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Shout-Out Sunday: Vinh-Luan Luu is trying to tell us something


In addition to creating some really amazing commercial work, Designer Artist Vinh-Luan Luu of Fort Worth, TX definitely has something to say in his personal projects. You can't help but fall in love with the almost comic-book style illustrations and paintings. The linework and color choices are spot-on, bringing me back to my childhood days of reading the latest edition of Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight. The subject matter, however, is decidedly more grown-up. You'll find a message lurking in nearly ever piece. Whether loud and in-your-face or hiding behind subtlety, his body of work brings many of today's issues to light. Take a look and let me know what they say to you. To commission original art or purchase prints, shoot an e-mail over to vinhluanluu@gmail.com.

Instagram handle vinhluanluu Email vinhluanluu@gmail.com Website www.vinhluanluu.com

Q: Do you support yourself through your art? If not, what else do you do? If so, how long did it take and what were some challenges?

A: I am lucky that I got to live a very art-centric life. From graphic design, photography, illustration, and painting; practically all of my income has come from the broad field of the arts. Art is a weird mix of humbleness and swagger; so putting one's self out in the open can be very scary. Sending out resumes/portfolios and proposals is daunting because of the likelihood of rejection; and there is a lot of rejection. But when the art drive runs deep, we have to push outside of our comfort zone and be prepared for the outcome. Whatever it is.

Q: What's your favorite quote? A: "You cannot achieve success without the risk of failure. And I learned a long time ago, you cannot achieve success if you fear failure. If you're not afraid to fail, man, you have a chance to succeed. But you're never gonna get there unless you risk it, all the way. I'll risk failure. Sometimes, half the fun is failing. Learning from your mistakes, waking up the next morning, and saying 'Okay. Watch out. Here I come again. A little bit smarter, licking my wounds, and really not looking forward to getting my ass kicked the way I just did yesterday.' So now, I'm just a little more dangerous." -Paul Heyman 2005, "The Rise and Fall of ECW [DVD]"

Q: What inspires you? A: I love moments that create an emotional response. It can be a beautiful landscape as we drive across Texas; the tug on the heartstrings as Andy gives away his toys at the end of "Toy Story 3"; a stage tribute to queer burlesque performers who stood tall for the right to exist. I think art should be about these types of moments; it should leave an impression with the audience after they've walked away.


Q: How has your style changed over the years?

A: I use to use a lot of spotted black in my pieces; bold areas of dramatic shadow. Now there's a lot of open lines as I let my coloring carve out the dimensions.


Q: Who are your favorite artists?

A: I grew up with the pinup works of Olivia De Berardinis and Patrick Nagel; for comic book work it was Trent Kaniuga, J. Scott Campbell, and Jim Mahfood.

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.

What I'm Working On Wednesday: Digital Wedding Invitation


I recently got to create this really fun wedding invitation for a client (names blacked out for privacy). They sent me an image for reference and asked for something very similar. It took a while, but we finally got to a design that we all liked.


I haven't done a whole lot of digital work in the past, but I'm starting to fall in love with it. I did another one recently as cover art for a musician in LA, but I'm waiting on the song to be released before I post it. While doing that one, I realized how badly I needed a tablet, as I did most of it on my phone. After a lot of research, I ended up purchasing a Dell XPS 2in1. Now I have a laptop and a tablet. I was able to create the artwork above in DesignDoll, Photoshop, Illustrator and Autodesk Sketchbook.


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