Conversations with Mark Ludy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Ludy.

Hi Mark, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was young, I remember going out to eat as a family. Interestingly, it was the napkins afterward that my father would bring home and keep in a very special location. On special occasions, we pulled these napkins out and would reminisce about them always with a laugh and smile. When we put them away it was always with the hope that my father would be bringing more home adding to the collection – possibly better than the last.

How does a doodling obsession begin?

For me, it was when my father at a restaurant grabbed a napkin and declared, “Let’s draw something!” And together, each taking turns, we each began to draw hilarious characters, scenes, and details. It was my father that first added things that made us laugh out loud and then it was us who couldn’t wait to add that hilarious detail first the next time a napkin was passed. For every napkin, he would sign and date and then have us add our signatures too. Then back at home the napkin would be added to the collection.

Surprise, surprise! That doodling obsession led to me becoming a “drawer” for a living. One of those that never went to college but just plodded onward creating. Lots of picture books, puzzles, and crazy creations later and I’m where I am today.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’d say there were times and seasons in this life of mine I felt like I’d lost the road all together. I often stayed on roads I had no desire to be on at all, but felt like I ‘should’ be. Some roads were littered with craters and others were smooth as silk.

So… has the “road” been smooth? Rarely. But with hindsight, I see that I’ve loved my journey and wouldn’t change a thing. It was on some of those I learned what I wouldn’t have learned if I hadn’t taken them, what I liked and didn’t. What fits and what doesn’t?

The struggles were always within – in my person, in my thoughts – yes, there were setbacks, rejection, deadlines, pangs of long nights, mistakes, and stuff like that, but it was fear of failure or how others would see me. Feeling like a fraud. These were the real struggles.

Terrified of my success… trying to just be “enough.” It was more often than not my own self sabotage that caused my suffering and struggles. I for the longest time blamed my circumstances or others for my struggles… but I’ve come to believe -by tending to my person, my age-old thoughts and my outlook – life has become more and more beautiful.

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?
So I started my career writing and illustrating books. After a long hiatus from books, I am releasing in November my next book, “Birdie’s Field Guide,” a wordless book following one girl’s obsession with birds. While I love what I’ve had the opportunity to create in the way of books, I’ve found satisfaction and joy over the last number of years creating unique pieces of art.

My art, if you haven’t ever seen it is illustrative – often evoking one’s own story from what they see. I have my own story in my head that I want to share, but what we create often is subjective to each person. I think you’ll see details, themes, and ideas within them that cause you to think, look again, consider, or just feel.

Truth is, what I draw is all over the map and inspired by what I’m pondering. I’ll get an idea that I’m enamored with. But it’s when I play with it, turn it on its head, shake it up that the fun begins. Rarely does the finished work look like what I first imagined.

I guess you could say, when I’m in my element as an artist I’m simply playing. Imagining and questioning are the greatest tools in my arsenal. That people of all ages can find something in my work brings deep satisfaction.

What sets me apart? I guess over time I’ve played so much and for so long in my direct way, in the expression and “voice” that is distinct “me” that people seem to identify as coming from me. Crazy.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I’ve lived all along the front range of Colorado for most of my life. My best memories and worst here. I’ve learned that when I mull over what I don’t like… that is all I see. Vice versa, when I’ve focused on what I like… seems that’s all I start to see. This place I live is extraordinary and has magic all its own. The mountains are awe-inspiring and the days of sun are fantastic.

Every day I’m begged to step outside. And the people I’ve met and crossed paths with are even more extraordinary to me. There are so many people itching their creative bent and when they do everyone who sees it is inspired. I love that I’ve witnessed people’s uniqueness celebrated and that they are given the opportunity to creatively find their expression. I want to see more of this.

The front range is truly diverse and I believe we are moving in a direction where, instead of fearing what we don’t know, we can with curiosity start to see one another for the gifts we each are.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MarkLudy.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/MarkLudyArt
• Facebook: Facebook.com/MarkLudyStudio