Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Sutton.
Hi Matthew, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My mother told me I’ve been drawing a lot since I was about 2 years old. Drawing has always been my favorite hobby whenever I had a free minute. When I was 16, I sold my first illustration of Venom from Spiderman. I made about $85 on that drawing and realized if I could keep on selling art then I wouldn’t have to get a summer job. That’s when I figured out that art could be my career.
That was about 20 years ago and ever since then, I’ve been intentionally practicing art with the aim of improving. I landed my first professional work drawing licensed sketch cards for Cartoon Network’s ‘Adventure Time’ about 6 years ago. Off of the success of that project I’ve been able to work on dozens of licensed projects for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and many more. Currently, I’m working with Topps and Lucasfilm on their Star Wars sets. So far in my sketch card career, I’ve drawn over 3,000 licensed cards.
When I’m not drawing contract work or traveling for art conventions, I enjoy drawing commissioned pieces for private collectors and clients. I never know what they’re going to throw at me which is so challenging while helping to keep me sharp and learning. I’ve been a full-time artist now for about 5 years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been challenging for sure. Some of the biggest obstacles have just been finding information. It’s hard being a self-taught artist since I don’t know anyone to plug me into a job here or there. Every bit of skill and ground I’ve managed to acquire has been from gleaning techniques from artists I admire and carving out my own space artistically especially via social media. Having a very kind and loyal fan base has opened so many doors for me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I think I’m probably best known for my superhero artwork. I’m a life-long comics fan and I absolutely love drawing those characters. Now that I’ve managed to get sketch card work with companies like Marvel and Star Wars I’m hearing more and more from the collectors and hobbyists. Which is amazing since many of them are long-time fans of the characters, worlds, and stories I’m now adding to.
Having drawn over 3,000 sketch cards at this point is something I’m very proud of.
I think the fact that I draw all of my artwork traditionally, the old-school way with pencil, pen, ink, and marker helps my work stand out in an ever-increasing digital landscape.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The closest thing I’ve ever had to mentors was going to comic conventions and speaking to artists that I admire. Asking them for tips one by one then implementing their advice. Several years of doing that really helped me. I regularly study life drawing as well. Getting a strong grip on human anatomy has been an invaluable investment and I highly recommend studying that area to any serious artists out there.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Sketchbooks
- Other: www.patreon.com/Sketchbooks
