Since we are running a new class by Sterling Hundley right now, we thought it would be fun to do a little interview with him 😀 His illustration work has been all over the place, from The New Yorker to Rolling Stone. He definitely knows a thing or two about illustration!
SVS: How did you decide to become an artist?
SH: As far back as I can remember, I was an artist. I grew up in a family of artists, makers and doers. We were always drawing, writing, cross-stitching, building, digging. When I got to High School, I had some pretty negative experiences with my art teachers and poured myself into basketball. Still, art was always there as an outlet and as a way of participating in the world around me.
SVS: Who are your influences?
SH: My first art crushes came from mom’s design magazines and comic books. I fell in love with airbrushing art, and video game magazines. The limits that those artists were pushing were mind-blowing. I grew up, my interests and tastes have broadened and deepened significantly and I’m equally as drawn to Picasso’s Guernica as I am Bernini’s David.
SVS: How did you get your first paid illustration gig?
SH: A classmate introduced me to her boss who needed art for the cover of a gospel album. No, I will not show it.
SVS: How much time do you spend on making art?
SH: The answer lies in that space between the client’s deadlines and my own satisfaction with the work, which rarely can be put on a timetable. Personal projects never seem to be finished or good enough, while professional projects just have to ship.
SVS: Where do you get your ideas?
SH: I’ve had to come up with my own system of generating ideas. They are always born out of constraints or limitations. Having total freedom is more problematic for me than having limitations. We cover a lot of ground regarding this within the (Ideation Lab) course.
SVS: What advice do you have for artists trying to make it professionally?
SH: Focus on distinction. Apply creativity to every aspect of your life and industry ambitions. Approach them with the same mind-set. Both ideas and opportunity live in the bridges we build between known things.
SVS: What is your favorite TV show?
SH: I’ve become such a fan of the storytelling in episodic TV. Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Daredevil, Punisher, Black Mirror, Narcos. So much good work is being done out there these days.
SVS: Thanks for sharing Sterling!
You can learn all about his method for generating ideas in his new video class called Ideation Lab, available for purchase through 5/4!
This self-directed class is all about how to develop unique ideas for your illustrations. The class runs over 4 weeks, with new sections released 2x per week. This time frame allows you to work through the class with fellow classmates, who you can connect with through the class discussion board. But you can also work through the content on your own schedule if you prefer. Once all the content is released, the class is yours to access anytime.
This class is only available for purchase through 5/4, and it won't be part of our video subscription, so get it while you can! It's an incredible resource for an incredible value. $149 for SVS members, $175 for non-members
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