Pasadena Vendor Spotlight: Sparky Firepants

1. How would you describe your style?  Are there any artists / designers that you particularly look up to?

Our style is bold and happy. I love using bright colors and stark black lines to create simple, iconic images. I've always looked up to the advertising artists of the 50s-70s, who created such great characters for commercials and print media. Unsung heroes!

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own?

Jenni and I are constantly asking ourselves this question, because it's important for us to create art that's as uniquely Sparky Firepants as possible. I'm constantly asking myself this question, because it's important for me to create art that's as uniquely Sparky Firepants as possible. I look at my work all the time and wonder about it. Then I see a small brush stroke, a squiggly line or an expression on a character, and I see how those little things are what tie everything together and create a style that's truly Sparky.  Jenni's new line of sleeves and bags are created from our own recycled t-shirt misprints and rags from our screen printing. We don't waste anything around here!

3. What sort of things inspire you?  Where do you look for inspiration?

Comedy and music are great catalysts for creative work. If I'm laughing or really getting into music, it means I'm loose, more myself, less protected than usual – and that's when inspiration strikes.

4. What is your creative process like?

I spend most of my time doing other non-artistic things while thinking and conceptualizing in my head. That's where all the work is, really. Afterwards it's sort of like taking dictation to get it down on canvas, wood or pixels. When I try to put it down and it's difficult and feels like a chore, I know that I'm probably forcing things. Time to start over at the thinking stage. Sometimes people are surprised at how fast I can execute a concept, but it's only because I spent so many hours working it out in my head first. Nobody can see that part!

5. What's the coolest artistic tip you've ever received?

Don't put too much stock in either criticism or compliments. I take it to mean that you have to please yourself first. If you're totally crazy in love with your own work, then what others think doesn't matter.

6. Where can we learn more about you?

Probably the best place to learn more about us at a bar where they serve classic, finely crafted cocktails. Barring that, I would say Twitter and Instagram: @sparkyfirepants