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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

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.


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.


Last Sunday, I started a thing I'm calling "Shout-Out Sunday" where I introduce some of my favorite artists on Instagram. Since I started my blog on Monday, I missed my very first share. I didn't want him to feel left out, so I'm posting it a bit late. Anywho, heeeeere's Joe!

This week, I'd like you to meet Joe Killiana. He's an incredible illustrator who lives in Paris, France. His unapologetic work is often violent and bloody with forays into eroticism and BDSM. I just love the bold style of his art. I look forward to seeing his new stuff every week. We've chatted a bit on Instagram and he seems to be a pretty chill guy. I highly recommend you check out his work and follow him @the_last_pagan on Instagram or on Tumblr (where he often gets more personal) @norsepaganbear.


Fair warning, if gore, nudity and sexuality aren't your bag, you might want to steer clear. Not all of his work contains these elements, but it's present in the vast majority. He will have prints available soon. In the meantime, if you'd like to purchase or commission a piece, message him on Instagram. Now enjoy this brief interview...

Q: Who are your favorite artists? A: My favorite artists are Lovecraft, Kentaro Miura, Gustave Doré, Zdzislaw Beksinski and Friedrich among others.

Q: What inspires you? A: I am inspired by ancient civilisations and their sacred symbolism, first among them being ancient Greece, Mesopotamia and Germanic/Scandinavian tribes. My favorite artists obviously being major sources of inspirations too.


Q: What has been your greatest art-related challenge? A: My greatest challenge so far is the one I'm facing currently : writing the script of my comic book. As fascinating as it is, the creation of a universe and all of its cogs is one hell of a challenge.

Q: What's your trademark? A: Among others, one of my trademarks is to always use the same color palette : black, gold and blood for their history and importance in ancient art and their sacred value.

Q: What's your favorite subject to draw or paint? A: My favorite subject will always be humanity and its flaws, its hidden pulsions, its violence.



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