A Conversation with Andy Mientus

What do you do?

I’m a freelance artist in Portland, OR. So, I create a lot of different art for a living. I also have my own brand, Steel Bison, which I release products for every now and then.

What does your work space look like? Where do you like to create?

A mess, haha. I always have so many projects going on at once. As far as the actual look of the studio goes… there are a bunch of old maps, photographs, postcards, pennants, etc covering the walls. I am always adding as many plants to the environment as I can. Basically, I want to end up working in a home jungle.

I like to create in all kinds of places besides my own place. Parks, coffee shops, friends studios all over the place really. I just need paper and something to make marks with.

What role does the pencil play in your process?

Pencils are used to sketch out my rough ideas for a design. I also use pencil as a base layer on larger more detailed designs before inking or painting over them. 

Why do you choose to work with pencils and, specifically, Blackwings?

They are easy to erase and sketch fast with. The Blackwings are a great quality pencil and the sharpener is also really nice, especially for drawing on the go. It catches all the shaving so I don’t have to use a napkin or something at a coffee shop.

What other tools are essential to your process?

I like to use anything that can make a mark really. Pens, acrylic, watercolor, crayon etc. Nothing is off limits. Creating with a wide variety of media keeps things fun and exciting for me.

How do you overcome artist's block? 

I feel like I rarely get it. I mean that in the most un-cocky way possible. I currently have more ideas than I have time to finish. There are piles of ideas in my studio waiting to be developed. Something that I deal with more commonly is trying to get on the same page as a client. We might have different ideas for how a project should look. A few emails or phone calls always solves that though.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Hmmm… A pretty broad phrase that covers pretty much everything would be “Love one another”.

Check out Sam's brand Steel Bison and follow him on Instagram!