Meet the Artist

My inspiration comes from a lifetime of loving creatures, fantasy worlds, toys, and character design. Some of my earliest influences were Jim Henson’s Muppets, especially The Muppet Show, along with films like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. I was fascinated by the way those characters could feel strange, funny, expressive, and completely alive.

As a kid, I loved toys like My Pet Monster, Star Wars, and Masters of the Universe. When I began collecting comic books, I found myself drawn less to traditional superheroes and more to fantasy driven characters and worlds, especially things like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The cartoons of the 1980s were also a huge influence and helped shape my love of bold characters, unusual creatures, and imaginative storytelling.

Trips to the library opened up even more worlds for me. I discovered Dungeons & Dragons, the fantasy artwork of Frank Frazetta, and books like Gnomes and Secrets of the Gnomes, illustrated by Rien Poortvliet. Those books made fantasy feel detailed, textured, and believable, as though these strange little beings might actually exist somewhere just beyond view.

I still enjoy collecting toys from the 1980s, especially the ones I never had growing up. Most of the time, I prefer them out of the package, played with, well-loved, and showing a little history.

All of these influences continue to find their way into my work. I love creating creatures that feel nostalgic but original, strange but approachable, and full of personality.