ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

MAD DOG JONES

Hi, Mad Dog Jones! We've been featuring your art on our Instagram for some time already and we're happy to have you on our artist spotlight! 

You have such a unique and distinctive style. Can you tell us a little bit about how you developed your personal artistic style? 

My style is largely based off nature. Natural elements that exist without a human touch I find deeply inspiring. I then use that imagery as a template for shape and form in my completed illustrations. Instead of a complex tree or vibrant flower it's an apartment complex and a stop light.

How long have you been creating your art? Can you tell us a little about how you got started and how you have grown over the years? We also noticed that you have really blown up recently on social media! What can you attribute this growth to? 

I've been drawing since I was young. Truly enamored by all art forms. I've worked extensively in music with my SIDEWAYS collaborators. Slowly I pieced together new skills and developed a stronger work ethic. Now my visual art is been appreciated by the world and I couldn't be more grateful.

I'm still blown away by the power of social media for artists. It's also fun building a curated experience for the user. I enjoy the challenge while simultaneously being warped by the expectations and demands of maintaining a social presence.

We see lots of Japanese/Western pop culture elements, how did you come to incorporate these elements into your art?

I love all imagery from any source. Using cars, fashion and architecture from various sources really opens up the freedom of expression. I love building my own worlds where everyday there's a 🔥 sunset.

Please tell us more about your artistic process! How do you go from concept to finished piece? What software and materials do you use?

Procreate, iPad pro, apple pen, Photoshop, Premiere. I get to the finish line from various paths. I often spend many hours building mock ups, adding elements, tweaking colours. A lot of masking, playing with curves, select colour, hue shifting. 

I try not to focus too much on the technical aspects of my work. I think the piece is made in the concept design phase where the focus is more on shape, colour and form. After that it's just the tedium of lining it out and colouring.

Do you listen to music while you create? If so what kind and how do you see it affecting your finished product? 

La+ch, SVDP, Coleman Hell are my faves right now. But I listen to a dynamic range of music. Every element of your environment affects the art; choose wisely.

With your recent growth and new opportunities where do you see your artistic career going? What would be your ultimate dream to accomplish with your art?

Directing a film would be a goal for sure. I'm drawn to film. I'm also very interested in fashion and any design elements. Right now, I have more opportunity than time and I'm looking to expand my universe. 

I have a few upcoming projects that I'm extremely excited to share and can't wait to see the next level of doors that will open for me!

Finally we would love to ask - What would you say to up and coming artists who want to pursue their passion? 

Focus on colours, balance and message over technical skills. Sure...what I do is technical but the idea is more important. Don't compare yourself to others. Just be better than you were yesterday. Embrace YOUR personality. Being authentic is key. Social media can be harmful to your health. Use with extreme caution.