Here we are with the fourth and final TFA Local Artist Highlight before the big event - this weekend! This time, we sit down with artist and children's author, Joey Welsh.

While visiting Joey's studio, I learned that not only does he create his illustrations here, but all of his canvas prints are produced in this studio as well. The prints were displayed like an art gallery, covering the walls with bright colors that surround his workspace.

I followed Joey around as he demonstrated his digital painting process, and his adorable black cat followed me around as I photographed it’s owner in action.

 

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Downtown Tempe Authority: Hey Joey, fill us in on what exactly a “gekkard” is!

Joey Welsh:  A gecko, a lizard, a tiny dinosaur. All of the above.

The Gekkards were inspired by my love for reptiles. I believe the Gekkards have the right personality to make my art both funny and emotional. 

 

 

DTA: What inspired you to make them into a series of children’s books?

Joey: I’ve always had the notion to make kid’s books with my characters, so when I was approached by a local publisher to create my first book in 2005, I jumped at the opportunity. It was a trial by fire as I had no idea how much work went into producing a children’s book. I learned a lot from that experience and I have done a lot of self-educating since then to make my subsequent books more professional.

DTA: Do the books have a certain message or theme? What age group are the books geared towards?

Joey: Absolutely. I hope my books will offer subtle lessons for kids on good manners while also encouraging them to keep a sense of humor about life. My tales are often driven by the behavior of the characters, which children find amusing and engaging. The age range for my books is between 4-8 years old depending on their reading level.

 

 

DTA: Give us the low down on the process you take to create each digital painting. How long does it take you to complete one? How many paintings go into each book?

Joey: Every idea is born in my sketchbook. Once I have a solid concept for a painting, I will create a thorough pencil sketch of it, scan it into my computer and begin painting it on my Wacom Cintiq using Corel Painter. Each pieces takes about 40-50 hours of drawing time, depending on the amount of detail in it. 

Each on of my books is 36 pages long. So there are between 25-30 illustrations per book. 

DTA: What is your favorite part of the creation process?

Joey: I love being an artist who can make people smile. I’m constantly considering new ideas for my paintings or books, but always waiting for an epiphany. That “aha” moment when a great idea falls from the sky. It creates undeniable excitement when you come up with a clever way to execute a concept. I wish it would occur more frequently. 

 

 

DTA: Do you have a favorite Gekkard?

Joey: I love them all, but if you ask the kids who read my books, they usually say, “Bogus Froglouski.” He is the unlikely hero of my stories. 

DTA: So, we can purchase your art at the Tempe Festival of the Arts in the form of a book as well as a canvas print?

Joey: Yes. I sell the books and my art on canvas at the show. I will also be happy to sign books for customers as well. 

DTA: Have you participated in the Tempe Festival of the Arts before? How many times?

Joey: Yes I have, about 10 times.

 

 

DTA: What do you like about the Tempe Festival of the Arts?

Joey: Even though I’m local and have done the show a number of times, I always meet plenty of new customers who enjoy my work. It’s a great opportunity to expose your work to volumes of people, plus I get to sleep in my own bed each night. 

DTA: What do you like to do when you’re not working on the Gekkards or showing them in festivals?

Joey: Hang out with my kids. Mountain bike. Go see live music. 

DTA: What can we expect to see from you in the future/what are your future goals with your art?

Joey: My goal is to continue to grow as an artist, by furthering my drawing skills and abilities. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee success in the art world, so I will continue to follow my formula of creating warm-hearted art that makes people smile and hope my customers will follow. I’m also writing a manuscript for a middle grade novel that I plan to submit for publication later this year. 

 

 

DTA: If you were stranded on a desert island, what are three things you would bring?

Joey: A pencil, my sketchbook and one of my storybooks. 

DTA: Do you ever explore/visit/hangout in Downtown Tempe? If so, what’s your favorite spot?

Joey: Yes. I have a stepdaughter and a nephew both attending ASU. We enjoy places like Postino’s and Culinary Dropout often. 

 

Joey will be at booth 1007 at the Tempe Festival of the Arts this weekend. Make sure to stop by to say hello and check out the Gekkards!