Louis Wulwick is proud New Jerseyan (that means he’s from New Jersey, you know, like the Boss, and by the Boss I mean Bruce Springsteen. You know nothing, Jon Snow!) He loves pop culture and that’s where he finds inspiration for most of his designs. Speaking of finding things, he also likes to create art from the crap that other people throw away. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure after all.
65 KindaCreative t-shirts on the Shirt List.
He has been an artist since he was a little kid and he followed his dream through grad school. It looks like the education has paid off and whatever you want to say about Louis Wulwick, you have to admit that he is kinda creative.
KindaCreative Interview
Tell us why you chose Kinda Creative as your nickname?
I really wanted a name that used the word “creative” and I thought “kinda” was almost a play on the whole idea of being creative. Also, I get to say I am kinda creative.
Are you New Jersey born/raised/live?
All of the above. I am one of the few people to say they are proud to be from New Jersey.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to play video games, hang out with friends and try and keep up to date on all the hip stuff kids are into these days.
Do you work fulltime in art and design?
As of about a year ago, yes, I work full time in art and design.
About the Artist
When did you know that you wanted to be an artist?
Ever since I was little I liked to draw. I took art classes throughout my childhood and all throughout school and college. It’s just something I really enjoy doing. Anything that involves creating something.
Have you had any formal art training?
I have. I studied studio art in college and then studied VFX art in grad school.
Apart from tshirts, are you involved in other art/design projects?
I do the occasional freelance job and I really like sculpture. Found item sculpture is my favorite where you make something out of items you find.
Where do you usually get your inspiration?
I usually get my inspiration from stuff I enjoy watching or playing. The whole nerd culture thing really appeals to me.
Could you describe your typical design process from concept to completion?
Most of my designs come from sleepless nights. I usually have a hard time falling asleep which gives me time to think. I keep a notepad next to my bed for any ideas that crop up. After that I sketch it out in photoshop, take it into Manga Studio for the line work and then back to photoshop for coloring.
About the Tees
How did you first hear about daily t-shirt sites like TeeFury and RIPT?
I actually started by looking at sites like J!NX until I saw that there were daily printing sites that featured so many different artists.
Do you remember your first print? If so, what was it and how did you feel?
My first print was a Pokemon and Poke Fighter II. I was ecstatic when I found out it was going to be printed. It really drove me to do more and more work.
Do you have a favorite store to work with?
I honestly like any store who appreciates my work enough to print it. It’s all been a great experience.
Of the t-shirts that you designed which is your favorite?
I would have to say my Samurai Wars one is my favorite. My decision might be slightly skewed by how well it’s been received but still.
Do you wear the t-shirts that you have designed?
I kinda feel it’s almost bad luck to wear my own designs. I like to wear shirts that I get from other artists who are featured on the daily sites.
Have you seen somebody wearing one of your t-shirts in the real world?
I have personally not, but I have heard my friends say they have seen them out in the world. One of my college friends was interviewing a prospective student and he was wearing one of my shirts. Actually, Meg Turney from Rooster Teeth was wearing one of my shirts during an episode of the Know and that blew my mind.
About the World
Do you have any role models?
I really look up to other shirt artists since starting this endeavor. I know it’s corny, but my parents are my biggest role models. They do a lot of hard work, always have and I am forever grateful for their support.
What is the most exotic location you have been to?
The most exotic place I have been to would probably be Morocco. I went with my Aunt and Uncle and their family and it was an awesome experience.
Where would you most like to visit? Why?
I really want to visit Japan. I have always admired Japanese culture and art and it would be great to see it in person.
About Other Designers
Which tee designer(s) do you admire the most?
I admire Megan Lara, Rocky Davies, and Medusa Dollmaker. Their stuff leaves me in awe.
Read the Medusa Dollmaker interview.
Have you done any collaborations for t-shirts? If not, who would you like to collaborate with?
I have not done any collaborations yet and I would be open to doing so with a whole slew of people.
Who would you like to see featured on the Shirt List next?
I would like to see my buddy Jason Wong aka Jango Snow get a feature on the Shirt List.
About Tee Design
What design trends have made you go WTF?
I’ve not really been a fan of some modern art trends. One time I saw a canvas with a slash through it in the Tate in London and it left me flabbergasted.
Any advice for other designers/artists?
Just keep at it. I have had just as many declined designs as I have accepted if not more. It really does take perseverance and thick skin.
Photoshop or Illustrator?
Photoshop if I can, Illustrator if I have too.
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Extra
Is Deadpool your favorite Marvel character?
My favorite Marvel character is actually Gambit. I grew up watching the X-Men cartoon show and he was my favorite.
What are you watching on TV?
I am currently well invested in Game of Thrones and am looking forward to the new season of Sherlock.
