Artist Calvin Mays' illustrations have some real character and style. Be sure to RSVP for the next showcase on Thursday, September 16th at Elevate Lounge in Downtown Los Angeles to see for yourself! He talks to RAW about his work.  

Tell us about yourself and how you first got started making art.
From a very young age, I was exposed to the arts and entertainment cultures. My passions and interests in art were heightened in high school, but from then on, I began reading and learning about more techniques, medium and other forms of art beyond drawing and painting.

How did you first get started making art?
I’d been a self-taught doodler until friends and family suggested I draw pictures of them. After traveling through Europe, I began to take my work more seriously and found a style I felt comfortable with.

How would you describe your aesthetic?
Story-driven and thought-provoking details with vibrant colors

From where do you draw inspiration for your work?
My inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere: conversations, dreams… stories… everywhere.

What do you love most about what you do?
I love that original ideas can be transferred from my head to paper or canvas to be enjoyed by someone who’s never seen the work before.

Do you engage in, or draw inspiration from, any other forms of art?
Of course! Whenever I see other pieces that I like, I am immediately inspired to create a new piece of my own, in my own style. Clever use of color, details and morphed figures and shapes usually grab my attention.

Medium of choice?
My ideas usually start on paper with a pencil sketch, then filled in with colored pencil. Acrylics and oils could easily follow onto canvas.

Are there any artists or art movements, past or present, that strongly inform and influence your work? 
Picasso, Vladimir Kush, Animation

Any accomplishments/goals you hope to achieve as an artist in the future?
Making a living as an artist would be a brilliant, most appreciated and hopefully long-lived accomplishment.

Why showcase at RAW?
Great concept / venue to help up and coming artists gain exposure to the art world.

Favorite things to do outside of your craft?
Cooking, Skiing, Business strategy