In today’s .stART here. Hump Day Hot Seat is Fresh Friday Finds alum Andi Green. Get to know Green and The WorryWoo Monsters a little better as she answers the questions provided by Finch & Ada. Enjoy!
WorryBug and Wince, watercolor. Image courtesy of Andi Green.
1. Who Are You?
Andi Green
2. What do you do?
I write, illustrate and produce The WorryWoo Monsters series.
3. When/Where/How did you get your start?
The WoryWoos came from characters I started sketching in high school, but it wasn’t until 2001 when I really got my start. I was working full time as a creative director and was invited to exhibit work at an art exhibit on the Lower East Side. I created a series of light boxes, called The Monsters in My Head, featuring individual characters dedicated to emotions. The show garnered such positive reactions that I was compelled to leave my full time job and start my own company just a few years later. Since then, I have gone on to publish six books and create six accompanying characters called the WorryWoo Monsters through my company named after the exhibit – Monsters In My Head.
4. How long have you been at it?
My whole life, but I’ve made it my full time gig for the past 4 years.
5. What is the most important thing we should know about you?
I’m a bird loving, dog snuggling, cat cuddling, monster maker.
6. Is there anyone else in your field that you particularly admire?
Some may say not directly in my field, but I am a huge fan of Jhonen Vsquez, the comic book illustrator and creator of Invader Zim. His art is magnificent. In the children’s book world, I have always held Shel Silverstein, Richard Scarry and Maurice Sendak as truly inspiring authors/illustrators. Their work spoke to me as a child and still does today.
7. What other types of art are you in to?
The world of typography and design is probably my favorite art. Design has been a big part of my life since I was a teen, turning the pages of Ray Gun magazine, and reading comic books. It is design as an art that inspired me to become who I am today. Although the design world has taken a turn since the digital age, I won’t forget how it all started. I still get weak in the knees when I see work from Barbara Kruger, David Carson or Max Ernst. And Dada was an amazing period of art with no limits – put me in from of a Duchamp piece and I feel content for weeks. 
8. You got any crazy hobbies or unique talents?
I love adventure travelling. To give you an idea, I went on a trip to Antarctica last year… it was amazing.
9. What’s your favorite vice?
Watching science fiction movies.
10. How do you make it over the creative hump?
I put on my favorite loud music and I run. Usually that resets my mind.
11. You eat food? What kind? Like to cook?
Yes, I love to eat. I am a vegetarian and my favorite food is Mexican – salsa is my downfall. I love to cook, but I can’t bake – never works for me.
12. Truth or Dare? Elaborate.
Dare. Most of the time I will do random things if challenged. Last year, I went ice climbing because I was told that I couldn’t handle it. It was a challenge to say the least.
13. What is your most prized possession?
A necklace with my dog’s name. I never take it off. My dog changed my life and whenever we are not together, I feel better having the necklace on. It is my way of knowing I am always connected to her. She is everything to me.
