ImagineFX Inside The Artist's Studio Ed2 2022

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the

Contents WRO2E1RVKAERSATPLIAESCDTES

From storage hacks to motivational habits, these
artists reveal their secrets to success

8 14 20

PERNILLE ØRUM COLIE WERTZ BETSY BAUER

The Danish artist on why she Colie reveals how he relocates This LA-based artist invites us
needs to be surrounded by items around his space to reignite his into her book-laden studio where
that inspire her in her workplace creative juices lots of wall art sparks creativity

26 30 36

PAUL DAVIDSON JACQUELIN DE LEON MIKE MAHLE

This veteran comic illustrator is Jacquelin shows us around her Part artist retreat, part pop-
proud to display his sources of studio she uses to create culture museum, the Midwestern
inspiration and fresh ideas paintings and YouTube videos artist’s space is all fun

40 46 52

NICOLE GUSTAFSSON BRETT PARSON MEDUSA DOLLMAKER

This traditional painter loves to Discover how this US cartoonist This artist works from home in
surround herself with inspiring works in storms and surrounds the Spanish countryside while
artwork, plants and collections himself with chaotic inspiration dealing with inquisitive cats

6

Contents

58 62 68

DAREN BADER PETER BROCKHAMMER TERRY DODSON

This illustrator and art director Discover why the illustrator likes The US comic book artist takes
shows us around his not-so to fill his customised workspace us around his rural studio, which
practical wooden-floored studio with plants and natural light he shares with his wife

74 80 86

ENERJAX KERBY ROSANES DAWN CARLOS

Favourite pieces of art cover the The Manila-based illustrator’s This concept artist’s compact
walls in this illustrator’s studio, creative den is a perfect balance workspace enables her to sketch,
based in the Chicago suburbs of objects for both work and play synthesise and create

92 98 104

MEIKE SCHNEIDER MARC BRUNET CHRISTINE KORNACKI

The German artist gives us a tour The art teacher, artist, YouTuber Discover how this children’s
of her home studio, which is and CEO shows us around his book illustrator has assembled a
white, bright with gold accents candy store-cum-work office colourful oasis for perfect peace

110 116 122

KYMBA LECRONE CHRISTOPHER LOVELL COLLEEN DORAN

From sculpture to digital art, This artist surrounds himself The award-winning US artist-
woodwork to traditional media, with nostalgia while balancing writer wants her studio to be as
this artist has a lot creative juices work and parenthood comfortable as can be

7

Pernille Everything outside my window is green, which My new book, which I’m so proud of and have on
gives the room another dimension of colour. display to remind me of the accomplishment.
Ørum

Visual boost The Danish artist on why
she needs to be surrounded by items
that inspire her in her new workspace

I love Los
Angeles and the
desert, which
heavily inspires
my decor. I made
this drawing
while setting up
my office and
looking for
inspiration.

I recently moved to a suburb of Nairobi,
Kenya, and one of my first tasks was to set
up a studio. I spend most of my day in this
room and to work well it’s important for me
to be surrounded by things that I love,
inspire me, and remind me of why I love what I do. So I’ve
created this colourful workspace in our Loresho home as
my own private getaway.
Working from home requires a lot of self-discipline
because I have a tendency to either work for clients or on
my own projects as soon I get a free minute, which isn’t
good for inspiration. I have to tell myself to take breaks, not
have lunch in front of the computer but in our beautiful
garden, and to do something completely different to refresh
my imagination and art muse.
Most days I start out by cleaning up from the previous
day’s work. Things have a tendency to pile up during the
day and when I’m done in the evening I just want to go out
and do something else. Ten minutes spent tidying up before
settling down clears my head and gets me in the mood for
the work ahead.

8

Pernille Ørum

I love having plants in my workspace. They clean the air and bring colour The artworks on the wall is what I treasure most. I brought everything I could in a handbag when I moved here and
and life to the room. Hanging baskets free up valuable desk space. love having them on my wall. Most of the painting are by friends of mine and I love looking at their art every day.

Office chairs that look
great aren’t easy to find,
especially here in Kenya.
But I like this chair and
with my back pillow that
I always use and my
handmade blanket from
Zanzibar, it’s both
stylish and comfortable.

I love the details on this desk,
which I made in collaboration

with TIRA Studio, based in
Nairobi. It was important for

me that the table top was
white so it didn’t detract from

the colours of the decor, but
we wanted to keep the beauty

of the wood visible.

9

This is my painting area
where I experience the
natural light from outside
and enjoy both the colours

inside and outside.

One of my many ‘after Many of my friends have made
work’ character designs. such beautiful items, which I love
I love drawing characters having around in my workspace.
that have a back story, The plushie was created by
even if I’m the only one Neysa Bové, and Brittney Lee
who knows it. painted Calendar Girl.

10

Pernille Ørum

I’ve created this
colourful workspace

in our Loresho
home as my own
private getaway

My 32-inch Wacom Cintiq
together with my MacBook
Pro are my main tools. I felt
I had finally moved in once my
creative setup was in place.

11

When I have the headspace and time
for myself, one of my most relaxing
pastimes is painting with gouache.
Where I live now it’s hard to come by
my favourite brands, so I always stock
up when I’m out travelling.

My love for colour is one reason why I bought this
beautiful vintage Moroccan rug, which makes me
so happy every time I see it.

As well as working in Photoshop I like traditional
media. I always carry my paper calendar and a
pencil case, and I love buying small, cute books for
doodling and note-taking.

DREAM DESK My office is filled with beautiful art Pernille’s book, The Art framed, and their paintings make this
because I’m lucky enough to have of Pernille Ørum, feel like my space.
The thing I’m most excited about in my many talented friends in the published by 3Dtotal Pernille is a Danish character designer,
office is my handmade teak desk by animation/illustration industry and I Publishing is available illustrator and visual developer. She was
TIRA Studio. We collaborated on the love having their creations surrounding to buy now. the lead character designer for Warner
design for my dream desk and the me when I work. Their skills inspires Bros.’ DC Superhero Girls and has
result is beautiful. It has unique details, me to try new things and it pushes me worked with clients such as Netflix,
is locally made and meets all my to do better. I’ve gone to great lengths DreamWorks, Disney Publishing and
needs. I work both digitally and to get their artworks transported to more. You can see more of her art at
traditionally, and this desk enables me my new home safely and carefully www.pernilleoe.dk.
to keep the mess from the painting
separate from my digital projects. It
gives me a new sense of freedom, not
having to clear up every time I want to
work on something else.

The thing I’m
most excited about
in my office is my
hand-made desk

12

Pernille Ørum

I’ve had this paint setup for
years and I still love the

aesthetic and simplicity of it.
Everything I need is here and
it has a calm and neutral look.

A new thing for me is to have my own lush, green
and colourful garden. It’s given me a new place to
seek inspiration and it’s what inspires me in my
workspace decor as well.

I created his drawing together with 3Dtotal for the Earth Draw II project, raising
money for tree-planting charities. It’s inspired by the plant in our backyard.

My take on the actor Tippi Hedren who starred in
the classic Hitchcock film The Birds. I painted this
to celebrate Halloween.

In the same room, opposite my work
desk, I’ve painted an old vanity area a
soft pink and I love it so much. I would
not be able to choose and work with
colours against this background, which
is why it’s in the other side of the room.

This beautiful vintage Beanstalk rack was something I found in a print shop that
was closing down and hadn’t changed since the 80s. It holds some of my many
plants and a fabric I hope to get made into something, when I have the time.

13

Colie Wertz

Master crafter The San Francisco-based
artist reveals how he relocates around
his space to reignite creative flows

I’ve been working from home as a freelance
concept artist for three years now. Before
that, I worked for Industrial Light & Magic
(ILM) in San Francisco’s Bay Area on and
off for over a decade and picked up a ton
of good and bad habits that I’ve tried to implement in my
home workspace. The Bay Area isn’t a cheap place to live,
so acres of space for my dream studio have eluded me
over my career, but I’ve made do by understanding what
I use and need over a project’s duration.
I work digitally, so I’ve got a few setups for my needs or
circumstances. I have a big Threadripper-based tower with
three RTX cards running a 22-inch Cintiq and monitor. I also
have a thin yet beefy 15-inch MSI Creator laptop that runs a
13-inch Cintiq as a second monitor. I’ve run three monitors
with that thing, and it’s impressive. I can run VR from either
system, and can go mobile at the drop of a hat. I’m happy to
have and use both. I keep a Microsoft Surface Pro around
for reference images, internet browsing, Pinterest, and

I worked for ILM in San
Francisco’s Bay Area on and
off for over a decade…

This ship was modelled
on my desktop. When
the heavy lifting – the
texturing and rendering
– was done, I took it into
Procreate on my iPad to
finish the details.

14

Colie Wertz

Getting my day started with me in the cockpit
of my main workstation. The Wacom Cintiq

can fold down onto my desk for Photoshop or
sculpting work. The Surface on the far left is
great for reference images, email and quick
modelling in MoI (Moment of Inspiration).

15

Being a hard-surface guy means having lots of references of everyday things. The hundreds of books
that I have are all very special to me, as I glean something from each. In this image, I was looking at
sketching a vehicle for a queen based in the Star Wars universe. This is the ref stack I made for the task.

I keep a variety of pens near me, along with a sketchbook. If an image is in my
sketchbook, it’s usually a ‘fun’ sketch, meaning I’ll take it to finish on my own
time. It sits as a reminder to go and play!

Sticky Notes are my go-to for ideas, nervous energy release and something to
do while a big file opens or renders. Small triangles and French curves are
everywhere, too, in case I want lines to pop.

This ship was designed for a Portable exercise bike aimed right at my TV.
collaboration with MSI, on one of I can take a good break and watch a race,
the company’s gaming laptops. football game or tutorial I’ve been eyeing.

16

Colie Wertz

A sketch printed on metal makes for a ‘Gunner’s seat’, or the second station. A mirror of ‘The big cockpit’ has my Biomorph The ‘sacred shelf’ of current
great place to throw Sticky Notes and my cockpit in case I need to go mobile. The Surface desk, desktop Threadripper, project-relevant reference
new sketches as I work. on the left bounces around the studio space. monitor and Cintiq. from my library.

Sitting on an exercise ball is good for my The aeroplane model is for reference – maybe This is my layout space for VR The ‘pile’ starting on the floor. These are
core and I can bust out other exercises for my sketch, maybe for my paying job. I have equipment, books, drawings or the super-hot reference books that I’ll be
when I want. a lot of models! model kits. using on a project.

17

I enjoy my garage. I keep a drawing table,
chairs and stretch area clear for when

I need a change of scenery, but don’t want
to leave the house. I keep the tasks limited

to short modelling or photo tasks.

some MoI (Moment of Inspiration)
modelling wherever I go. My desk is a
split-level Biomorph and my chair is a
cheap office chair from OfficeMax with
a lumbar pad. I use Contour Design
mice when I can and a basic keyboard.

INSPIRATION IMMERSION organised on about eight shelf units, I sketched this in my Now add to that some model kits for
and I know where every book is garage, then finished it shape inspiration. Not built ones, just
The mass of my space no doubt looks categorically and in order. When I’m on my iPad sitting the sprues. I can see all the shapes out
like a complete mess to the untrained on a project, I pick my ‘must-haves’ outside a coffee shop. of context and be inspired. Despite all
eye. I’ve made my living room the and keep them behind my workstation For personal projects of these creative resources strewn all
‘office’, which means that anyone on the ‘sacred shelf’, and from there like this one, I find that if over the floor, I haven’t broken a bone
visiting will have to embrace the the most useful ones for the task-at- I vary where I work, I’m in a fall yet!
hardware aesthetics of a hard-surface hand are moved to the floor at my feet. more creative than if I
visual artist. So books may look as though they’re sit still for hours on end. I keep my TV on while I work,
in the way! running movies I term “background
I have a few hundred reference movies”. I know them by heart, and
books… you know, the ones that are don’t really hear them. What I do hear
tall and thin and just can’t be made to is the loop of the main screen when
look beautiful on a shelf no matter how each flick is done, meaning I’ve worked
hard you try, but contain all of the about two hours and I need to take a
magic pictures you’ll use as inspiration break. I keep a stationary bike in the
on your next great project. I have them space due to COVID and ride that in

I feel like iPhones and Procreate exist
so I can snap a pic of a sketch and finish
it up away from my workspace

18

Colie Wertz

Keeping unbuilt model kits around is a natural by-product of having worked next My small drawing/work area in
to the Model Shop at ILM. I studied how they searched for shapes and details in my garage is a happy place!
the kits without any context of where a part actually goes on the model.

my breaks. I have windows but like A view from my I feel like iPhones and Procreate for my bikes and some storage. I use
working in low light. Thanks, ILM (!). exercise bike. From exist so I can snap a pic of a sketch and them when I need a reset on projects.
here I can watch TV, finish it up away from my workspace. I can stretch on a big mat or do pullups
A STREAM OF SKETCHES relax, see a chunk of my I can drop my kid off at volleyball to clear my head, too. It’s a helpful
library and think about practice and finish a sketch I started getaway. And then I just go for a ride
I draw constantly, so I keep Sticky what I can do once I get while waiting for a render I launched. after work!
Notes and small drawing utensils all back to work. It’s a great time to be an artist! Colie is a concept artist in the Bay Area of
over my desk. Opening a file? Do a San Francisco. His recent projects include
sketch. Rendering? Do a sketch. So my When I need to ‘get away,’ I hit my Dune, The Batman, Bullet Train and The
walls around my desk space become a garage. I take my MSI laptop or Mandalorian to name a few. He enjoys
bit… yellow. I drew on Sticky Notes a Surface Pro out there and take in the football, climbing, rugby and motorsports.
lot at ILM because we had limited greasy smells or leave the door open You can explore more of Colie’s model work
space to design and they’ve followed and hear birds. I decided on my at www.coliewertzdesign.com.
me home. Lucky for me. apartment because I needed a space

19

Betsy Bauer

Nature lover This Los Angeles-based artist invites
us into her book-laden studio, where cuddly
beasts and lots of wall art spark creativity

Let me first say that between 5 and 6am every day and aim
everything you see to get two solid hours in, before
here is a lie – this is the heading into the office. I know that
absolute cleanest my I must seem like an alien for being such
studio has ever been or an early bird rather than the typical
ever will be. However, what I lack in creative night owl, but I’ve found that
physical organisation, I try to make those focused morning hours buy me
up in time management. much more productivity than two
I was an in-house visual strained hours after a full day at work.
development artist at DreamWorks
Animation TV on a Guillermo del Toro Living in southern California is such
project for a couple of years, and time a doubled-edged sword because –
for personal work or freelance in my hooray! – the weather is almost always
home studio is limited. I tend to get up beautiful and sunny. However, that
means that if I’m working on a
Often, if I’m not sure what
to draw, I draw a tiger. The
contrast in their fur pattern
makes them an interesting
subject to explore.

Here, I’m working on a piece for
an upcoming Game of Thrones
tribute show with Spoke Art.
The Stark women are some of
my favourite characters.

20

Betsy Bauer

21

I share my office space with Unique lighting, monsters, kids and
my boyfriend Eric. He’s a big forests are some of my favourite topics
art collector and movie buff, so to paint, and I combined all three in this
he makes me look like I have
better taste than I actually do! image for an extra-curricular work
project with some old coworkers.
22

Betsy Bauer

This is a version of a character
that I developed for a graphic

novel story. I’m hoping we
all get to see more of her
soon – stay tuned.

What I lack in physical
organisation, I try to make
up in time management

My messy, messy book
case. I really need to

organise this. Over on
the left are some old
sketchbooks that I’ve

managed to archive in
Itoya Art Portfolios.

To the right is a portion
of my ever-growing

collection of art books
with a few collector’s
toys up top!

Okay, full disclosure,
these belong to my
boyfriend, but I love
them. We’re both fans
of the Tiki aesthetic, and
displaying these mugs
has been a neat way to
make the office feel fun
and tropical. One of our
favourite Sunday spots
is happy hour at a local
Tiki bar/steak house
that’s been around for
over 50 years!

23

My cat Pumpkin was by my side for 16 years, and
passed away about seven years ago. She was
such a sweet kitty. I keep her ashes at my desk –
in a way she’s still with me, inspiring me to draw.

weekend I end up staring longingly My first job in LA was at desk, which helps with occasional low This is Eric’s desk, where he often catalogues and
out my window, wishing I could be Paramount on a movie back pain and antsy feet. archives WWII photos he finds on eBay. The art
outside soaking up some vitamin D. called Wonder Park. It on the walls is a mix, featuring work by Nicole
was finally released What probably overruns my office Gustaffson and Tyler Stout. The Star Wars helmet
TAKING NATURE CAPTIVE this year, and I was more than anything else is books. I came with the purchase of a car.
delighted to find that kept telling myself, “There’s no more
Something that’s helped me with this a few of the things I shelf space!” Instead, I bought a new
struggle is getting into houseplants. I designed for the film book case. My initial addiction was the
love my giant Monstera deliciosa, and had been turned into ‘art of’ books put out by big animation
keep picking up random succulents toys. I can’t get over studios. Then I discovered European
every time I go to the grocery store. how cool it is to buy comics, and then the US publishing
Taking a bit of nature captive has something at the store industry also had a boom in graphic
made a huge difference. That, and and hold in my hand novels. Not to mention all of my old
taking breaks to actually go outdoors when it was once just sketchbooks. At this rate I’ll have to get
to walk my dog Kobie. an idea in my head. a second office just for books!
Betsy is a writer and illustrator for the
I work on a 24-inch Wacom Cintiq Reading children’s publishing and animation industries based
Pro and a 27-inch iMac. I’ve books was something in Burbank, California. She’s worked with
experimented with a few mobile that sparked my companies such as DreamWorks,
setups over the years to help solve my creativity early on, and Paramount, Sony, Nickelodeon, Mattel and
restlessness, but ultimately have found I’m still an avid reader! Google, to name a few. There’s more of her
that nothing really replaces my large, art at www.betsybauerart.com.
desktop Cintiq. I did buy the base
model iPad last summer once Apple
introduced Pencil to the cheaper, non-
pro model, and working in Procreate
has been a great tool for early concept
sketches and life drawing and painting.
I also invested in a Jarvis standing

24

Betsy Bauer

I recently came across this very early childhood Fellow DreamWorker David DePasquale made these I went to Japan for my 30th birthday and had
drawing of Kermit the Frog. The shapes are so good incredible tiger darumas last autumn and I couldn’t help to visit the Studio Ghibli Museum. I couldn’t
that I think sometimes we make freer and more but buy one. This little buddy is keeping me honest for a leave without buying something, and this
interesting decisions when we’re kids. long-term art project I’m going to finish one of these days! soot sprite was the perfect stowaway.

I like keeping a tin of Altoids at my This is my Wacom Cintiq Pro For a very long time I never trusted I pay for an annual membership to I decided to buy a nice camera
desk. I don’t know why, but if I’m 24-inch and 27-inch Apple iMac. I myself to keep a real plant alive, so the LA zoo in the hope that I’ll go before I took my last couple of
having a hard time focusing, recently upgraded both of these I have a couple of fake plastic Ikea there for regular sketching trips, and so far my Fujifilm XT-1
sometimes eating a “curiously from the Wacom Mobile Studio plants around to add a touch of sessions, and rarely do I make it has been to Ireland and Japan.
strong” mint helps reset my brain. pro. I thought the MSP was a great green. I have since become a more more than once a year. At least Photography is a fun hobby: I can
machine, but I just missed the extra responsible adult and upgraded to I’m sent get these cute stuffed toys make an appealing composition
screen space and the Mac OS. the real thing! as a free gift! with just the push of a button.

Here’s just a tiny snippet of my overly stuffed bookcase. Favourites include my French/Spanish comics by Kerascoët, Manu Arenas and I adopted my boxer-mix Kobie when I was just out of
Enrique Fernandez. Some of the picture books you see, like the Lion King book, literally came from my childhood bedroom. college, and he’s now lived in three different US
states, at least half a dozen apartments/houses, and
has been inside companies like Google, Paramount
and DreamWorks. He’s been a constant companion
for the past (almost) eight years, and I couldn’t ask
for a better work buddy!

25

The human skeleton is a bit of a studio cliché, but it does look cool.
The choice of objects around me is very deliberate. Everything is
there to inspire and/or remind me to think in a certain way.

Paul Davidson

Creative clutter This veteran comic illustrator is proud
to display his sources of inspiration and fresh ideas

Here’s my second workstation.
I like to keep two projects on the

go at the same time: Marvel on
one, Blue Vortex on the other.

I’ve set up my studio in Whitley Bay, north-east England, so Steampunk and sci-fi are my favourite genres, while the animation cels of
the smallest room in my day starts with my girlfriend and Orko, from the classic 80s He-Man cartoon series, all serve to inspire.
the house. It’s my I walking our cockapoo, Dolly. But by
favourite place in the 10 in the morning I’m sat in the studio,
world, but the under starter’s orders.
workspace needs to be controlled.
My ‘rabbit hole’ is truly a place where Typically I hit the ground running if
you can find yourself lost in, if you’re I’m faced with a deadline. Drawing a
not careful… comic book for Marvel requires a
Ever since I was a young boy I’ve certain amount of work produced
had a drawing corner filled with things every day, so there’s not much time to
of interest to me, and my studio is no let the mind wander.
different. I love the controlled clutter,
and the business of it all, but put a BLUE IS THE COLOUR
piece of paper in front of me and I’m
still able to quieten my mind. I live just As well as working on commissioned
a minute away from the beach in assignments, I’m developing my own
comic book property: Blue Vortex.
This dual approach gives me more

26

Paul Davidson

An Imperial scout trooper from Return of the Jedi. When I’m not scanning in art and prepping illustrations to be A copy of my art book, which is for sale on my website. It’s a 25-page
Star Wars had a huge impact on me, and this model print ready, the iMac enables me to listen to music and watch A4 glossy collection of unpublished works, personal projects that I’m
reminds me to think like my younger self. films. I used to paint digitally, but all my work is now traditional. developing, or experiments in illustration techniques.

I collect original In 1998 I produced an
animation cels. I love ongoing comic book
the nostalgia, and series called Dwarflords
I admire their beautiful for Games Workshop’s
simplicity. It’s easy to Warhammer Monthly
be too fussy, and it magazine. I have my
takes great confidence favourite pages from
to strip away any that series stuffed into
unnecessary detail. corners of the studio.

My ‘rabbit hole’
is truly a place
where you can find
yourself lost in

27

control over my time. Creating a Interior page from my
book – or more accurately a universe sci-fi comic Blue Vortex,
– from the ground up is a daunting all coloured by hand.
endeavour, but I’ve set up my studio so I'm hoping to release
that all my inspirations and influences it soon.
are on show to aid me in my task.
Alex Toth’s designs are
This book is years in the making, but truly inspirational. I try
in many ways it started during my
early attempts at creating inspiration not to look at other
corners. An artist’s studio should be artists’ work too much,
exactly this: a place that’s both inside because it can influence
and outside of your head; somewhere
that feels familiar enough to have a your own voice.
creative conversation. Like one big
experiment, a lifetime of collecting ‘Solve et Coagula’ is Latin for offers up new genre examples and
objects that have inspired me will separating something into its exciting ideas. Someone once said that
come to fruition with this creator- constituent parts before synthesising the secret to creativity is knowing how
owned comic book. Blue Vortex is a certain elements into a new thing, and to hide your sources. For some reason
direct result of this studio that I sit in. this is how I see my studio. I sit among I didn’t get the memo.
all of its curiosities and inspirations – After a decade spent working as a concept
An artist’s studio should the books, drawings, models and so on artist in the video games industry, Paul
be a place that’s both inside – and spend my days making returned to his first love, comic books, and
and outside of your head something of my own in a new way. now produces sequential art for Marvel
and 2000 AD. You can see more of his work
I surround myself with this collection at www.pauldavidsonart.com.
every day, and I love it. My studio

28

Paul Davidson

A vintage Wayang Kulit shadow puppet I love natural history, and I love
from Malaysia. It's a thing of beauty. this T-Rex staring down at me!
The skill and artistry used in its
construction is astounding.

My very own natural
history museum. It's not
for everyone, and keeps

people out when I’m
chasing deadlines.

This four-foot canvas was a commission that I completed last year. It
hangs at my window to remind me to experiment with composition.

29

I love creating
large mixed-media
works, with coloured
pencil and gold
leaf as well.

30

Jacquelin de Leon

Jacquelin
de Leon

Lights, camera, action The artist and
YouTuber shows us around her studio
she uses to create paintings and videos

I’ve had this studio for about two years.
It acts not only as my workspace and
inspiration, but as a filming area for my
YouTube videos. It’s part of an old
converted canning factory, which is located
in the heart of San Jose, California.
This is just one corner of the 1,000 square foot studio,
the rest of which is filled with a screen-printing area, and
a packing and shipping station for online orders. I’ve
moved studios several times in the past five years, and this
is by far the most open and inspiring space that I’ve been
blessed to work in.
Because this old building gets pretty hot in the summer,
I usually end up painting at night. I used to have my digital
art workstation set up here, but have since moved it to my
apartment because it gets so warm. Here, I mostly work

My enamel pin collection is spread over two pin boards, I love collecting pins
from my artist friends. And I hope that one day I can display more awesome
statues, but for now it’s just Chun-li and Ramona Flowers.

31

In the evening when I’m working on my computer I leave I like to display some of my favourite artists’ work with some I keep a small easel for working on acrylic or gouache pieces.
these string lights turned on – they set a nice, relaxing mood. of my own that I’m proud of. It’s like curating a small gallery. It makes a change from hunching over my watercolour art.

I have a watercolour palette I keep a stock of large wooden and
addiction: there’s a box full of gessoed panels next to my desk.
palettes on my shelf. I love using It’s motivating to see unopened
different brands and testing canvases ready for paint!
them on my YouTube channel.
We have a screen printing setup
This is by far the most open here as well (not pictured), where
and inspiring space that I’ve we print the shirts and tote bags
been blessed to work in for my shop.

32

Jacquelin de Leon

I love keeping my YouTube silver play button award I have a guardian llama figure that I
on show. It’s a constant reminder of how much I love bought from a thrift store. His name is
making videos and storytelling through my process. Paco and he watches over the studio.

I have a few of those useful Ikea I turned my flat file into a rolling work table.
wheeled carts, where I keep my house One day I hope to hold life-drawing nights,
paint buckets and water while painting painting workshops and crafting parties in
on large canvases and murals. this space, so having large tables is a must!

33

I love surrounding
myself with plants – they

liven up any space! This
heart leaf philodendron

has been with me for
three years and has
completely taken
over this shelf.

Here’s my small digital
workspace. It’s still a new
space so I haven’t filled
the walls with anything…
yet! I recently upgraded to
a Cintiq Pro 24, and when
I’m not home I use an iPad
for my digital work.

This 18x24-inch watercolour piece, entitled
Greenhouse, was part of my solo exhibition.

on my traditional paintings, Using a studio away from always ended up becoming a hermit
usually with watercolours or acrylics, home forces me to go out in and not leaving the house for days at a
while my assistant packages orders order to get work done time – sometimes weeks! Using a
for my shop. studio away from home forces me to
go out in order to get work done, and
I love decorating the walls of my it also forces me to socialise. I’ve met a
studio: there’s something so inspiring bunch of other artists who also work in
about having an aesthetically pleasing the building, and we visit each other
workspace. I surround myself with during our painting breaks.
colours, tools, books, other artists’
work and blank canvases to keep the The only downside is that I can’t
creative juices flowing. It also works bring my cat with me, and sadly he’s
well as a beautiful backdrop for my no longer photobombing my YouTube
YouTube channel, where I film my videos by plopping down on my wet
watercolour process, daily life, and paint palettes.
help other artists start their business. Jacquelin is an illustrator and comic artist
from San Jose, California, and looks after
I’m usually a horribly disorganised two cats called Future and Dumpling. Use
person. My computer’s desktop is @jacquelindeleon to find her on Instagram,
always a mess of files and junk folders @whaojackie on Twitter, or see more of her
arranged by year. Yet when it comes to work at www.jacquelindeleon.com.
my art workspace, everything has a

This small shelf is place. Having a large pegboard above
dedicated to things me while I work helps tremendously
that remind me of my with keeping my favourite tools within
black cat, Future. reach. I try to have a lot of containers
for tools and supplies I use often, so
that I never get stuck throwing
everything into one drawer.

CREATIVE HERMIT

I’ve had several types of studios: a
bedroom workspace, a backyard shed
studio and this studio, which is about
two miles from my home. It’s so nice
having a studio in your home, but I

34

Jacquelin de Leon

This pegboard is by far the best
studio decision I’ve made, both
organisationally and aesthetically.
Every tool has its place and is within
easy reach while I’m working. It also

gives me more desk space.

A mermaid painting
done for the Mermay
challenge in 2019, made
using watercolours and

coloured pencils.

A small selection of art books I’ve collected. I love looking through the books of my favourite films, especially
How to Train Your Dragon. I also have a large collection of zines and art books from so many amazing artists.

35

I’m an avid comic collector and like to use them as art Can never have enough Prismacolor makers!
around the studio. I switch them out every six months. I seem to like the stand more than the markers.

Mike Mahle

Superhero worship The Midwestern
artist’s space is part artist retreat, part
pop-culture museum, and all fun

When we moved into Date Night is part of my My self-published books
our house, the Empire City collection. Prime and Empire City, along
basement was It’s a self-published art with some old sketchbooks.
unfinished. Having compilation that’s
young kids we had to based around a fictional
make the decision to use the noir city.
basement as a play area, or a studio.
We decided to split the difference Here’s one and only
and do half and half. piece of original comic
When it was finished, I had a space book art. It’s a page
that was tailor-made to the way I work from Batman #610,
and was able to accommodate all the by Jim Lee.
things I deemed essential, such as
comic books and huge superhero I’m a huge fan of James
statues. Priorities right? Bond across all
mediums. This is my
PERSONAL LIBRARY collection of 007
novels. With the
One of the things I wanted to make exception of the latest
sure I had was plenty of room for book, I’ve read them all.
reference. The front of my desk
doubles as a small library for all sorts
of art books and reference material.
Some of my favourites include The Art
of Robert E McGinnis, Lifestyle
Illustration collections from the late
20th century and pretty much

36

Mike Mahle

It’s always good to have a few Star Wars items around the Here’s where I keep flat files for prints, client sketches, artist The character here is one of my own creation, as are all of the
place. The training remote in the case is a highly detailed proof prints and samples of all my artwork. I want to paint a drawings, except Batman. They were heavily influenced by a
model replica that I put together years ago. mural on the front of the unit at some point. lot of books that I was reading at the time.

One of several posters I created This is the one and
for Disney’s release of the live only skate deck design
action Jungle Book.
that I’ve painted.

One of the things
I wanted to make sure

I had was plenty of
room for reference

37

I have a small artist cart that I keep
many of my everyday art supplies
in. It’s stored in a space under my

desk, but can be removed and
wheeled around as needed.

My studio
mascot Biscuit.

anything put out by Brandon Often I’ll do a thumbnail
Ragnar Johnson or J Scott Campbell. sketch that can generate great
energy and impulsiveness
I’m highly organised and the way
you see things here is usually how they essential to the way I work. Often I’ll do I always make time to For my computer’s battle station
look. However, if I’ve been deep into a a quick thumbnail sketch that can create personal art. I use a Wacom Intuos and the Adobe
piece for several days I tend to have generate great energy and Either to try out Creative Suite, with Illustrator being
reference and sketches sorted into impulsiveness. That can be hard to something new, or just the workhorse. Double screens are the
piles about my desk. When I’m done I replicate on a larger scale, so I’ll scan in realise an image that’s way to go. I use one exclusively for
clip everything together and file it the thumbnail, print it out at a larger in my head. ROAR! is palates so that my main screen isn’t
away under the job name. size, and use the light table to capture the result of the latter. clogged up with them.
the thumbnail’s energy in more detail Mike has been a professional graphic
EARLY COLLEGE WORK at a better size. designer for over 20 years, and as an
illustrator for about 10. Some of his clients
I don’t have much of my own work include Disney, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros.
displayed in my studio, simply because and Rock Paper Books. He’s also an active
I prefer to look to other artists for member of the Poster Posse. To see more of
inspiration. The exception to this is the his work visit www.mikemahle.com.
back wall where I have a half-dozen
framed drawings that I did back in
college, when I was trying to figure out
what I was doing. There’s some heavy
Jim Lee-inspired stuff there.

Most of my work is digital. However,
I always start with a loose sketch or a
detailed drawing, depending on what’s
called for. A scanner and printer are

38

Mike Mahle

A life-long Indiana Jones fan,
I created my Grail diary by

hand-illustrating each page
and painting the individual

inserts. I aged it with a
combination of coffee and
Worcestershire sauce, which

is why it’s in a case. It’s
beautiful, but it smells bad.

No studio is complete Three images from my self-published art book
without huge statues of Empire City, which was released in 2018.
superheroes! Batman sits
behind me and likes to 39
taunt me in Kevin Conroy’s
voice: “Work faster!”

My studio faces north and looks out over our I love visiting the Oregon and Washington coast and
cherry trees and rhododendron bushes. I love picking up small rocks and shells. Glass floats often
the springtime when all the flowers are in bloom. appear in my art as lights or in the background.

Nicole

Gustafsson

Colourful collections This traditional
painter loves to surround herself with
inspiring artwork, plants and collections

xxxxxxxxx

I first fell in love with Nature influences most
the space that would of my artwork, whether
become my studio through realism or
when my partner and more fantastical ideas.
I first toured the house
several years ago. Originally a dining I’m always losing my
room, the large windows provided box of business cards,
wonderful natural light that I was so I finally found a tray
seeking in a dream studio space. to keep them organised
Over the next six years, the room and easy to find when
has become a painting studio, giclée I need one.
printing space, storage and order
fulfilment area for my online shop. I
learned early on that being organised
helps me feel peaceful and productive,
while plants and artwork I’ve collected
help me to feel inspired. Resin toys,
sculptures, herbs from our garden,

40

Nicole Gustafsson

My painting desk has an adjustable angle The hanging light is leftover from when this My printers range from a giclée printer for My studio is filled with art I’ve gathered over
which I can have flat to cut prints on, or full was a dining space. I haven’t gotten around my fine art prints, to thermal printers that the years. The large cat was a character from
tilt when I’m painting. to changing it out for a better studio light. make shipping labels a breeze. Tiny Kitten Teeth painted by Becky Dreistadt.

41

Here I am painting at an angle desk
with an easel for more support.
Anything that might be tempted to
roll off the bottom gets taped down.

Starting the morning
with yoga stretches with
my cat Kit has become a
regular practice

42

Nicole Gustafsson

Prints, sleeves, backing board as well as a
greeting card inventory are all stored in my

studio for easy access. Supplies that I use
frequently are also kept here, close to hand.

I love synthetic Round brushes
for my detail work, and wide
Hake brushes to create soft
gradient backgrounds.

Small shelves throughout the studio are perfect to hold treasures I’ve I enjoy creating artwork
collected over the years. Everything from bells found at vintage shops that revolves around
to artwork by contemporary artists.
socialising. Frequently,
animal characters will
have family around or
be meeting someone.

I love surrounding my
studio with colourful
artwork from friends
and to bring some of
the outdoors in with
green plants.

43

Staying organised with jars and
bins helps me to be more
productive when painting and
able to fulfil shop orders right
away. Open containers help me
keep track of my inventory
easily – and I also enjoy seeing
the vibrant colours they contain!

I started collecting rocks when I was a kid and still
love to pick up a special rock or mineral. My partner
Galdrecraft made the wooden apothecary trays to
help me organise my collection.

and my rock collection have all My cats have become I like to sketch or work on drawings
found homes in my studio and my studio mates and that don’t require colour work. By
continue to motivate me as an artist. keep me company doing my sketching at night, I can have
Nature has always influenced my throughout the day. my ideas all ready to go for painting in
artwork and so I love to surround While having a cat that the morning.
myself with artefacts and treasures loves to eat paper can
from the outdoors. be problematic as an While I’m working, I love to listen to
artist, I enjoy their spirit podcasts or have TV shows playing in
BEING HEALTH CONSCIOUS and companionship. the background. I find that my focus is
better when I have something to listen
I found my best time to work was in to. However, the side effect of this is
the mornings after coffee and when I’m finished with a painting, I
stretches. Starting the morning with tend to remember what was playing
yoga stretches with my cat Kit has while I was working. Even years after a
become a regular practice to help painting is finished, I still retain the
improve my health as a working artist. auditory memory and feeling of the
It’s tempting to want to jump into show I was listening to, which can be
painting right away, but it’s important awkward when you’re painting cute
to take care of your body too! animals adventuring while listening to
a true crime podcast.
I usually paint for a couple of hours The paintings of US-based Nicole feature
in the morning while the light is best. themes of adventure and exploration of our
During the afternoons I pack orders for natural world. You can see more of her work
my online shop and run to the post at www.nimasprout.com.
office for deliveries. Being a small
business, I also take time throughout
the day to maintain my online shop,
update social media and check in with
clients. Afternoons are also perfect
time to take a break: naps, a relaxing
bath or time with our dogs is a great
way to reset my focus. In the evenings

I usually paint for a couple
of hours in the morning
while the light is best

44

Creating space in a painting is a lot like maintaining a happy studio. Have Nicole Gustafsson
everything you need close at hand and add plants.
My favourite paint to
use is Holbein Acryla
Gouache because of its
saturated colour and
smooth texture.

My computer is hooked
up to a printer, scanner,
label makers and more.

These items are
relatively lacklustre in
their functionality, so
I try to surround every
other available space
with colourful artwork.

45

Brett Parson

Weather man This US cartoonist likes to work during
storms and surrounds himself with chaotic inspiration

I started working as a the house. Luckily, around this time a There’s nothing like
full-time comic artist spot had opened up in an old factory putting ink down on a
not long before my building just a 10-minute drive away. sheet of paper. There’s a
oldest daughter was thrill and danger to it that I
born. For the first few Built in the late-1700s, it was miss when working digitally.
years I was able to keep a studio at originally a tannery where they made
home where I could bounce back and buggy whips, and later became a
forth between working and hanging woodworking and furniture shop
out with her. (where my father worked in the late-
However, after a few years the 70s doing drafting and design work).
excitement and chaos of family life
was in full swing, and I realised that if I I usually try to get to the studio as
was going to get work done I needed early as I can and I’ll put a film or
to look for another space outside of podcast on, have a couple of cups of
coffee and unwind for a half hour or so
before diving into work.

46

Brett Parson

I realised if I was going to get
work done I needed to start

looking for another space…

Here's a spot illustration from My studio is my happy
Tank Girl, which I believe was a place. Even when I’m under
private commission first. I feel crazy deadlines, as soon as
it captures the happy-go-
lucky spirit of the books. I walk in I feel relaxed and
ready to have some fun.

I use these monster mugs to
keep brushes, pens and pencils

in. And the vintage Panasonic
Autostop sharpener is the best
sharpener I’ve owned. I found it
at an estate sale, new in the box!

47

For Christmas my wife Sammi got me this original animation I usually keep films playing in the background to listen to Being a dad is my favourite thing. If I could just hang with my
cel from Don Bluth’s The Secret of NIMH. Don’s art (and his while I work. It helps make the studio feel a little less lonely girls all day and have fun, I’d be in heaven! So I like to have
animation art in general) has had a huge influence on my style. and even sometimes inspire new ideas. family pictures around to keep me company while at work.

When inking and drawing
I like to have lights on
either side of the drafting
table to eliminate shadows.
I’ve had this Tizio lamp on
the left since I was a kid.

This big drafting table was once a rusty mess with no top, sinking into My dad got me this chair a couple years ago. It’s a I’m not a superstitious guy, but for some reason I hung this
the weeds on the side of the road. My dad did an amazing job breathing vintage Knoll Pollock Executive Chair, and it’s so Hawaiian party lei on my Cintiq almost 10 years ago, and
life back into it, and gave it to me when I moved into my first apartment. damn comfortable! I love working in this chair. haven’t taken it off since. It’s become a weird lucky charm.

48

I love exploitation films from the 60s, 70s and 80s. On this wall and opposite Brett Parson
are two of my favourite Clint Eastwood movies with awesome poster art by
Bob Peak. Between them are classic Pinky Violence film posters from Japan. Most of the work I’ve done in the past five years has been on
Tank Girl comics. Here’s one of the covers from that series.

Tank Girl and all related characters TM and © Hewlett and Martin

Artist Edition books are the best! I recommend to any young kid looking to This is Harry, a Blue Heeler mix. We rescued
be a cartoonist, spend the money you were going to spend on art school him several years ago, and since then he’s been
on a collection of these amazing books. You can learn so much!
with me everywhere I go. He keeps
me company at the studio all day while I’m

working. I couldn’t ask for a better friend!

49

This little Super-Monster dude was a quick warm up
I did early in winter 2019. One of my biggest
influences these days is Jack Davis, and I thought
this one really had a bit of that vibe.

I like to keep a recording of rain custom shelving unit that stores my art I have a couple of these line on Bristol or paper to ink it
and thunderstorms playing quietly in supplies, computer and keyboard, awesome vintage flat traditionally. Once the line art is done,
the background throughout the day. I while having room below for art books files. I’ve found they’re a I’ll jump back on the computer and
find that I feel more at ease and and comics. It also has a perpendicular great way to store colour in Photoshop.
creative when it’s stormy, and this knee wall attached to it, that I mount materials, prints and Brett tries to instil his work with the tone
helps create that mood regardless of my Cintiq on with an adjustable arm at finished artwork. and aesthetic of underground comics and
the weather outside. My work area is just the right height. grindhouse movies, while also giving it a
away from the windows: there are polished mainstream look. You can check
fewer distractions and I can dim the I do most of my sketching and out more of his artwork either on Instagram
lights and just lose myself in the work. drawing digitally in Photoshop and at @blitzcadet or at www.blitzcadet.com.
SketchBook, and then print out blue
IMAGINATION OVERLOAD

I love being surrounded by inspiration.
So the walls and shelves are covered
with posters, comics, Halloween
decorations, toys and stuff like that to
overload the imagination. It must feel a
bit chaotic to people stopping in, but it
makes me excited to create stuff.

I’ve always been a fan of a cockpit-
style workspace. Working both
digitally and traditionally, I find this
helps tie the two worlds together and
keep things contained. Over the years
I’ve tried a few different desk setups to
hold my computer and tablets, and
this one is my favourite by far. I built a

I find that
I feel more at
ease and creative
when it’s stormy

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