Sunday, August 26, 2018

Logan Rogers, Freelance Artist


Monday Creek Publishing is thrilled to announce the addition of Ohio freelance artist Logan Rogers to our list of dynamite illustrators! We caught up with Logan and asked him about his history and creative endeavors.

Welcome, Logan!

Your art is fun with expressive characters and intriguing hues. At what age did you begin creating and designing art?

I was one of those kids who drew whenever the teacher wasn’t looking. At home, I filled drawers and boxes with drawings, and I was always getting art reference books as gifts, and from the library. I especially loved all the kids books that I grew up with I would spend hours just looking at the illustrations.

Are you a self-taught artist, or have you had formal training? 

I have a BFA from Ohio University, where I majored in Studio Art, minored in Graphic Design. I never really felt like I clicked with my professors, though. I have learned a lot on my own over the years.

Do you have a muse, mentor or favorite artist who inspires your own creativity?

I admire so many artists and their work that I wouldn't know where to begin! I'm very lucky to have met a number of wonderful artists since I got seriously into doing fine art paintings. I love the energy that I get from being around other artists, along with their feedback and encouragement.

Describe your studio...

I'm very lucky to have a sun room to work in, with large windows on three sides, and blinds that I can close if there's glare. It's great to be able to look out all of those windows throughout the year and watch the world go by, and the seasons change. It's very dog and cat friendly. 

Creating expressions and emotions requires skill. What is the key to bringing your characters to life? 

I think it takes practice to get an expression or a pose just exaggerated enough to bring out the humor of the moment - or the tension, or the excitement.  Growing up, I loved the wonderful art in Mad Magazine. They had some of the most wonderful talent. Artists like Paul Coker and George Woodbridge could make me fall over laughing with just a single panel. 

I also love illustration where the costumes and the settings tell the story along with the characters. I love to look at Richard Scarry's buildings and vehicles.

An illustrator of children's literature, advertising, magazines, etc., what has been your favorite project to date?

I'm just getting started as a "real" illustrator, having worked as a graphic designer and fine artist for years. I have been working with a consultant who has helped me put together a great illustration portfolio. It's some of the best work I've ever done, and I have enjoyed the whole project very much.

I'm also proud of having Illustrated Firefly 4th of July, by Elaine Reynolds and Cindy Jarrett, and published by Gypsy Publications.

Do you have advice for novice artists and those seeking a career as an artist?

Whether you start early or late in life, be prolific. Draw and paint all the time, even if you're just doodling. Every moment that you spend making art is a moment that you spend improving. Don't let life get in the way of your art, instead make your art apart of your life, and a way of expressing yourself that you can't give up. 

Connect with Logan…
(c) Logan Rogers





1 comment:

PTPOP A Mind Revolution said...

Logan and I were both Graphic Design/Fine Art majors at Ohio University. We joined the same fraternity. Whenever I saw him around the house he had a sketch pad, pen/pencil. He was always drawing. I always admired his abilities, especially cartooning. He really has a gift for creating unique expressive characters and caricatures. Much like Mag Magazines Paul Coker and George Woodbridge, Logan would have you rolling on the floor with laughter with some of his illustrations and caricatures.