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(HHUCIT Magazine) – Asia has an undeniable talent. She expresses that through the stroke of a pencil and keystroke on the keyboard. It may sound simple but she makes it look so effortless. Asia’s talent has placed her on center stage of the music world.

You draw a lot of artwork that includes Nicki Minaj and it seems that whenever there’s a new visual of her Team Minaj expects one of those amazing drawings from you is that a lot of pressure?

I wouldn’t say it’s pressure, but more so encouragement. One of the main things I love about Nicki is she is not only just a wonderful, successful, and creative artist. Her originality extends out and inspires people in so many different ways. For me, she has become an enormous influence in my art. Often I refer to her as my “artistic muse”, because of the fact that I interpret her into my work in such a variety of ways. I always aim to make sure I capture her characteristics during the progress of drawing her, but at the same time, maintain it in a way that is my own personal style.

How did it feel to be the artist behind Nicki Minaj’s Billboard topping “Your Love” single cover?

I couldn’t even begin to put into words how happy I felt! Never would I have thought that a drawing I simply posted onto Twitter, not thinking it would garner as much response, was later to become the actual cover of such an amazing chart-topping song. Plus it’s Nicki Minaj, so of course I was more than elated!

How’d the decision come about to create the artwork for the single cover? 

Originally, the illustration was based on her look from her appearence on BET’s 106 & Park, when she premeired her music video for ‘Massive Attack’. I posted it via Twitter, in hopes to receive some feedback on the work and see what people thought about it. Next thing I knew, I woke up one day, logged onto Twitter, to find that Nicki had the art set as both her background AND icon. I was so overjoyed, I had no idea that she would add it onto her page! Not too long afterwards, she contacted me directly by phone and explained how she wanted the illustration to represent the single “Your Love” as the cover, and I was completely ecstatic. It was already incredible for her to acknowledge my work, but to know that she liked it enough to make it her official single cover was definitely the icing on the cake. 

What inspires you to create your art? 

As an artist, it’s definitely important for me to have inspiration as a main resource, because there are so many different things in everyday life that can stimulate an idea. Personally, mine is mostly found through music, TV, comics, and the work of other great artists as well. The cartoons I grew up watching in particular have been a big influence in my work. 

How long have you been doing it? 

Ever since I was a little girl in pre-school, I’ve been constantly drawing. I’ve always had an admiration for art itself, and wanting to become something that would express that. There was not really a day that would go by where I wasn’t sketching something in the little art pad that I carried around with me everywhere. As far as digital artwork, I’ve been doing it for 7 years now. Age 12 is where I began experimenting with Photoshop, trying my hand at it for the very first time. Eventually with enough practice and patience, I was able to teach myself how to use the program and make the illustrations that I do today. 

Are you currently enrolled in school, if so what’s your major? 

Yes, I most definitely am! Right now, I am going to school for Illustration as my major. 

What are your career aspirations? 

Upon graduating college, I absolutely want to continue pursuing my career in being an illustrator. Just the opportunity to keep doing what I love, and pushing forward with more projects to work on in the process! -Edward Griffin