In the first installment, we explored the intriguing ways artists transition from the initial spark of an idea to a finished piece in their Artist Shop. The journey from concept to creation is as varied as the artists themselves, and we’re excited to delve further into this artistic exploration. In this continuation, we’re featuring a new group of talented individuals, each with their own unique creative process. Discover how they overcome the daunting blank screen, transform their imaginative concepts into reality, and eventually see their creations come to life on an array of merch.
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ElementalEmbers | Carl Lucas Draws | Maren Werthwein at WeirdPeople Design | William Creeden of Ghosts & Graves | Artthree | Mikey | Yok.sa | Alex (Mystic Heart)
ElementalEmbers
How do your art projects begin and how do you know when they’re finished?
Most of my designs begin as pencil sketches away from the computer. For designs with potential, I take a photo and use a graphics tablet in programs like Affinity Photo and Affinity Designer to outline, color, and clean the sketches up for export. Sometimes I’ll add a bit of texture. I may play with the color adjustment too. The piece is done when I’m happy with the overall balance and contrast of the image.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I usually just allow myself to make some unsatisfying drawings until the frustration is out of my system. It’s still practice even when there’s not a great end result. And sometimes good ideas still happen! If things just really aren’t flowing at all, I’ll take a small break to walk around before coming back to it.
What do you listen to while making art?
I usually enjoy listening to videos and podcasts that teach me something new. History and language are my favorite topics. There’s a horror audio drama podcast called The Magnus Archives that is amazing, though, and I’m thoroughly enjoying that right now!
What design in your shop are you most proud of?
I like the “banana slug with mushrooms” design the most. I learned a lot about slug anatomy along the way.
Carl Lucas Draws
How do your art projects begin and how do you know when they’re finished?
I’ll typically sketch out a few ideas in the morning and pick the strongest design I want to finish.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I’ll typically go for a walk or take a break to play some video games.
What do you listen to while making art?
As far as podcasts go, I’ll listen to Off-Panel, Cartoonist Kayfabe, and Robservations (Rob Liefield’s podcast). Music I enjoy listening to, Rush, Peter Gabriel, Kero Kero Bonito, and Porter Robinson.
What design in your shop are you most proud of?
I think my Ramen Cat character because it’s the first design I ever submitted and my friends were surprised I started designing t-shirts.
Maren Werthwein at WeirdPeople Design
How do your art projects begin and how do you know when they’re finished?
They often begin with a misheard sentence or a phrase that makes a great pun or are inspired by the weird people I meet. After a quick sketch, I put some good music on and create the design in Illustrator or Photoshop. I think they are never finished 🙂
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I simply take a break and don’t stress it.
What do you listen to while making art?
Music! Mostly Drum&Bass but also everything else.
What design in your shop are you most proud of?
I can’t just pick one 🙂 So the two designs I’m most proud of are “Thanks for assking” because it was the first design that made it into the Threadless catalog, so that will also be a special design to me, but also “Cheers to the universe” because I’m super happy how it turned out.
William Creeden of Ghosts & Graves
How do your art projects begin and how do you know when they’re finished?
I break my ideas up into categories or “Collections.” I take a different approach to each Collection. Sometimes I’ll brainstorm a list of quotes and work out a design based on one of the quotes. Sometimes I just get a bunch of references and build off of those. I also just doodle a variety of small ideas and pick the best parts of each of them.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I’ll step back and take a break. Put my focus onto something else till I get a lightbulb “aha” moment.
What do you listen to while making art?
It’s a variety of things depending on my mood that day. Lately I just toss a YouTube video on just for background noise.
What design in your shop are you most proud of?
I’m proud of them all in some form of way, but I always find my most recent one feeling like it’s the best.
Artthree
How do your art projects begin and how do you know when they’re finished?
My creative process for making designs for an Artist Shop typically starts with identifying a theme or subject that I am passionate about or inspired by. This could be anything from a specific cultural icon to a particular place, product, or mood. Next, I brainstorm ideas and sketch out rough drafts to get a sense of what the final design might look like. I consider factors such as composition, color, and typography to create a cohesive and visually appealing design.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
Take a short break for fresh air, because I like to ride a motorbike…It will definitely restore the mood for me to make art.
What do you listen to while making art?
To be honest, [I’ve made] illustrations while listening to and watching YouTube content.
What design in your shop are you most proud of?
Aah, I like almost all of them, but if I have to choose, I’ll choose my design with the title “Romantic Sushi,” because that’s the first design to be selected to enter the Threadless catalog.
Mikey (He/Him)
How do your art projects begin and how do you know when they’re finished?
I like to ask queer friends about their niche interests, which I then use to create my ultra-specific pride designs! I gather references, most of which are photos I’ve taken (some are from free-use databases) and get to work making the colors of the flag out of things under that category! My process feels like I’m completing a puzzle, which is what I enjoy most.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I talk it out, or take a break! It’s been proven that moving around helps with creativity, so when I’m stuck I always try to get some fresh air.
What do you listen to while making art?
I’m either in a cafe where I get to listen to music and the ambient noises, or I’m at home where I watch TV while I work.
What design in your shop are you most proud of?
“Pansy” is my favorite design. The reference image for the flower was one that I grew myself, and the reclamation of words once used to demean the queer community is something I’m very passionate about.
Yok.sa
How do your art projects begin and how do you know when they’re finished?
I’m often inspired by everything around. I make sketches, quick photos, and then try to create a work that emotionally conveys the situation. I bring the work to the point where my view is satisfied and then add some small light details.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
If my work doesn’t work out at all, I’ll put it off. I can go and look for references to understand where I was wrong. I can switch to another project and come back later. And music + fresh air help a lot.
What do you listen to while making art?
Music, background film.
What design in your shop are you most proud of?
Wolf portrait. I love it, I love wolves.
Alex (Mystic Heart)
How do your art projects begin and how do you know when they’re finished?
I always search for references, take inspiration from movies, anime, books, or tv shows. I sketch a lot and do a sort of a word cloud and go from there.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I just draw anything that comes to mind, look for inspiration with movies, or even talk to other people.
What do you listen to while making art?
Horror podcasts are my go-to.
What design in your shop are you most proud of?
My little pumpkin heart. It’s a combination of all the techniques I’ve learned.
Remember, every artist’s journey is unique, and there’s no single ‘right’ way to create. We hope these insights have inspired you, sparked new ideas, and maybe even offered solutions to your own creative challenges.
Stay tuned to Creative Resources for more engaging conversations with artists, where we’ll continue to explore the fascinating processes behind art and design. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, there’s always more to learn and explore in the vibrant world of art.
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