Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Boo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Boo, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Growing up, I was a timid and meek child. I wouldn’t speak unless spoken to and would often remove myself from gatherings because they made me anxious. It worsened when I attended a new school, where I barely knew anyone. I’d rarely see my friends and was often alone. It would frustrate me that I couldn’t get over this fear of speaking, which led me to become depressed. My hatred for myself grew to a point where it was suffocating, and I hated leaving the house as I always felt out of place. During that period, I found comfort in drawing because it brought me peace.
Drawing allowed me to have the voice I wanted and express myself where I couldn’t. It was the freedom I craved, and I couldn’t have been happier. Back then, I started posting my art on Tumblr, and the interactions I got made me feel like I belonged to something. I didn’t have to hide or shrink away, as it was the first time I felt like I could be me.
I will admit, I went to therapy because I knew if I didn’t tackle my anxiety. I never will. However, it was the support of my parents and friends that I have to wholeheartedly thank for encouraging me and pushing me to become confident in myself. Without them, I don’t think I’d be here today. I still am an introvert, but I try to go out as often as I can and experience new things. Ironically, I now work in a very social setting. It’s like forceful exposure therapy, haha. My advice for anyone who feels or felt the way I used to: it does get better. You’ll meet and connect with others to build long-lasting friendships. It can be scary, but once you take the leap, it’s not so bad. You are your biggest cheerleader! No one exists in this world to be alone.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Howdy! My name is Boo, or BooTheGhoul, and I’m a digital illustrator. I love to draw horror art in a comical way or full send into the scares. At the same time, I love to create fan-related work in bold, warm colors. I have two sides to me, but the passion and humor are the same for both! My biggest goal is to make someone smile with my work or at least get a reaction. Even if one person sees it, that’s a win in my book. Since graduating, I’m currently working on several personal projects and online commissions, as well as building my identity as an artist. I have a lot of ideas to share when the time comes! I will be opening my online store soon and tabling at local markets in the NY-tristate area, so please stop by and say howdy!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe the three qualities that significantly impacted my journey were determination, stubbornness, and open-mindedness. I’m always willing to learn from others as I see art as a never-ending lesson. You’ll always learn something from your peers or those younger than you, and I find that a wonderful experience. It’s like “Wow, I hadn’t thought of that! Let me try!” Even when I have my down moments, I push through because I know it will pass. Even if the voice in my head says “I can’t” or “you won’t”, I ignore it and focus on the positives. I sound crazy and a bit corny, but it’s the truth! I am still early in my journey, but I would say to learn as much as you can and don’t dismiss it. Improvement only comes when you listen to feedback. Don’t shy away from others. It might suck and grate on your ego, but it’s something you have to acknowledge if you want to grow. I would also suggest having a plan and setting a goal for yourself. Being your own boss is difficult, but it does give you the stability and focus to reach them. Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate your victories no matter how small they are.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always open to collaborating, as I love connecting with others. My ultimate dream is to work with or on a video game or horror project. Video games are a big part of my life, so assisting with one would be awesome. I’m not shy about other opportunities, though, as I love participating in zines as well. You can reach me through my email: [email protected] or through my Instagram @bootheghoul if you’d like to collaborate or gush about horror. I look forward to meeting you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bootheghoul.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bootheghoul/
- Twitter: https://x.com/boopy_snoop
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