Meet the Maker is a new series of features highlighting some of the most amazing makers across the North Shore! We will be featuring a handful of new makers every Monday to hopefully help mitigate the added financial strain that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the creative community. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook as well!
Meet Justin Valliere of Black Coffiend!
IG: @blackcoffiend
Website: www.blackcoffiend.com
Shop: blackcoffiendillustration.bigcartel.com
In your own words… what do you do? Describe the thing(s) you “make/create”
Typically I divide my time pretty equally between design, illustration, and printmaking. Usually I work back and forth both traditionally and digitally. The final products of Black Coffiend have existed in many forms such as gallery shows, tshirts, screen printed posters, and even a dark historic book.
The world is curious – what inspires you to “make/create”?
I’m always striving to connect with people through my work whether it’s related to horror, true crime, history, or even humor. Telling stories is one of the most exciting things we can do and it’s super important to me. I think I’ve maintained a good balance between fun projects and work that deals with a lot of heavier subject matter. Having that contrast in my body of work is important because that’s the best representation of myself.
Roughly how much are you expecting in losses over the next month?
It’s hard to say because it fluctuates, but I don’t have access to the print studio and people aren’t spending money on art. So maybe around $300.
What measures are you taking to reduce lost revenues?
I’m trying to work on a zine that I could put out in the future if stuff clears up, and working on stuff for the merchant markets in October if I get accepted again. Just trying to plan ahead. Still doing any freelance work I can as well!
What do you think could help everyone in this challenging time?
Don’t [overwork] yourself if you are in a creative slump, all this free time comes with a massive price and it’s ok not to feel alright about everything. Just take care of yourself the best you can.
FEATURED ITEM!
Weeds in the Garden
$20
Weeds in the Garden is a book containing five stories about historic murders from the years 1705-1916, all taking place in New England.
Get Featured on Creative North Shore’s Meet the Makers!
Are you an Artist or Maker on the North Shore or in the Greater Boston area? Fill out this form to be considered for our Meet the Makers series.
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