Random Hallmark Moments: inspiration

   Tim Biskup visited work today & gave an outstanding presentation about his influences, his work and the thought processes behind it. It was entitled, "Your most important tool is your middle finger." He was easily one of the most solidly entertaining speakers we've had so far... for the last 13 years. (Of course, I'm a fan, so I'm perhaps a little biased. Also, he has the same Booska figure in his studio that I do.) Tim shared some of his secrets, including an assignment he gave himself to draw for 5 hours a day, every day. For years. That's how you get good. And he spoke of his experience in the animation industry, which taught him to draw & paint gesturally; making great work fast. He showed samples of a psychological experiment he called "mean caricatures" in which he went to a bar with a sign that said, "Caricatures: $20. Mean caricatures: FREE" and showed some samples of the sheepish subjects with their intentionally unflattering masterpieces. Priceless!
   I was also fortunate to not only join Tim & 6 other Hallmarkers for lunch at Milano, but also to participate in an afternoon sketch session. We all sat around & drew in our books using whatever materials we chose. Tim encouraged us to draw whatever subject to which we naturally gravitate, which for me is animals speaking Japanese. I came up with a bevy of shibas, beavers, panda bears, cats, squirrels and the like. Tim let us take his sketches at the end, and I was lucky enough to snag my favorite—the skull (which is now framed & sitting in my studio, waiting to be hung on the wall). He signed it for me & also drew a Helper in my sketchbook. It's always a treat to watch others artists draw.  more Tim
Tim's bio: "With a fondness for mid-century graphic design, Japanese monsters and chaos, Tim Biskup has honed an infectious style. He has mastered painting, illustration, graphic design, and color theory simultaneously in his art.  As a committed collector, Tim's been inspired to create his own limited edition products.  Starting in the mid-eighties with hand-printed record covers, he's created art prints, t-shirts, toys and more."

   Next day, another treat: Matthew Sporzynski, the artist behind Real Simple Magazine's incredible paper art! He shared with us a homemade preppy-green suitcase carefully stuffed with a treasure trove of diecut pleasures. The work took people's breath away, as he scrolled through slide after gorgeous slide, you could hear gasps & oohs & aahs from the crowd. And the man himself was just as charming as his work; funny and thoroughly enthralling. Following the presentation, he invited us to come up & enjoy his creations up close; the paper-mache fruit were some of my favorites. The detail & craftsmanship was remarkable. That's what a small staff, a sharp wit and a friend with a diecut press will get you: a sweet magazine deal & an enviable home in New York!

photos by Monica Buck