Hello Beautiful People,
Perhaps no introduction is needed for this phenomenal artist. If you don’t know who Justin “Squigs” Roberstron is, we’re about to fix that right now.
TWT: First things first, can you tell our readers how you got the name Squigs?
JSR: I was playing Nicely-Nicely in a production of Guys & Dolls, and a friend mistakenly called me “Squiggly Wiggly.” Since I was known for drawing squiggles, my group of friends started calling me “Squiggly”, and this eventually became “Squigs.”
TWT: Did you always want to be an artist?
JSR: I think so. I’ve drawn and performed since I was a kid, and I’m very grateful that my parents and teachers encouraged me to keep at it over the years. A hobby and a pastime became my passion and vocation.
TWT: What’s the process of sketching the caricatures?
JSR: My technique is a blend of traditional media and digital. I sketch roughly in pencil and place the results on my light board. Then I ink the piece on clean paper with pigment markers and scan the results into my computer. Then in Photoshop, I make adjustments and add color, using scans of ink spatter as templates. It’s a bit of a mash-up of traditional and digital techniques.
TWT: Who are the top three most memorable people that you’ve drawn?
JSR: I’m not sure I can pin down a direct answer to this question. There have been big personalities who were incredibly fun to draw who also had lovely reactions to my renderings of them. And while I try not to overly exaggerate distinctive features, it’s my job to celebrate what makes a person memorable, so there are some folks who are fun to draw that way. But I think I’m having a tough time picking just three because it’s my sincere hope to point out what’s memorable about each and every person (or moment) that I draw.
TWT: Just for fun, what character in musical theater is most like your personality?
JSR: In the art department, I can certainly empathize with Georges in Sunday in the Park… for some of his single-mindedness and struggles. Or Mark in Rent as the chronic observer. Personality-wise, I’d like to think I’m a bit like Horton the Elephant in Seussical.
TWT: Just for fun, if you had to pick a favorite medium besides pencil, what would it be?
JSR: I regularly use pencil, ink, and digital techniques. Among the media I’d like to dabble more with would be paints, particularly acrylics or gouache. I’d also love to become proficient at letterpress printing.
TWT: What advice would you give to students in high school and college who want to make a living as an artist?
JSR: I can offer a few tidbits I’ve learned along the way: 1. Practice your art as much as humanly possible. And learn about the roots of your art form, including the work of those who have been sought-after experts over the years. Be curious. Never stop learning. 2. Always get something in return for your art. If someone thinks it’s worth using, it’s worth some sort of compensation. What that compensation might be is up to you. 3. Always be someone who people want to work with: reliable, punctual, professional, collaborative.
TWT: In today’s economy, arts programs are being cut. What reasons would you give to a politician for preserving the arts?
JSR: There are many ways that the arts are vital to a well-rounded education. They encourage us to be problem solvers in ways that technical subjects cannot do. They teach empathy and collaboration. And also, considering that we all are gifted in different ways, to cut the arts is to neglect a percentage of students and that which they do best.
TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
JSR: As far as the art goes, I’m mostly self-taught, although my folks got me some classes in watercolor when I was young. But I think I’d like to go back a bit further and remember the teacher who made the biggest impact on me as an artist. My first grade class was Miss Lori Ohling’s very first as a teacher. There was an art contest that she encouraged us all to enter. I can still vividly remember when Miss Ohling opened that letter at her desk that let her know the contest results. She jumped up and down and screamed, “Oh Justin, you won!” It wasn’t necessarily the winning that made an impression on me, but her reaction and joy and support. Parents can usually be counted upon to encourage their kids’ abilities, and I’m incredibly thankful that mine did in so many ways. But there is something electric about getting encouragement from someone who isn’t related. Teachers have such wonderful power. Thank you Miss Ohling!
Thank you, Squigs!
Live, Love, Learn,
Megan &