Blog

Blank Slate: Featuring Shawn Castillo

You know that feeling when you walk into the office and you’re suddenly hungry? No, it’s not the delicious bread baking downstairs at Kraftsmen—it’s the drool-worthy chalk masterpiece that Shawn Castillo did for this month’s Blank Slate. Wait. Maybe it’s both. In either case, Shawn’s given us something to remember as the lazy days of summer come to an end: It’s the local things that matter.

Describe your style as an artist. 

A corporate designer masquerading as a hand-letterer/illustrator.

Can you tell us a little bit about the work you created for The Black Sheep Agency office? Where did you get the idea, and what do you want viewers to learn from it?

I’ve called it the “Hand of God.” A friend and I thought it would be funny to have God reach down from above for a hotdog or something.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by seeing great work from a diverse range of artists, styles, and mediums. I love seeing hard work goes into a project or a work of art. It’s inspiring to see that even the greats of the industry don’t get it right the first time. Their hard work inspires and drives me to do the same.

If you could be any artistic tool—pencil, crayons, oil pastels, computer, etc.—which one would you be?

I’d have to say that I’d be a can of spray paint—I’ve always loved graffiti and that’s what got me into drawing when I was younger.

What is your most favorite thing you’ve created?

I think besides this chalkboard mural, I would have to say a painting I did for my father for Father’s Day last year. It was a portrait of the dog we had when I was growing up.

What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

Hahaha! That assumes that I actually sleep in the first place…

What is the first thing you do when you begin a new art project?

I do a combination of research and thumbnail sketches of layouts. Using a pencil on paper, in the beginning, helps focus my efforts when I transfer them to the computer.

Artists are notoriously weird. Prove it. (Or argue it.)

I remember this question from a while ago—I’m pretty normal to me so I’m not sure what weird mannerisms I have.

Has anyone ever said to you, “I don’t get it?” If so, how do you respond to that?

I do hear this from time to time—my response is always to ask them to explain, as best they can, what it is about it that they don’t get. Is it an issue with concept, readability or execution? I ask more questions to get down to the real reason for their confusion.

Fill in the blank. “I would die without ________.”  

My sketchbook, a soccer ball and my computer.

What advice do you have for other creatives?

My advice would be to practice deliberately—when time is money—there’s no sense in wasting time doing something that doesn’t benefit your skillset in the long run. The last bit of advice is to have a great work ethic and be dedicated to your craft.

@ShearCreativity: