Meet Matt Strackbein of Strackbein by Design in Greater Denver

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Strackbein.

Matt, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My background is in Graphic Design and illustration with a passion for making comic books. I began my commercial art career in the screen print industry as a Pre-Press Technician and Master Color-Separator, eventually moving on to Production Manager and Art Director. Since then I’ve worked for several apparel companies, including the outdoor industry as a downhill ski race-suit designer collaborating with multiple national ski teams and Olympic athletes. While consistently honing my skills in every single area of design and production art, working with partners around the world, I always made time for side projects creating comic books and comic strips.

I am currently self-employed as an Art Director and Illustrator for a wide variety of clients including design and production art for apparel companies, but also marketing assets for organizations like Denver Pop Culture Con.

Essentially, I do it all. I create original artwork for textiles, printed materials and the web handling the design and production art soup to nuts. But the best part of my job is making comic books, which I both selves publish and create for publishers. I specialize in educational comic books, but I’ve also contributed to Dark Horse Comics’ Hellboy series and spin-off titles. As an Art Director for comics I not only collaborate with a variety of writers, editors and artists, but I can do each aspect of the job myself at any time. There’s never a dull moment and always some new and exciting artistic project to tackle every day.

Moderating and participating in panels on the subject of comics, as well as doing bookstore and convention signings is a wonderful way to meet and interact with other comic book fans and artists of all types. I’ll never skip the opportunity to do sketches for customers at the neighborhood comic shop, or exhibit at a local comic con or festival. I believe in using comics in the classroom and I teach how to make comics to increase literacy and art skills. One thing I always tell people is, although I do this professionally, there’s always a chance to learn from each other. So that interaction with students and casual artists alike, whether at a school, or a public event is truly valuable.

Has it been a smooth road?
I might be the hardest working person I know in terms of self-sacrifice. I’ll do whatever it takes to meet deadlines, no matter how short, in order to get the job done. At times that sort of dedication takes a toll, but I have to say, it’s always been rewarding. Any bumps in the road were just part of the experience and clients and employers will always recognize when someone has that kind of investment in their company or product.

Going out on my own was a risk and at first, it felt like I was always running out of runway. In many respects, working freelance, or the contract is a constant hustle. But that tried and the true level of commitment is part of my offering and so all of my initial clients have become repeat customers. I’ve since forged tremendously successful relationships with all of them.

Please tell us about your art.
Locally in Colorado, I’m the best known for quick turn original graphic design. Whether its marketing materials, website design, or creating merchandise like t-shirt graphics, my clients now I’ll get it done early. At my core, I am a commercial artist, which means producing a wide variety of items even if it isn’t something I don’t do every day. That’s what sets me apart from the rest of the competition. I don’t just specialize in one thing and I’m always excited to go down a new path when it comes to art.

Outside of Colorado, I’m known as the fan that ended up making comics. As a lifelong comic book reader, I began writing letters to editors and developed a reputation as a committed “Letterhack”. After a while, those editors began asking me to contribute my comics to their books. Although I’m proud of all the work I do, I’m most proud of my ability to capitalize on unforeseen opportunities and finding alternative means of getting new jobs.

I pride myself on being organized. Some days it feels like a house of cards, but I’ve been able to keep everything on track with time to spare no matter how hectic it may seem. I even make time to produce my podcast, The Letterhack Podcast and I’m a weekly guest host on the Hellboy Book Club Podcast.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Denver, Longmont and Colorado at large have a deeply sincere appreciation for the arts! We are a thriving artistic community of creators supporting creators. Not to mention the fanbase! Through my affiliation with Denver Pop Culture Con, I can assure you we have hundreds of thousands of people here who just can’t get enough art, music, film and theater. There is always an event happening and lots of crossovers when it comes to all of the creative outlets in and along the Rocky Mountains!

Of course one of the very best parts of living here is fresh air, the outdoors and being able to explore the mountains whenever you like year-round. The only possible downside would be that there isn’t time in the day to do it all.

Contact Info:

• Website: MattStrackbein.Weebly.com
• Email: strackmatt@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/friendsofstrackbein
• Twitter: Twitter.com/TheLetterhack

Image Credit:
John Forguer The Khaos Experiment Art Photography

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.