my attempt to re-write Jasmine's words will detract from the eclectic and creative answers Jasmine provided in her Q&A with me. I want the reader to read Jasmine's answers in her own words, to get a feel for who Jasmine is as an artist and a person. So sit back, get a glass of wine, and enjoy learning about Jasmine Becket-Griffith!

When did you know you wanted to become an artist?

"I've always known I loved making art, and knew that I would continue to do so all my life. The first time I tried to monetize my artworks was when I was five years old. I drew a bunch of birdlings that I copied out of our "Birds of Missouri" book, and went door-to-door trying to sell them. Some of the neighbors humored me and would give me a pack of gum or a quarter for a little drawing, and that always stuck with me. In 1997, when I was seventeen, I saw the infinite potential in the blossoming internet and started Strangeling.com as my professional site. We're just now celebrating the 27th anniversary of my company!"

What and who influenced you to become an artist?

"Early on, it was as simple as just seeing illustrations and pictures in books, and wanting to make my own. When I got to be around school age, the two main influences on me becoming an artist would be my love of Art History and my predilection for fantasy games and novels. We did not have a lot of resources growing up, but my father always made certain to take me on special trips to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City (still one of my favorite places to go when I'm back visiting). We would also pore over art books - everything from Hieronymus Bosch to Heavy Metal Magazine. I started playing Dungeons & Dragons with my family when I was 12 and we would draw pictures of our adventures. Later I befriended the D&D illustrator Larry Elmore and he became an important mentor to me early in my career."

What is your favorite piece and why?

"Wow, that's a hard one! It changes depending on what suits my mood really. I think though my favorite piece at the moment is my "Arcimboldo Mermaid" ( reference https://strangeling.com/shop/fine-art-prints/arcimboldo-mermaid/ ). I loved every minute of painting it and it is comprised of so many of the sea creatures and ocean animals I am fascinated by."

You do many events both domestically and internationally, which events are your favorite and what do you enjoy most about doing these events?

"I do indeed! I am thankful my art career has led me to traveling all over the world and getting to meet so many wonderful people - fans, collectors, new friends, fellow artists. Interacting with real humans in real time in real places is so refreshing compared to the algorithms and echo chambers of the digital world. I love seeing people react to my artwork (either good or bad!) up close - it's so very different than the rather anonymous comments and "likes" of social media. I love encouraging children (and adults) who are inspired to make art themselves!

I enjoy so many of the events I do for all different reasons. Gallery shows are exciting and I often get to meet collectors and other artists in a cultivated environment, and there's sort of an air of prestige about it, the way I feel when I visit art museums. I do loads of events at Disneyland & Disney World due to all of the work I do with the Walt Disney Company, and they are the literal definition of fun - everybody is in such a happy mood, and it makes me feel special to think I might be a part of their family vacation memories. I enjoy traveling and it's always such a joy to do events like the Glastonbury Fairy Festivals in England and combining shows with my own family vacations. I also like doing conventions - particularly if it's a theme I love - right now I'm preparing for CatCon in Pasadena (August 3-4) and it's such a great show, everybody is tied together by our shared love of cats!"

You have collaborated with multiple artists; is there one artist you would love to collaborate with in the future?

"As far as collaborations go - I have a lot of plans with my partner David Van Gough for our "Death & the Maiden" co-brand. Among other projects, we have the first of our graphic novels coming out later this year and a script for potential film production. Since we are painters, we are excited to find potential creators to realize our vision - holy grails would be to collaborate with Guillermo del Toro for a spectacular live action/effects movie, or Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) for an animated film."

Your artwork encompasses a wide array of themes, which is your favorite theme to paint and why?

"I love plants and animals and I enjoy incorporating a lot of Nature themes in my artwork. I extend my idea of Nature as also including fantastical or extinct animals, and interweave it both in my paintings and my personal beliefs with my version of spirituality. Getting to paint my own interests & aesthetics and share them with the world truly feels like a balance of magic and doing what I do best."

What has been the most difficult thing on your journey of becoming an artist and how did you overcome it?

"The most difficult thing really has been trying to juggle the time I would like to spend painting at the easel with all of the aspects of running a company, a brand, online stores, licensing, customer service, travel, the logistics of shipping, etc. - all those mundane things versus the magic I feel when I am painting. My art career has been very successful but it can be overwhelming, let alone finding time for a personal life or any downtime. It is an ongoing struggle but I have overcome a lot of it by learning how to delegate over the years, and not try to do everything myself. I was able to catch my breath when I was finally able to afford to hire employees. One of the best things I have done (and honestly, this is not a plug or promo for AM) is utilizing American Moulding for my print fulfillment - they do an amazing job and I can't believe I used to do it all myself! It's a relief to no longer have a house full of printers and bubble wrap, and they handle a lot of the customer service and shipping. It has been life-changing for me."

What would be some advice you would give to up-and-coming artists?

"Make art. Make lots and lots of art. Don't even worry or think about the business or financial aspects of it until you feel you have a good sense of which mediums you enjoy working in and which themes and imagery you genuinely feel driven to create intrinsically. If you have enthusiasm for the artwork you have made and love the physical act of creating it - that will resonate with viewers and they will feel it too. Know that the financial/professional side of the art world is completely separate from the creative soul that lives inside you, and don't ever let it affect your prime directive."

Be sure to check out Jasmine's website and social media sites!

Website: https://strangeling.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strangeling

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strangeling/

Corey Helford Gallery: https://coreyhelfordgallery.com/artists/jasmine-becket-griffith/

Up-Coming Events:

August 1 - August 2