Conversations with Aaron Butt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Butt.

Aaron, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Not even joking a little bit, I got into digital collage because I wanted to be an artist but I can’t draw so I had to improvise. I’m a graphic designer for a living so that was my first and only option.

I started doing collages about 4 years ago, and in the beginning, I feel like I was mostly just sticking pictures of flowers on top of pictures of skeletons and calling it a day. Now, however, I feel like I’m still just sticking pictures of flowers on top of pictures of skeletons but in a more conceptual way, and in the business we call that growth.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Mostly yes but that’s because I only really do it for myself. When I started doing my designs, it was because I thought they were cool. I would post them online and of course, wanted other people to think they were cool too but I never even considered someone wanting to buy one, or places around Denver to host showcases for me.

Even with all of that happening for me from time to time, designing is always just a hobby that I do when I’m inspired, or sometimes maybe just bored. I never try to force ideas and if I just happen to go some time without anything new in the works then it’s not something to beat myself up over.

I think because of that the road for me has always been pretty smooth.

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 would say I specialize in surreal themes that often focus on life death and everything in between (basically I use a lot of bones and flowers). All my designs are digital and I think what separates my collages from others is that my vision is using different imagery and creating something new, and not just gluing random pictures together.

I’m honestly most proud that I’m still doing this. Art is hard, coming up with ideas is hard, and not burning out is hard, but after all these years I’m still making new designs and still enjoying every one of them and that’s something I’m very proud of.

Also, just the idea that I’m putting something nice out into the world makes me happy. It blows my mind that people even buy my art and hang it in their homes, or share it with friends. I’ve even had people send me pictures of some of my designs tattooed on them and that truly brought me to tears. I don’t know I’m just very proud of that too.

What were you like growing up?
I am farm raised in the countriest side of Arkansas literal goats and chickens in my backyard. I was pretty quiet and reserved and mostly just played RPGs at home all day.

I started learning graphic design as a teenager just like most people, by using an illegally downloaded version of Photoshop and youtube tutorials. I used to photoshop people on the cover of Madden or Sports Illustrated and honestly, that might be what has led me to what I’m doing now.

I’m pretty much the same person now just better looking, more personable, smarter, in better shape, and less angsty but that’s all.

Pricing:

• 11×14 Prints for like $20

Contact Info:

• Website: shop.weloveaaron.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronbutt.psd/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaronbutt