I recently made some changes to my studio and thought it might be fun to post a few pics.
On the left, the upper display shelves contain samples from various client projects I’ve worked on over the years (toys, books, cereal boxes, etc.) The bookcases are filled with art books, business books, and other inspiring info that I should pull out and look at a lot more often than I actually do. On the right is a new desk/table I just bought at IKEA. I’m trying to do more work on actual paper (instead of digital) and it’s really nice to sit in the sunlight while I sketch.
On the left is a standing desk with a Cintiq and iMac where I do most of my work. On the right is a bunch of original art I’ve collected over the years.
I have a big-screen iMac above my Cintiq. Often I will spread out reference images on the iMac screen, or have a YouTube video or movie playing while I draw. That extra screen real estate comes in super handy!
Watching over me while I draw are figurines of vintage Superman (given to me by my dad) and of Norman Rockwell (given to me by my sister).
The clock above my studio reads “Shut up and draw!”. I had it custom made (on Zazzle I think) from an image I got from the amazing Von Glitschka (used with his permission). Mr. T covers up my iMac camera to guard my privacy because I’m slightly paranoid that way. (I can easily slide him out of the way when I want to use the camera.)
My wife’s uncle used to work at Blockbuster back in the day. When we moved here a couple of years ago it was near my birthday. He was cleaning out his basement and gave me this theater marquee as a birthday/housewarming gift. Super cool! I bought some movie posters on eBay and every once in a while I rotate in a new one.
I’ll close with a close-up of some favorite original art pieces on my display wall:
On the left are some original Superman sketches by one of my all-time favorite DC Comics artists, José Luis-Garcia Lopez. He was perhaps more responsible than anyone else for defining the “look” of the superheroes that populated my childhood. On the right is an original drawing by Dave Coverly, one of my favorite cartoonists and the creator of the hilarious syndicated gag strip Speed Bump.
Original comic strip art from Michael Jantze, creator of the syndicated strip The Norm.
An original syndicated comic strip from John Hambrock, creator of The Brilliant Mind of Edison Lee.
There you have it! Now you know where the sausage is made.