Defining yourself is a necessity in life. That is an incredibly layered and nuanced statement, so I don’t want to confuse anyone in regards to gender identity which is a far more important conversation than an illustrator/graphic designer’s blog. In any case, it’s a personal statement. Who are you? Again, this can be even further scrutinized religiously where one’s devotion to God is what truly defines them. I just want to repeat here that you’re talking to a guy who is primarily known for drawing Muppets.
This is all to say that your self image in regards to how you might form an introduction could be expansive and broad or specific and niche. I’ve asked myself this question a lot, and I’m going to spoil the bigger answer by saying I have absolutely no clue. This could be best explained through the fact that this is the third (wildly different) draft for this particular blog entry. But I digress.
Only recently has my defining moniker been a “father.” I really like defining myself this way because it’s my most favorite thing ever. I feel like I was meant to be a dad, but more specifically, I feel that I was meant to be Bella’s daddy. Amongst the uncaring cosmos then, my tombstone’s brief epitaph could read, “Bella’s father” and I would rest eternally peaceful with that. Unfortunately, that’s not an available tab to select on LinkedIn’s profile page. Husband, friend, brother, son, nephew, uncle… all acceptable but I probably wouldn’t be thrilled with any testimonials. Graphic Designer? Good Lord; just ugh. Yuck.
My happy little family
A lot of people then might unhelpfully call me an artist. Now for brevity’s sake, 9 out of 10 times I’ll just say, “sure,” but actually I’ve never felt comfortable with that title. I actually come from a long line of artists, but I’ve never considered myself one. It’s right here—at this exact point—where people feel the need to console me and say things like, “But you’re so talented!” Or, “You draw so well!” But hubris is not the linchpin here. I said I’m not an artist. I didn’t say anything about not being good at what I do, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves yet.
Lois “Loish” van Baarle is the penultimate 21st century artist in my opinion. She is insanely talented, has the most appealing and instantly recognizable style, and continues to push herself and medium to not only subvert her fans expectations but redefine her own abilities and methods. I can’t overstate how incredible she is, and in my own internal mind’s dictionary, her self portrait appears next to the actual definition of an artist. I was an early backer of her art book on Kickstarter back in 2015, and reading it actually helped me understand just one small—but very important—defining trait of my own.
Ghost, 2019 by Loish
In a nutshell; Loish worked very hard to establish her own unique style, which in her case also uses very comforting color palettes and dreamy, soft wisps and swirls, all originating from her love of Manga and working within the restraints of Oekakis. She set out on an artistic path that practically seemed like fate was guiding it, but like all artistic journey’s, it was navigated by key choices and circumstances. Like all creative people, I came to a crossroads where I had to decide what I was going to do with the talent and skills I’d collected. My work will never appear in an art gallery like Loish, but that doesn’t mean what I offer isn’t valuable. I can draw practically anything, in fact. While I’m not the visionary of a Loish, I can create what’s needed and just like Loish, even subvert those expectations. In other words, yes—I can draw very well, and my work has even received national attention and admiration, so while I’ll never be quite as prolific, I can be just as successful.
Now it’s here—at this exact point—where people feel the need to say, “Hey dummy, that sounds a lot like an artist.” And maybe they’re right. But calling myself an illustrator instead feels like wearing the most comfortable pair of pajamas ever made for the first time, every time. “Illustrator, not artist” is not a self–deprecating dig, it’s a proud declaration. I can draw, and I’m pretty pleased with my work (he said as his head swelled larger than it most definitely should have), but I choose to be more commercially available. Not because I lack originality, but rather because I crave collaboration. My value lies in what I can offer more broadly, if less unique. Besides, if the world was filled with Loishes, they’d be less special, and if you’re familiar with her work, you know she’s truly an artist that deserves individual praise.
So TL:DR, I’m more comfortable being called an illustrator but I won’t split hairs if you call me an artist. If you really want to support me in particular, please follow me on Instagram and Twitter, and regardless of who it is, if you dig someone’s artistic/illustrative work; comment on it, don’t just “like” it. That’s more valuable than you realize.
Obligatory “drawing” pics