My professional art journey has been a long, winding one. I started as an animator at SCAD, eager to work my way towards Studio Ghibli. Unfortunately, the studio closed in the middle of my term. I turned my attention towards Disney, but my professors frequently had the same comments: I focused too much on detail and I was too slow. Loving detail too much to leave it behind, I transitioned to concept art.
Leaving SCAD after 2 1/2 years (it was a nightmare for other reasons), I returned to Cincinnati, OH. I then attended the Art Academy of Cincinnati for a year, but found that they would not help me achieve my goals. I then applied to the Columbus College of Art & Design and found the perfect fit.
As an Illustration major, I started to talk to all kinds of people to try to find my way. After years of work, I was still ‘too slow’. Unbeknownst to potential clients or businesses, I’ve struggled with severe mental illness for over a decade. These illnesses prevent me from allowing the speed that companies frequently demand. In the shadow of this, I dove deeper into detail and symbolism to make up for speed. I would pour as much significance and emotional depth into my pieces as possible, to request respect in my art, even if my strengths were in unconventional areas.
I visited LA a few times, having discussions with several helpful professionals. After a particularly enlightening conversation with Casey Robin (Instagram: @caseyrobin), I found a way to still be a part of the movie culture I appreciate while also indulging my love of detail. I made a list of movies in different genres and started my film poster project.
I’ve always thoroughly believed in creating the work that you want to be doing professionally. Therefore, while I work for the Gallery Design Studio part-time, complete pieces for various clients, and more—I create film posters on the side in the hopes of being asked to do more work I love in the future.
More info: artistssaywhat.wixsite.com | behance.net | Instagram
The Revenant (2015)
Illustration close up
Midsommar (2019)
Crawl (2019)
It: Chapter One (2017)
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Klaus (2019)
You’re Next (2011)
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You are such an amazing artist! I'm a teenage amateur who mainly does traditional. I love the way you draw so much. Perhaps could you do LGBTQ stuff, if you're not against it, and all that.
Thank you, I hope you continue to draw! Traditional's my bread & butter, but these days I have to keep up to date on digital as well. I'm totally open to LGBTQ stuff, the piece just hasn't arisen yet. My film list isn't limited though, and I hope to be inspired by an LGBTQ source some point soon!
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Cool! I've tried drawing posters, and they are harder than you would expect. Kudos to you :)
Thank you! :) Oh, don't give up! We need more illustrated posters out there! I made a board of other illustrated posters for inspiration if that would help out: https://www.pinterest.com/artistssaywhat/illustrated-movie-posters/
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The best outfits list in ghibli movies: https://wiinchannel.com/best-outfits-list-appear-in-the-studio-ghibli-collection-blu-ray/
Track our articles here: https://wiinchannel.com/best-outfits-list-appear-in-the-studio-ghibli-collection-blu-ray/
"Speed..." I believe you're correct: commercial artists/creatives need to crank out the work. FWW every working creative that I know found a way to compromise: nonesense for the man, but at home and in stolen moments novels are written, masterpieces conjured, etc. But it's a living. Good work, BTW, IMO: you should be proud.
Oh, I completely understand the need for quick projects, absolutely. I greatly admire & have horrible envy for those who can produce things at great speed. I just hope to make an impact in ways that I'm capable, and I think I am gaining pride in my work. Thank you for such a kind, memorable comment; more posters on the way!
Load More Replies... You are such an amazing artist! I'm a teenage amateur who mainly does traditional. I love the way you draw so much. Perhaps could you do LGBTQ stuff, if you're not against it, and all that.
Thank you, I hope you continue to draw! Traditional's my bread & butter, but these days I have to keep up to date on digital as well. I'm totally open to LGBTQ stuff, the piece just hasn't arisen yet. My film list isn't limited though, and I hope to be inspired by an LGBTQ source some point soon!
Load More Replies... Cool! I've tried drawing posters, and they are harder than you would expect. Kudos to you :)
Thank you! :) Oh, don't give up! We need more illustrated posters out there! I made a board of other illustrated posters for inspiration if that would help out: https://www.pinterest.com/artistssaywhat/illustrated-movie-posters/
Load More Replies... The best outfits list in ghibli movies: https://wiinchannel.com/best-outfits-list-appear-in-the-studio-ghibli-collection-blu-ray/
Track our articles here: https://wiinchannel.com/best-outfits-list-appear-in-the-studio-ghibli-collection-blu-ray/
"Speed..." I believe you're correct: commercial artists/creatives need to crank out the work. FWW every working creative that I know found a way to compromise: nonesense for the man, but at home and in stolen moments novels are written, masterpieces conjured, etc. But it's a living. Good work, BTW, IMO: you should be proud.
Oh, I completely understand the need for quick projects, absolutely. I greatly admire & have horrible envy for those who can produce things at great speed. I just hope to make an impact in ways that I'm capable, and I think I am gaining pride in my work. Thank you for such a kind, memorable comment; more posters on the way!
Load More Replies... 
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