Awesome Artists Found Around The Net: Kevin Tiernan

November 6th 2021, 10:11am

For years, Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net has been about two things only – awesome art and the artists that create it. With that in mind, we thought why not take the first week of the month to showcase these awesome artists even more? Welcome to “Awesome Artist We’ve Found Around The Net.” In this column, we are focusing on one artist and the awesome art that they create, whether they be amateur, up and coming, or well established. The goal is to uncover these artists so even more people become familiar with them. We ask these artists a few questions to see their origins, influences, and more. If you are an awesome artist or know someone that should be featured, feel free to contact me at any time at [email protected] month we are very pleased to bring you the awesome art of…

Kevin Tiernan

Kevin Tiernan is a graphic designer and illustrator from the coast of Long Island Sound in Connecticut. He fell in love with art and pop culture at a young age, entering local fairs with drawings of his favorite characters. Over the years, Kevin has worked as an in-house designer, as well as an art director and creative lead at advertising agencies. He has collaborated with Gallery1988, Hero Complex Gallery, Printed in Blood, AMP, and the Poster Posse. Some of Kevin’s freelance clients include Disney, WWE, Rick & Morty, Netflix, and MLB/Los Angeles Dodgers. You can usually find Kevin hiking, playing guitar, reading comics, or chilling with his dogs.

What got you started as an artist?
Tiernan: I illustrated and drew a lot as a kid – my parents still have all the notebooks in the garage. I’ve played music for roughly 20 years and think that really introduced me to the art world. I used to go to these small local shows and I checked out all the merch that the bands were selling. As I got older, my sister took me and my friends to music festivals, which is where I got inspired by Brian Ewing, who was doing work for bands like Taking Back Sunday and Coheed and Cambria. I pursued graphic design as a career and learned the basics of the Adobe programs at school. After a few years, I started dabbling in digital illustration before discovering the world of alternative posters through Mondo. I fell in love with movie posters and started creating them when I wasn’t at my full-time design job. PosterSpy was kind enough to share some of my early pieces. From there, I just practiced a lot, made mistakes, and worked at getting comfortable with my style.

Who were some of your favorite artists growing up?
Eric Tan was a massive influence – I loved Eric’s Pixar posters. Also Brian Ewing and Invisible Creature. I had never really seen anything like Invisible Creature – they did album art for some of my favorite artists at the time, like Ivoryline and The Fold. Tom Whalen is still one of my favorite artists to this day. In design school, I gravitated towards minimalism, Saul Bass, and the paintings of René Magritte.

Who do you really dig these days, follow on Instagram?
I’m lucky to be a part of the poster community with so many amazing artists – I wouldn’t want to leave anybody out, but you can find their accounts on my Twitter! They’re all incredible and I met the majority of them through PosterSpy, the Poster Posse, and Gallery1988. Also, Dave Perillo always gives me a boost of creativity with his work. Francesco Francavilla is always a source of inspiration for me. I frequently look at Eric Tan’s work as well and I’m a fan of Tim Sale. I would highly recommend Outcast by Kirkman and Azaceta – the artwork is absolutely gorgeous.

What advice would you have for budding artists today?
Just keep doing your thing! There will be good days and bad days, but the bad days don’t mean you’re any less talented or suited for your career. You aren’t alone when you encounter bumps in the road – don’t be afraid to reach out to other artists for help. Nine times out of ten, they’ve been where you are, regardless of what they’ve accomplished. So definitely join a community, spread good vibes, and support each other. I owe so much to the people who have shared my stuff over the years. Also, if you have a specific style, don’t be afraid to embrace that! Identify the ways that you can cater to your strengths.

What should we be looking out for from you in the future?
I’m in the official Halloween and Aliens art books from Printed In Blood. I have a few months of gallery shows lined up in 2022 at Gallery1988 and a spooky book project that I can’t talk about yet. In November, I’m taking part in the Terror Twos show in London. The show features 31 artists paying tribute to horror sequels and runs from November 26-28 at Gallery Different. Information here.

My goal is to find some time to produce some fun personal pieces as well!

Being a fansite, we have to ask you… What are some of your favorite movies/TV shows of all time?
Good question! To name a few: Halloween 1978, Jurassic Park, LOST, Parks and Rec, The Guest, DARK, What We Do In The Shadows (movie and show), Trick ‘r Treat, Breaking Bad, Thor: Ragnarok, and Beetlejuice. I’ve watched I Think You Should Leave like 5 times and it’s equally hilarious on every single rewatch. Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun is another obsession of mine that never gets old.

Scroll down to check out some of our favorite art pieces from Kevin as we continue to follow his journey across his Website and social media hubs: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Behance / Deviant Art / Store

Alien