We recently connected with Joey Howell and have shared our conversation below.

Joey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

How did you learn to do what you do?

From a very young age I was interested in art. I enjoyed the activity of creating visual art like I did playing video games or doing something I found enjoyable in that way. I was also pretty business oriented at a young age and started to look at art as something I could do for fun and also build into a skill that could be worth compensation. Growing up with these ideas about art I started to look at other digital illustrators and brand designers that were doing graphic works full time & whos work inspired me. I would reach out to them with questions when using Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. I learned to draw and use Adobe programs by trial and error. Watching many tutorial videos on drawing & using programs to work in, learning as I went. After around 5 years I was pretty comfortable in these programs but I feel you can always learn more. Easier ways to do things or adapt techniques in drawing that help you understand your subject more, etc.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?

I think at a young age I was worried about protecting my art from teachers or people who would tell me I was doing it the wrong way. Although I think a lot of this isolated work in learning my craft helped my craft be what it is today, I also think that I could have learned some technique in perspective, proportions, composition, etc. That would have really helped my work grow a lot quicker. If I could go back I may have found a mentor a lot sooner rather than later in my artistic career.

What skills do you think were most essential?

I think learning programs opens the door to be able to work for others doing graphic design and illustration. I also think your drawing skills and understanding of what your drawing, its lighting, its textures, developing color pallets that are “easy on the eyes”, are all important skills in creating good art. Maybe more than all of these is the concept or idea itself. Being able to come up with unique & desirable concepts and ideas that are executed in a good manor.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Myself! I think we give ourselves plenty of excuses. Why were not practicing enough, why we shouldn’t pursue certain ideas, I think the more I get out of my own way the more things gets done. Learning should be a daily pursuit with your craft.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Joey Howell. I was born & raised in Lakeland, FL. Growing through my mid twenties I have lived in Las Vegas, NV , Moab, UT & Portland, ME. Currently residing in Portland, ME.

I got into the graphic design and illustration industry by pursuing my interests in art and wanting published works on: shirts, patches, stickers, skateboard decks, cd covers, etc.
From a young age I was really interested in graphics on skateboards and how cool they looked and how great the artist must have felt knowing their work was being looked at by the public and bought because the consumer saw something in it that spoke to them and they wanted to represent themselves with it.

For my clients I solve the problem of having a unique image in their industry. I don’t stick to any particular genre of client or business industry. I feel if the idea fits my style I could work for anyone from car dealerships, bands, to a small grocery store looking to set itself apart visually. I supply the client with a tool that can reach their ideal target audience.

I am most proud of the clients that I have been able to work with Freelance.. some of these include: The Federal Bureau of Land Management, Rip N Dip Clothing, Cheech & Chong, etc.
Growing up I never thought I’d ever be able to work with these huge names but I am very proud of the hard work I’ve put in and recognition I’ve received from them.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, one of the most rewarding parts about being an artist and creative is seeing how my work has changed with me. How concepts and color pallets and technique improves and also changes as you yourself go through experiences and changes in your day to day life. How your environment reflects in your work, or dealing with a situation or life change can be reflected in the artists work. It’s a nice artistic visual clock of sorts for me. Having been making art and saving art from a very young age. I feel this gives me a unique glimpse into myself, that helps me understand myself in a way other might not have.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Being true to your artistic vision is vital to helping your clientele grow. You must set yourself apart from your peers by being uniquely and genuinely you in all aspects of your art and craft. If you don’t compromise this you will have better chance of growing a clientele list due to the fact only you can do what you do. No one else is able to provide this specific service because it is as unique as you are as a person. If the work is well received this will be your main allure.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.JoeyHowellArt.com
• Instagram: @JoeyHowellArt
• Twitter: @JoeyHowellArt

Image Credits
All credits due to: Joey Howell