Conversations with Ryan Mowry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Mowry.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Columbus, Ohio. Spent my early days running around forest/parks with my brother. Reading as many comics as my parents would allow and enjoying Tolkien books and the animated films. When we weren’t playing outside we were drawing all sorts of things from our minds. I continued to follow art and went to The Columbus College of Art and Design. During my time there I feel in love with black and white art. I had a teacher who opened my eyes to many of the masters in that medium. After school I struck to trying and failing at locking down illustration gigs. Not sure I ever had one break through moment. More of a consistent drive to get better and obtain jobs that I would like to do.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m not sure it’s ever been a “smooth road”. Nor should it? Art comes with many trials and inner conflicts. Be it the fist fights against one’s self and the constant ” is this good” or the push to get more commercial gigs. I try to in the end just keep the embers burning. To protect the muse. One might need to find joy in pushing the rock up the hill daily. Sisyphus style.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I guess I would be known for my black and white illustrations. My love for the medium has driven me to bring that into a majority of my illustration jobs. I think what sets me apart is my graphic style and application of brush work. The bold brush strokes to the splattering of ink. The ability to see this was created with a hand, brush, and paper.

As for what I’m most proud of….thinking of this as it pertains to my art….would be the method I have chosen. I was always pulled towards the brush and the paper. Feeling the medium under my fingers and experimenting with its possibilities. Oddly enough as we race to more and more to AI or “creator less” images, my passion for brush and paper has increased.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
My kind hearted approach to all. When having created scores of images for metal bands the thought is often that I must be “dark and brooding”. Quite the opposite.

Pricing:

• I do my best to make my art affordable to all. Often times this can be done through the creation of screen prints.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/pencilplan
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pencilplan/?hl=en

Image Credits
Self portrait picture of me by Marissa Mowry.