Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Blair.
Hi Spencer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I get asked a lot, “When did you get into art?” or “when did you start drawing?” Its always been a pretty boring answer because I can pinpoint a specific moment. I just picked up a pencil when I was a kid, drew somwthing, and I never put it down.
I grew up pretty lonely, mostly entertaining myself, so art was a great way to express myself. I was inspired by all of the cartoons and movies I would watch, very much focusing on all the cool monsters I would see.
I tried to pursue animation, thinking my love of the medium would translate into a passion for it, but realized it wasn’t for me and left college to pursue my own endeavors as a character designer and comic artist. Despite the pitfalls and stagnation I haven’t given up quite yet! I work harder every day to hone my skills and my dreams a reality
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been a bit of a mixed bag. My life hasnt been especially difficult. Im lucky to have a stable home and family and met great friends along the way. However, I struggle a lot with my mental health. My clinical depression and anxiety constantly try to put me in a headspace of not being “good enough.”
This has caused me to be scared to get out of my comfort zone both in improving my work and finding work opportunities as I always feel like I don’t deserve it or I won’t live up to expectations (both my own and others)
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a character designer and comic illustrator. I specialize in the monstrous side of design because monsters and creatures have always captured my attention more than anything else.
Ive worked on a lot of projects for social media which is how I’ve gotten my following. From Marvel to DC and tons of things in between. I got my big start doing redesigns of popular characters like Spider-Man and Batman, but I’ve always preferred making my own characters and stories.
Im most proud of my orignal work. Ive created many concept and characters for a variety of projects. The one I’m most invested in is a series I’ve made called K9 which focuses on my favorite thing: monsters (werewolves specifically)
It’s a comic I’ve loved making stuff for and hope to continue once things line up in a way that allows me to do so!
As for what sets me apart from others, I would say it’s my admittedly weird and whacky sense of creativity. Even when redesigning official characters, I’d always want to put my own spin on their stories to justify the visual change. I have a sense of pride in the way I approach art and design and think I do things in a way unique from others.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe my earnest approach to my work is what I find most important. Im unashamed to draw what I want the way I want despite what might be more appealing to a general audience. I feel that if I’m not being honest to what I want to create then there’s no point in picking up the pen.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yotakuportfolio.wordpress.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yotaku_boi/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://x.com/yotakuboi/?lang=bg
