John Vogl is a freelance artist living in Minneapolis, MN. His work is a mix of digital and traditional illustration, with a focus on evocative detail and a graphic sensibility. He works on a variety commercial, gallery, and self-published projects.
ANY PERSON WHO REALLY HELPED YOU IN YOUR AWESOME ARTISTIC JOURNEY?
I went to an after-school art class from elementary school through high school, and that was where I first learned to really dedicate to working on a piece and not just doodling. Both are valuable but I think that’s where I first understood a labor of love.
MORNING BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Night owl. But I feel guilty about it. Something about morning birds seems like they’re doing things the right way. I can barely work in the morning, though, I just putz around until I can actually be productive.
ANY ACTIVITIES, EXERCISES OR STRATEGIES TO PULL YOURSELF OUT OF THE OCCASIONAL ARTISTIC RUT?
Just to do the opposite of what I’ve been doing. If I’ve been working on the computer too much, painting or drawing traditionally helps a ton. If I’m stuck on a painting, hopping back on the computer and messing around with an image can be illuminating.
HOW DOES CREATIVITY RUN IN YOUR FAMILY, EVEN IF IT’S NOT DESIGN-RELATED?
All of my family is very creative, even though I’m the only one making art professionally. We’re all about makings things for others, whether that’s art, sewing, quilting, sculpting, writing, whatever.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK?
Walk my dog, or let him walk me. It’s a nice little reset that I have to do every day, regardless of what I’m working on.