This week’s artist’s spotlight focuses on Dug McUgly, who says humor is his biggest inspiration.
The Artist’s Spotlight is a Hypable weekly feature that will focus on someone who has caught our attention for fandom-related art, whether it be drawings, songs, crafts, or more! Every week you can expect a new talented artist we think you should be aware of!
Hypable: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Dug: I’m a 36-year-old Tattooer and artist from Hamilton, OH. I tattoo out of Only Hope Tattoo in Fairfield, OH, and am a self taught artist. I have an amazingly supportive wife, Sherry, and three amazing kids, Aoife (pronounce E-fa), Finnian and Declan.
What first interested you in art, specifically the art of tattoos?
Well, I’ve been drawing since I was young. Doodling in school instead of school work, drawing on the walls, etc. But I got interested in tattoos after I got my first one. A horribly ugly flaming skull on my upper arm. After that I was hooked, and started training under the guy who gave me my second tattoo. I worked as an apprentice while cooking in a hotel restaurant for two years, and have been doing it for 11 years now.
You have these really cool pieces called matchbook paintings. How did that come about?
Well, I like to work on art board, and after cutting down some 11×14 and 8×10 pieces, I had all these scraps. I cut those down to 3×5 and 4×6 pieces and started painting mini tattoo style flash sheets, and mini portraits (Dumbledore, Sirius Black, some True Blood characters) and loved it. The matchbooks spawned from my want to try and paint smaller. And smaller. Now it’s a passion.
How would you describe your style?
Loose… and heavily based on traditional American tattooing. The matchbooks are mostly portraiture, but all my other art is hybrid style. I try not to lock into one style or another. It gets boring. And boring is the fifth level of hell (I assume).
“I’ve been drawing since I was young. Doodling in school instead of school work, drawing on the walls, etc.”
As an artist, what inspires you to create?
Humor. If I think it’s funny, I have to make it. And the want to illicit a response from people. If I had a motto for my art, it would be, “Oh… that’s from… Uhhh… Oh Yeah!” I love getting that from people!
What are some of your favorite characters to draw?
I orbit around pop culture. Everything I do is based in pop culture. From comic books to Game of thrones, to Jaws. I love and am addicted to it!
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as an artist?
The answer is in the question. Being an artist is, in and of itself, a giant challenge. Being a creative at all is tough. We’re a weird and select group. Even graphic artists caught in corporate hell go home and draw Orcs or Spiderman. Along with that is getting it out. Whatever “it” is. We need to get it out. Like writers, singers, even a carpenter… you have to create, or you’ll burst.
“Being an artist is, in and of itself, a giant challenge. Being a creative at all is tough. We’re a weird and select group. Even graphic artists caught in corporate hell go home and draw Orcs or Spiderman.” |
Which artists have inspired you the most?
There’s a few artists I love for art’s sake. Myke Chambers is a super inspirational tattooist, and I love his style. Bill Watterson of Calvin and Hobbes fame. I love how he wouldn’t compromise on his art, even if it was just about a five year old kid and his stuffed tiger. In comics, I’ve always been super amazed by Alex Ross’ super realistic style, and Mark Farmer! But recently, I’m way into an artist named Mike Rooth. He’s an amazing artist, but above that, he’s a super positive dude. And his beard has few rivals!
What advice would you give to other artists?
Create. No matter what. No matter what anyone says. No matter who “gets it,” no matter if you have to work three jobs. If you lose friends. Create. And when you hit that wall and can’t find anything that makes you want to create. Create some more. No retreat, no surrender. Mercy is for the weak. And always, no matter what, sweep the leg.
What’s your ultimate goal as an artist?
To make people smile. Or laugh from the gut. And say, “Oh… That’s from… Uhh… Oh Yeah!”
“Create. No matter what. No matter what anyone says.”
You can find pictures of Dug’s art, both in-process and finished pieces, on his Instagram account. You can also follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
If you’re interested in purchasing some of Dug’s work, check out his Etsy shop!
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