ABOUT: Gork

Gork’s work inspires me. His character, with so much detail, expression, shading, and color, is mind-blowing. I can learn a lot from his work because the cleanliness and creativity are always on point. There’s no need to say more—check out his IG for more of Gork after reading his story.

Let's start off with a beer. What beer would you say is your favorite?
Always a tough call. I'm definitely not a beer connoiseur, but New Belgium Fat Tire has been one of my long time favorites.

Where did your journey in art began?
Very young 🌱. I was always entrigued by the Sunday comics in the newspaper 📰 growing up. Later on I had a few peers that were fond of doodling. They certainly provided the fuel to my aspiration of creating something.

What’s the story behind the name: Gork and your character?
Gork - a simple play on letters of my birth given name. I've more recently (in the last couple years) transformed it into the acronym Genuinely Odd Revered Knowledge. It was quite challenging to come up with something that really stood for my art background, but it also translates well to art in general.

My character has been quite the journey, which really started circa 2012 when I began working on 228s. I still haven't settled on a name for him, it has proved to be even more challenging than developing Gork as an acronym.

He's grown and changed as I've grown and changed as an artist. What was once a slender worm hammerhead shark has become a cyborg extraterrestrial sea creature. I'm fond of sci-fi and fantasy and have continued to incorporate my interests into my creations. I've been most inspired by every 228 character artist, and continue to tweak elements as new inspiration is sparked by seeing what others are creating.

How did you end up in the stickerscene ?
Quite simply from being exposed to the idea by scrolling through Instagram circa 2012.

What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your artistic skills?
As I previously mentioned, the Sunday comics were the initial spark. There were several 'How to Draw' books I acquired as a child that helped me hone in on some crucial key concepts and skills.

Highschool I really made the push to solidify what I already had going for me.

College I made the decision to get a degree in graphic design. Further developing my traditional skills and acquiring new ones in the realm of digital.
Life changes made creating digitally next to impossible. However, I've always been about tangible artwork though. Nothing like seeing the full picture from a distant, and then stepping closer to see the emphasis of a single brush (pen, paint pen, spray paint) stroke of genius.

If you would have to describe your artistic style, what would you say?
Illustrative. Was never really into comics, but cartoons and animated films have certainly had an impact on my style.

Can you share some of your favorite or most significant artistic projects or pieces you've created?
A couple years ago I worked on a sketch that showed different variations of my character. I stacked them with the more simplistic early era designs at the bottom, and the more complex cyborg transformations towards the top. I intended to create it as a print, which I shortly after did, which was well received and sold out relatively quickly.

This piece still speaks to me. I have the original hardcopy framed. I feel like it's still one of my best compositions to date.

I try to break free from the norm at times, but establish most of them from glancing at the color wheel.

What brands and tools do you use for your artwork and what do you recommend?
I basically use whatever I can get my hands on. It's not always about what you have but how you use it.

Paint Markers:
- Posca
- Tooli-Art
- DecoColor (these have phased out, but certainly where I started

Alcohol Markers:
- Prisma
- Sharpie
- Azure
- ArtSkills

Spray Paint:
- MTN
- Evolve
- Rustoluem

There are most definitely some other brands I would like to try as my supply runs dry. What I've listed is what I currently have or have most recently used.

What do you like the most about what you do ?
It's therapeutic for me. Helps to ease my troubled mind. It has also openned the door to possibilities that I thought were unobtainable.

Are there any artist you look up to now or in your earlier stage as an artist?
Renaissance artists while I was growing up.
228 artists for over a decade now.
Amer, Swar, and Revoe.
Slow, Mr. Polo, and Marshy.
Gator, Octulos, and Orna.
This only being a very tiny fraction.

Everyone has their way of working. How do you approach the creative process, from conceptualization to completion?
Sketching to get a good core design.
Color schemes - always a challenge. I try to break free from the norm at times, but establish most of them from glancing at the color wheel.
For more complex ideas I definitely pull some reference photos to aid me in the sketching phase.

How do you stay motivated and overcome creative blocks or challenges in your work?
For me, it's been best to take a step away from creating at times. To recharge my creative drive. Eventually gets to the point where the itch needs to be scratched. When I'm not drawing I'm compiling ideas that I want to attempt, jotting them down at times. That way I have something to work with when I approach the canvas, page, or 228 the next time.

When I get stuck, I'll step away and study from reference materials. Continuing to build my brain bank.

Not every art, is for everyone. How do you handle critiques or feedback on your work, both positive and negative?
I do my best to accept both positive and negative criticisms. It's great to hear my work is eye catching, but I feed more off of the negatives because I always want to know where I can improve.

The most thing I like to see in an artist is progress. What are your long-term artistic goals, and where do you see your art career heading in the future?
Long-term goal is to produce and sell more long lasting pieces. Canvases or repurposed materials.
I'll never sleep on the 228 game though. It's in my blood now.

Some artists feel they have a deeper meaning regarding their artwork. Does your art have a deeper meaning to you?
I've always been introverted. Art has given me a voice. I use art as an expression to hopefully leave an impression.

Do you have anything else to you would like to share with the world?
Leave your mark! Whatever that may be.

Give credit where credit is due.

Above all, be yourself.