Grown Ass Kid

A colouring book by

Andrea Green-Thompson

“I realized how many people in my age group still use colouring books to abate anxiety. So I thought it would be a great way to help students in particular - to give them something to focus on.”

W

hile it is true that a new skill can be achieved through persistant pratice, in the realm of creativity it serves to strengthen a purpose one already has within. Anyone can draw, but it is purpose that defines an artist. Even as life takes us through the highs and lows, the calling assimilates us into our purpose.

When I came across Andrea’s art I was immediately intrigued. For all the absence of colour in her work, there is great exploration and detail which gives a sense of completion. I thought, “here’s someone who is exactly where they need to be.” The journey to her colouring book, “I’m A Grown Ass Kid”, and her apprenticeship at Monarch Tattoo Co are filled with voices pushing her towards her purpose. “When I was a kid I never used to think of myself as [a] creative at all,” she recalls. “Then one day my sister got these books that taught you how to draw animals step by step. So I drew a rabbit. I remember thinking it was the most beautiful thing I had ever created. I didn’t draw anything seriously again for years.”

You may call it a habit - Andrea found herself doodling during lectures, drawing pieces that caught the attention of many of the people around her. “One doodle turned into an entire page, and it was my rendition of “What I think vs what I say”,” she says. “Some people saw this piece and demanded I draw something for them as well. It was so much fun bringing people’s concepts to life.”

I’m A Grown Ass Kid

“People would say things like ‘I would totally get that as a tattoo’ or ‘you should turn these into a colouring book’ and so, slowly, I started to believe that what I was creating had value.” Having been inspired by so many people from her youth and and the talented people at Monarch Tattoo Co, it’s no suprise that Andrea would find herself using her skills not only as self expression, but for the benefit of others as well. I like to think of her colouring book as art you can use.

“The process was long!” Andrea exclaims. “I sat on the idea for roughly three years. Finally printing that book was my announcement to my inner critic that I’m an artist.” The book was made available to order back in October 2020. “It started with a comment from a friend. I realized how many people in my age group still use colouring books to abate anxiety. So I thought it would be a great way to help students in particular; to give them something to focus on.”

The Tattoo Apprentice

“I fought it for a while and it still scares me, but I eventually decided to do it.”

Beyond the colouring book, Andrea’s passion has also pulled her to the realm of Tattoo art. It’s well known that tattoos require great precision from the artist, and while she’s had years of practice with a pen/pencil, she had to begin at Monarch Tattoo Co as an apprentice.

“I designed a few of my own tattoos... and when I moved to Cape Town, I found a female owned tattoo studio where I got 3 of my tattoos done. This is significat because, before this, I’d never gone to the same artist twice.

Amber, the founder of Monarch Tattoo Co, and I chatted quite a bit (as you do when you spend more than six hours together) and I eventually made a joke about me wanting to be a tattoo artist. Amber was like, “well, why don’t you?” Then she told me her story, and offered me a place at her studio. I fought it for a while and it still scares me, but I eventually decided to do it.

Every piece I finish is a big F**ck You! to the imposter syndrome that keeps telling me I’m not good enough. It’s also a literal manifestation of thoughts in my brain. When I draw, I hardly ever see the final product in my head until it is on the page. So i’m getting to know myself through my artwork.”

THE HARMONY

ISSUE

HARMONY

Vol.4