For years, Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net has been about two things only – awesome art and the artists that create it. With that in mind, we thought why not take the first week of the month to showcase these awesome artists even more? Welcome to “Awesome Artist We’ve Found Around The Net.” In this column, we are focusing on one artist and the awesome art that they create, whether they be amateur, up and coming, or well-established. The goal is to uncover these artists so even more people become familiar with them. We ask these artists a few questions to see their origins, influences, and more. If you are an awesome artist or know someone that should be featured, feel free to contact me at any time at [email protected].This month we are very pleased to bring you the awesome art of…
Luke T Benson
When he was young Luke really enjoyed watching cartoons, reading comic books, playing video games, and not himself too seriously. As an adult, he prides himself on not having changed a whole lot.
Luke graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire with a BFA, emphasis in Illustration. Pop culture remains a huge influence in his work, and he is constantly striving to grow and evolve as an artist, pushing himself with new projects. Overall he just wants to have fun creating art, and wants his fans to have fun looking at it.
JOBLO: What got you started as an artist?
LUKE: My father was an art teacher for many years, so growing up he would draw my favorite cartoon characters for me. Eventually, I was learning to draw them by myself and I sort of just never stopped drawing.
Who were some of your favorite artists growing up?
A lot of my time growing up was spent playing video games, reading comic books, and watching cartoons. So my favorite artists were usually just the people creating these shows and comics I loved. Standouts are definitely Batman The Animated Series, and the Simpsons. The art of Bruce Timm, Glen Murakami, and Genndy Tartakovsky were huge for me, but I spent way too many hours drawing characters from The Simpsons to not give huge credit to Matt Groening.
Who do you really dig these days, follow on Instagram?
For the past few years, I would say I’m really into Pam Wishbow, Martin Ontiveros, Dave Quiggle, John Hendrix, and Andrew Maclean to name a handful. I really respond to illustrators and storytellers with strong styles that incorporate smart design ideas into their work. I’ve gained a lot of inspiration and insight just looking at art online and figuring out what I like and why I like it.
What advice would you have for budding artists today?
Probably to use social media as best and as much as they can. It was still pretty new to me getting out of school so I sometimes still feel a bit odd using it as a tool, but I’m working on it. Also, to not get bogged down comparing themselves to other artists. That’s a really good way to get down on yourself. Trust your own instincts and run with it, growth will come naturally. Another thing I’m still learning.
What should we be looking out for from you in the future?
In the immediate future, I really want to push my style more and relearn to play while creating. I also have a lot of fun design ideas I want to put on shirts and hats, or whatever apparel, since that’s what I’ve been more interested in buying recently. I’m hoping to do more with woodcut painting and printmaking as well. A more long-term goal is to do some graphic novel work, but I’ve learned not to put too much on my plate at once so I’m in no big rush.
Being a fansite, we have to ask you… What are some of your favorite movies/TV shows of all time?
I always have a hard time answering these questions since my favorites are a bit all over the place. I still watch BTAS and Batman Beyond pretty regularly. I love all of the Laika stop-motion films, they’re just gorgeous. I’ve absolutely watched every MCU film and show. The Back to the Future trilogy will always hold a big place on any list for me. I’ve probably watched the shows Chuck, How I Met Your Mother, and Friday Night Lights more than any other. My biggest comfort movie is When Harry Met Sally.
Scroll down to check out some of our favorite art pieces from Dave as we continue to follow his journey across his Website and social media hubs: Instagram / Store / Gallery 1988
Back To The Future
Dazed And Confused
Detroit Rock City
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Hades
Harry Potter
Jake The Snake Roberts
Jurassic Park
The Lord of the Rings
Mallrats
Metroid
The Mighty Ducks
Pulp Fiction
Samurai Jack
The Shopping Mall
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Wayne‘s World
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
The Wizard of Oz
