Posted by Curry S. on Jan 24th 2020
Featured Artist: Ryan LaMunyon
If you live in Portland, Maine chances are you’ve seen some of the work created by Ryan LaMunyon. From patches for the Portland Patch Project to beer cans for the mega-popular Bissel Brothers Brewing Company, Ryan is keeping the art scene in Maine interesting.
Artist & Craftsman Supply: Who are you and what do you do?
Ryan LaMunyon: My name is Ryan LaMunyon and I’m an illustrator living in Portland, Maine. My work has taken on a lot of different forms over the years, everything from comics to t-shirts to patches to beer cans. I’ve also just recently been part of an animated short Graveyard Fun for the Damnationland film festival. Though I almost always end up finishing the work on the computer I try to do as much as I can by hand!
A&C: Did you go to school for art/what is your background?
RL: I attended Maine College of Art from 2004-2008 and received a BFA in Illustration.
A&C: Do you have a favorite artist/piece of art?
RL: There was a distinctive change in my approach to inking after I started looking at a lot of Paul Pope. At MECA I used a lot of pens to ink my stuff, it was very stiff. Pope inspired me to pick up a brush, make accidents, get loose.
A&C: What drew you to art initially?
RL: I read a lot of comics when I was a kid. I would try and copy Todd McFarlane’s Spawn and draw my own comics with other kids.
A&C: What is your go-to album/artist right now (in the studio)?
RL: I love listening to music all the time in the studio. I’ve been listening to The Smiths a lot this year. They usually fit the aesthetic of whatever I’m working on.
A&C: What do you like most about Artist & Craftsman Supply?
RL: The size! I get lost in the store sometimes, but that’s ok. I always find what I’m looking for.
A&C: What’s one thing you can’t leave the store without buying?
RL: Paper! Always need more Bristol board and cool pens to play with.
