Art lets me turn emotion into something real, spark nostalgia, and create moments where people laugh, remember, and feel something again.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I love creating character-driven art that blends whimsy, nostalgia, and a hint of darkness. My work focuses on chibi-style figures that feel playful on the surface but carry emotional or symbolic depth. I enjoy building small worlds through these characters where people can connect, laugh, and rediscover feelings they forgot they had.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in nostalgia, everyday moments, and emotional connections to memory. I am deeply inspired by inclusivity, creating characters of many races, colors, and abilities so more people feel seen. I draw from my own experiences and inner world, balancing light and dark to build characters that feel both imaginative and relatable.
What would you do with $25,000?I would invest in my art business by funding materials, tools, and event opportunities to grow my brand and reach a wider audience. This support would allow me to create consistently despite chronic illness and build a sustainable career on my own terms. I would also set aside a portion for my daughter’s future and work toward building a self-sustaining homestead for our family.
Vote for Amber "AK Unicorn" Steinback to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
