Lee Gaddies
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| All images are courtesy of the artist |
My name is Lee Gaddies and I was born in Detroit, Michigan.
I like to do any kind of creative work.
By training I am a graphic artist by temperament I am a designer. I like to create stuff whether it be game design, drawings, paintings, models, sculptures. As long as I have something to show for my work at the end of the process.
I did my first commercial piece in second grade. I was hired to do a drawing of Winnie the Pooh on a giant piece of parchment paper that came from a giant spool in my second grade class. I used to get in trouble as a kid for drawing on the walls in my bedroom so I guess I've been doing it as long as I've been able to hold a pencil.
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Hey Lee - I'm so happy to have you here! Let's jump in-
What do you love about making art?
It's not necessarily a love of doing it, but I feel a compulsion to do it a drive sometimes. I like what I see at the end of the process. Sometimes I don't. I never really think about loving it or not loving it.
How do you evaluate your work?
I evaluate my work by whether or not I enjoy what I'm doing while I'm doing it. I've done a lot of pieces for clients where I'm not satisfied with it but they love it. So what what works for other people doesn't necessarily work for me. But as you know all art is subjective.
Where is your studio, and what is your primary work area?
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| Isorian |
"...one thing that has remained consistent is my hope for the future and being able to move people through ART whether it be writing, drawing or sculpture." - LG
What clues or questions do you use to select an idea to invest time and resources?
As an artist or graphic designer, choosing the right idea is crucial. Here are some clues and questions that guide my selection:
Personal Connection and Passion
* Does it resonate with me personally? Is there a deep emotional connection or a strong belief behind the idea?
* Is it something I'm passionate about? Passion fuels creativity and can sustain my interest throughout the project.
Relevance and Impact
* Is it relevant to current trends or cultural issues? This can help attract attention and make a meaningful impact. I did two graphic design pieces during the black lives matter demonstrations.
* Does it have the potential to evoke a strong emotional response or spark a conversation? Ideas that provoke thought or inspire action are more likely to be memorable to me and my clients.
Feasibility and Resources
* Is it technically feasible? Do I have the necessary skills and resources to execute the idea effectively?
* What is the budget of a client? Can you realistically afford the materials, equipment, or software needed to bring the idea to life?
Market Potential and Audience
* Is there a potential market or audience for your idea? Understanding your target audience will help one tailor their work to their preferences.
* Can you monetize the idea? Consider whether the project has commercial potential, such as selling prints, merchandise, or licensing the design.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
* What makes my idea unique or different from others? A strong USP will help your work stand out in a crowded market.
* Does it offer a new perspective or approach to a familiar subject? This brought me great success when I designed the Gaddis gaming table topper. Innovation and originality are key to capturing attention.
By carefully considering these factors, I can increase my chances of selecting an artistic idea that is both fulfilling and successful. Remember, the best ideas often come from a combination of personal passion, creative vision, and practical considerations. The Sweet spot is having all of these come together at once which isn't always possible.
About your work: what do you hope people notice the most?
I often use my designs to tell stories or convey messages. I hope that viewers can connect with the narrative and find meaning in my work. I also aim for my designs to be unique and distinctive. I strive to push the boundaries of creativity and experiment with new techniques and ideas.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Vernors and vanilla ice cream. It's called a Boston cooler.
How do you define success as a creative? How do you hold yourself accountable?
It all depends on what I want to achieve with my work. Am I aiming for commercial success, personal growth or recognition from the arts community?
By setting clear goals for myself, tracking progress, seeking feedback, reflecting and learning, and celebrating successes, as a graphic artist I can stay motivated, accountable, and measure my progress towards a desired outcomes.
When do you discuss things with your inner critic?
Like most artists, I am my own worst critic. I know that there's work that I would have thrown in the garbage that I've actually sold for hundreds of dollars when somebody else is looked at it.
Who are your creative influences, and whose work are you admiring now?
Probably my early years. It was comic book artists like Jack Kirby, Sal Buscema and John Byrne along with Mobius were probably my biggest early influences that kept me drawing. Then I found concept artists like Sid Mead,Ralph McQuarrie became a whole world unto themselves in the '80s for me.
How can people follow you and your work?
Through my website. Gaddis Gaming, the Gaddis Lee gallery blog that I try to keep up.
What would you like people to know that I haven't asked?
As I move through the different phases of my creativity and I've transitioned from medium to medium. Some things stay consistent. Others are based on new technology and techniques that have emerged, but the one thing that has remained consistent is my hope for the future and being able to move people through ART whether it be writing, drawing or sculpture.
Thank you for carving out time to talk with me/us Lee. Now, I need to go and get myself a Boston Cooler! I can relate to that compulsion aspect of art making very much. Please feel invited to come back anytime, or share with us news from your corner of the world.
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