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 theodorebond@joblo.com.This month we are very pleased to bring you the awesome art of…
Joel Herrera
Joel Herrera is a USAF Veteran, former Professor, and currently a Conceptual Designer. My night job, slightly more than a side hustle, has been comic book cover artist and commercial illustrator for 20 years or so. I have had the pleasure to work with a number of design agencies, publications, and properties over the years and have worked as a cover artist for Devil’s Due Inc. since 2009. I graduated from The University of Wisconsin – Madison with a Master in Fine Art.
His only goals as an artist are as follows:
1) Attempt to be a better artist and improve every day, even if only a little.
2) Make art that is inspired from the things that I love and hope that it inspires others
3) Deliver the best art that I can muster when it is asked of me.
JOBLO: What got you started as an artist?
JOEL: Comic Books were an early inspiration, but music and art also run in the family. I tried to escape and try other things, but drawing always called to me.
Who were some of your favorite artists growing up?
Alphonse Mucha, Art Adams, Leyendecker, Gil Elvgren, Adam Hughes, Jim Lee, Normal Rockwell, Robert Maguire, Neil Adams, John Byrne, John Romita, John Buscema, Frank Frazetta and so many more
Who do you really dig these days, follow on Instagram?
Ashley Wood, Adam Warren, Travis Charest, Ashley Witter, Tommy Lee Edwards, Greg Smallwood, Loish, James Jean, Jorge Jimenez, Olivier Coipel, Tula Lotay. Honestly, there are some many amazing artists out there!
What advice would you have for budding artists today?
Keep your minds open, be inspired by everything. Don’t worry about style, style will come all on its own. Draw everything every day, especially the stuff you dislike. Every line in your drawing tells a story so make sure the visuals do 100% of the talking. Don’t stop drawing or painting traditionally. The digital tools we use today are handy for commercial work, but they can weaken your skills. Grabbing a cross-hatching brush isn’t the same as cross-hatching on paper. I’m not saying don’t use digital tools. I’m saying don’t forget how to do it yourself.
What should we be looking out for from you in the future?
More portrait art, More Alternative Movie Posters. I am currently working on a simple Star Wars series, Some Indie Film posters are on the horizon, More comic covers with Devil’s Due and Image comics (Hack/Slash work is coming soon:)). Working on some art for The Trailer Park Boys right now. More Halloween collaborations for the MPxJH collection with my good friend Matt Peppler. Still focusing on horror as it is my favorite genre, so expect to see some Evil Dead posters in the near future. I did some work for the George Romero Estate this year. Maybe it will see the light of day sometime soon. I feel a Pinup Girl renaissance welling up inside of me. I have a special place in my heart for the retro aesthetic.
Being a fansite, we have to ask you… What are some of your favorite movies/TV shows of all time?
That’s a tough question. I love all types of movies. If it’s sad or weird I will probably enjoy it. I Saw the Devil, Evil Dead (2009), Interstellar, Perfect Blue, Avengers Infinity War & Endgame, Good Time & too many more.
As far as TV it’s pretty similar Severance, Black Mirror, Vinland Saga, Silo, Sharp Objects, The Outsider, True Detective & too many more
Scroll down to check out some of our favorite art pieces from Joel as we continue to follow his journey across his Website and social media hubs: Instagram / Twitter / Dribble / PosterSpy / Etsy
Aliens
The Crow
Daddy’s Girl
Daredevil
Death Proof
Doctor Sleep
The Fifth Element
Friday The 13th: The New Blood
Han Solo
Midsommar
Overlord
Owl
Pan’s Labyrinth
Pin-Up
Saint Maud
Spider-Man
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The Thing
Trailer Park Boys
The Universal Monsters
THE VVITCH