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Artopsy: Dylan Fowler
"When I was a kid I wanted nothing more than to be a graphic designer when I grew up. That, and a cowboy."
May 1, 2019
REPORT OF INVESTIGATION BY BIRDY EXAMINER
INVESTIGATING AGENT: Krysti Joméi
Originally published in Birdy Magazine, Issue 065, May 2019
SUBJECT: DYLAN FOWLER
OCCUPATION: ILLUSTRATOR + DESIGNER | CONSUME & CREATE
RESIDENCE: DENVER, COLORADO
BIRTHPLACE: DALLAS, TEXAS
TYPE OF ART: CONTEMPORARY WESTERN SURREALISM
MANNER OF ART: DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION. PRINTMAKING.
PROBABLE CAUSE OF ART: WRITING. SKETCHING. PEN. PAPER. KEEP’N IT GROOVY.
CASE FILE REFERENCE: DYLANFOWLER.NET
When did you know you were an artist?
I used to play in bands and one day I realized I couldn’t stand touring. I had always played around in Photoshop and had drawn stuff growing up. When I was a kid I wanted nothing more than to be a graphic designer when I grew up. That, and a cowboy.
What path did you take to get where you are today as a professional illustrator and designer?
After dropping out of college I eventually landed my first design gig at A Small Print Shop here in Denver. There I learned digital illustration and design for apparel. I started learning more styles while pursuing freelance opportunities and now I work at Consume & Create as an Illustrator and Designer.
How did you come to your particular style?
Early on I experimented with all kinds of different styles. After a while I felt a need to express myself more. I started to put more of my own spin on things and tap into deeper influences of mine.
Is there any message or idea you try to exemplify through your art?
It depends. Often I want people to feel less alone, or I want to give them a moment of calm or escape.
What’s it like being an artist in Denver in 2019?
Denver has a really welcoming art community and it’s been amazing to see our art scene really grow! I’ve been fortunate to know some really awesome makers and doers here who keep up the good fight. Denverites have that good ol’ fashioned grit.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced on your journey to become a full-time artist?
You don’t know what you don’t know. For me getting to where I have without a college degree has been both awesome and challenging. On one hand, no student debt and the freedom to explore. On the other, a giant blind spot, but the knowledge is out there!
What do you think is the most prolific thing happening in art on a global scale?
We live in a really wild time where you don’t have to be a famous artist to make a living. We are no longer held hostage to the old gatekeepers because the internet allows us to do everything ourselves.
What are three things most people don’t know about you?
- People often assume I went to art school.
- As a teenager, a teacher told me I wouldn’t make money as a designer.
- When I was a kid, my horse and I were stuck in quicksand for over three hours. Everyone made it out okay.
If you could go back in time — or forward — what would you do?
Am I able to come back? I would go back to prehistory and take lots of pictures.
Any advice for striving creatives?
Don’t wait. Don’t wait for a lucky break. Seek knowledge. Keep growing and sharing your craft. Get to know people in the industry and have real relationships with them, don’t just talk to get ahead, people can see through that nonsense.
Where are you headed?
I just want to keep growing and learning. I want to make more prints to share with people. This industry is ever-changing, and I think you have to be flexible and open to new things. If anyone wants to connect or has any questions feel free to email me at [email protected].
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