top of page
Search

Shout-Out Sunday: Don't try to operate heavy machinery while viewing Matthew Warlick's art


I met Dallas illustrator and designer Matthew Warlick through a Facebook post by a friend of mine. She was asking if she should have separate Instagram accounts for her art and her personal life. I put my two cents in and told her she should be one of my Shout-Out Sunday artists (still waiting, Kat...) Anyway, as I perused the other feedback, I thought I'd check out some of her other artist friends. The standout of that endeavor was this gentleman, by far. As a newbie to digital art, his designs impress and inspire me. The creativity seems effortless and the execution flawless. His trippy images are practically dripping with imagination. I don't know what they all mean, but looking at them makes me feel like I'm on drugs...or should be. Don't take my word for it. Check it out for yourself!

Instagram handle @warlick

Email matthew.warlick@gmail.com

What's your preferred method for potential clients to contact you or purchase your work? Email or through my Etsy shop at artofwarlick.etsy.com

Q: Who are your favorite artists?

A: Right now I'm really into Moebius, aka Jean Giraud. His work in the original Heavy Metal magazine, and specifically his more surrealist work are big inspirations right now. Other current influences include painter Steven Russel Black, illustrator Jen Bartel and Chiara Bautista.

Q: What advice would you give a budding artist?

A: Make as much art as you can, knowing that you won't be happy with most of it. For every great piece you complete you may have dozens or hundreds of others that didn't quite hit the mark.

Q: How does art influence your life?

A: Art influences almost every aspect of my life. As well as being an illustrator I also run my own design studio, Studio Warlick, where I provide graphic, visual and web design services to clients both big and small. Most of my friends are artists of some sort, be they musicians, performers or other types of visual artists.

Q: What has been your greatest art-related challenge?

A: By far the hardest part is establishing a unique style. It can often feel like you're style is constantly changing or you're chasing the newest trend, so finding a style you're comfortable with can be a challenge. I can't remember who said it but the following quote is something I firmly believe: "Style is what happens when you stop trying to make a style happen".

Q: What's the most important trait a person needs to have in order to make it as a successful artist?

A: Persistence, hands down. Our society undervalues art and design and you'll often hear things like "when are you going to get a real job?" or "How do you pay your bills" and the only way to make it is to not give up. Successful artists are often just too stubborn to quit.

Meday Monday: I'm a finalist!


Thank so much to everyone who nominated me! I made the top three! Now it's time to vote. If you live in Denton County, TX, please visit http://www.bestofdentoncounty.com to vote for me as the best artist in Denton County. I'm in the "Specialty Services" tab. As of this posting, my name is spelled incorrectly, but I've put in a request to have it updated. :) Thanks again!


Meday Monday: Don't Give up on Your Side Dream


When I was a kid, my dreams of what I wanted to be when I grew up varied. I wanted to be a dancer, a singer, an actor, an artist and an executive assistant (I was a weird kid), among other things. The actor thing stuck with me for a while.


In high school, I chose theater as one of my electives. I kinda sucked at it. I was horribly shy and painfully insecure. I was actually a halfway decent actress, but getting on stage in front of people brought out all of my worst fears and my nerves would take over. I'd shake uncontrollably and forget my lines. It didn't help that the theater department was very clique-y. And I wasn't one of them.

I'm the chick on the balcony. :)

So I abandoned my dreams of being a famous actress and followed other paths. Fast forward twenty-something years and you'll find a girl who has since done some film/TV acting, loves singing in front of an audience and is confident in her abilities. But there was still one challenge that scared the crap out of me: musicals.


I knew I could sing and act, but dancing was definitely not in my wheelhouse. I hadn't given it much thought until my boyfriend ran sound for a local show. Helping him haul gear - being in the theater - resurrected my ambition. Gathering every ounce of courage I could muster, I auditioned for "Memphis the Musical".


And I didn't make it.


Oh well. Maybe next time.


Then, fate stepped in.

The three characters I played: "white mother", Clara and stage manager

One of the actors didn't work out. They had an opening that suited me. It was offered and I accepted. I was overjoyed. And terrified. In the end, I worked my ass off and portrayed three different characters. I had several lines, sang with the ensemble, danced in the finale (it wasn't pretty, but I did it!) and even made and applied some makeup effects for the show. Not bad for my first musical!


I am so proud of myself and glad I went for it. I'm now preparing to audition for the Hunchback musical and I can't wait. Maybe I'll even tremble less during my singing and stumble less during the dancing.  :)

bottom of page