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


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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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".

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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.

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Shout-Out Sunday: Meet Fan Artist Alan Fore


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Calling all comic/sci-fi/fantasy nerds (yes, I'm including myself in that statement)! Alan Fore is an amazing artist who spends his time in Northern Indiana creating incredible portraits of characters from Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Star Trek and Doctor Who. His artistic style runs between comic book and realism in a way that captures the true essence of each character flawlessly. His strong lines and soft blends combine for a completely satisfying piece of art that I could stare at for hours. It's easy to tell the respect that Alan has for these genres simply by recognizing the detail and care in which his artwork comes to life. Check out his Instagram feed

for mesmerizing videos of his creative process. (And the pizza Tri-Force is not to be missed!) Visit his website to see his pet portraits, family portraits, space ships and more! Is there anything this guy can't draw?


If you are not fortunate enough to be able to attend one of the ten or so conventions where Alan sells his work each year (look for the bald guy in the kilt), you cans still purchase his work on Etsy (originals and prints available) or by sending him an e-mail or message on Instagram. Follow him and check in regularly to get your hands on new original work for sale that he announces in his feed. His stuff goes fast, so don't miss out! Of course, you could always commission a one-of-a-kind piece from him as well.

E-Mail: alan@portraitsbyalan.com


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Q: How long does it typically take you to complete a piece of artwork? A: If I focused on just one piece at a time, 2-3 days on average. But I usually have multiple pieces going as well as graphic design work, so it can take between one and two weeks.

Q: What music do you listen to when you are working? Anything else you do to set up your work environment? A: I’m usually either listening to Pandora or playing something on Netflix. I’m currently watching the entire Battlestar Galactica series on DVD. Well, listening to it anyway.


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Q: What did you want to be when you grew up? A: An artist. Q: What advice would you give a budding artist? A: Draw, draw, draw. I then draw some more. And draw. The only way to develop quality and find out what you love to do is to start doing it and do it every day. It will take years. But you get better every time you try.


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Q: Describe an average day in your life. A: Up at 6:30 or 7. Breakfast and a half hour of reading or watching the morning news. Work until 10:30. Half hour jog at the gym and lunch. Back to work until 4:30. Hour at the gym with my wife. Dinner and chill. Finish any needed work, usually on the couch with my wife as opposed to in the studio (laptops are great). Work finished between 7 and 9. Bed at 10 or 11. Some days will have errands, deliveries, phone calls or paperwork thrown in there too. Q: Describe your art training. A: Four years of art school and 42 years of trying to do work that doesn’t stink. Q: How do people usually react to your artwork? How does this make you feel? A: I get enough positive reactions to my work to be confident that I’m not kidding myself. But I’m probably my biggest critic. I always see the flaws. But seeing people get excited when they see one of my prints that they love and realize they can have it for only 5 or 10 bucks… that’s pretty cool. I give a lot of stuff away at cons too, mostly to kids and fun cosplayers. That’s always neat.


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Q: What does your art say about you? A: I’ll do anything to avoid working in an office. Q: Do you support yourself through your art? If not, what else do you do? If so, how long did it take you to get to this point and what were some of your challenges along the way? A: I work as a graphic designer as well. When I worked at an agency before I went freelance, it was difficult to balance work, family and trying to break into the art thing. Everything needed time. It took a lot of work, patience and juggling. Q: What's the most important trait a person needs to have in order to make it as a successful artist? A: You have to produce quality work and you have to be disciplined and self motivated. And draw.


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