by Mary Kate Teske
You're an illustrator, yeah? Do you have any specific markers you use?
I guess you could call me an illustrator! My go-to markers are Prismacolor brush tips and Copics but ill pretty much use whatever I can get my hands on!
You have to smell one stinky smell and smell it for a year. What stank are we dealing with?
Oh man, can it be a good stinky smell? If good stank is allowed I'd definitely choose to smell coffee for a year straight.
Your characters revolve a lot around creatures of horror. What are your influences?
For sure, I love myself a good monster/ creature. Some of the things that I'm influenced by are dinky antiques, cryptids, horror movies, comic books, and wildlife!
If you are kicking back at home playing a video game, what console are you playing on and what game is running?
I'm not much of a gamer but when I do game, I'm playing Red Dead 2 on the PS4! I seriously can't stop playing that game, Arthur is pretty much a cowboy terminator.
This last year you've been blowing up on social media. Other than jumping into being a full-time artist, are there any other goals or plans you have in mind?
The list of things to do is never-ending. My top three (in no particular order) would be to illustrate a children's book, make vinyl toys of my characters, and to release enamel pins! I'm a sucker for a solid enamel pin.
Top three favorite illustrators?
Just three? There are so many amazing artists in the world it's going to be hard to pick just three haha! Some of my favorites are Gary Baseman, Edward Gorey, Dr. Seuss, Matt Gordon, JJ Grandville, and Travis Millard.
Give me the ultimate pizza creation. Crust, sauce, toppings, the whole shu-bang.
For me, the ultimate pizza creation is large, hand-tossed, has pepperoni, bacon, peppers and is from Dominoes. It’s cheap and tastes phenomenal. 10/10 recommend
Where do you clip your nails?
I usually clip my nails over the sink. If it ever gets clogged you'll know why.
Do you plan on staying in Billings and why have you been based here?
I do not plan on staying in Billings for much longer! Within the next few years, I'm planning on packing up my markers and moving to Seattle with my lady. I've been a Billings art guy because it’s where I was born and raised. No other reason really!
Jack White asks you to smoke weed with him, but to do so you can't ever draw again. Would you do it?
SHIT!!! Although I love everything Jack creates I think I’d have to pass up on that offer. I just couldn't give up the thing I'm most passionate about just for a 20-minute smoke sesh. My answer might have been different though if you asked me earlier in my "career".
