Ben Hucke Interview
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing the talented Ben Hucke. Ben is an artist and professional BMXer in Portland, OR. His work is beautifully done in mostly pen and pastels and his attention to detail makes every piece stand out. After reading his interview, head over to his Instagram to see more of his work!
- How long have you had a studio?
About two years now.
- Why did you get a studio?
I started working from my computer desk, as pieces/projects started to get bigger I transformed my dining room into a studio. After about 6 months I grew out of that space and transformed my entire place into my studio. It works great because being a full time single father I cant be somewhere else working late nights. My son has his space to do whatever he wants, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. It's funny when my landlord stops by and sees what I've done to the place. I think he likes what I've done though because he knows he's going to get rent every month with how much I work haha.
- How do you financially support your artwork?
Sales, commissions, random art shows. It really varies with the time of year it is. Other than paying the bills and some saving, I put everything that I earn back into my work, supplies, bettering my process and making myself more efficient. I've done this from the beginning and it has really helped my art grow into something bigger.
- What are the problems you face in getting your artwork done?
Most of my work is very time consuming, the only problem I ever face if being able to sit down for several hours at a time. Being a single dad is tough sometimes balancing work and other responsibilities especially having a home studio. Luckily my son is at the age now where he understands that if I'm not working we don't get to do fun things as often as we do.
- What do you do to market yourself as an artist?
I get this question A LOT and fortunately I learned this early on in my past career as a professional BMXer. It's all about enjoying what you do and putting yourself out there for everyone to see, expose yourself, be constantly creating, working everyday even if you didn't sell anything right away start on the next project, staying busy, putting that positive vibe out there that you are loving what you're doing. People will want to be a part of what you're doing and want to support your art. If you do all of that people won't have a reason to not support what you're doing. Your work ethic will inspire people, to love whatever it is you create because of how hard you work whether it be a painting, song, BMX video etc.. You can do anything you want in life, if you treat something with the discipline of a job, it will become your job and you'll never work a day in your life as long as you don't lose track of why you started in the first place.
- What type of person buys your art?
I have a pretty broad range, everything from friends commissioning gifts to corporate brands. I've been selling pieces to people in different countries all over the world and it blows my mind every time I sell anything haha.
- What are your greatest challenges as an artist?
The biggest challenge is just putting the first line, scribble or paint stroke. Knowing how much time and effort is going into the current piece can be a hurdle in itself. I always piece my drawings together which gives me mini rewards throughout them and keeps me motivated to keep going another 40 hours.
- What are your greatest rewards as an artist?
Knowing my art has made it's way into the hands of people around the world. It's hard to comprehend that sitting in my studio by myself drawing, loving what I do has connected me to other humans I never would have known, met, talked to, become friends with all over this earth.
- What recommendations would you give to an artist who is just starting out?
HAVE FUN! Hard work does not go unnoticed. Sometimes a piece you feel is your best will get the least amount of attention. Start on another piece. Walking from LA to NY may feel impossible but if you don't stop walking you will get there.
- Why do you make art?
Because it's fun, every piece is a new challenge I've never done and the feeling I get when someone else gets enjoyment out of my work is indescribable.
If you want to check out more of his work, head over to his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benhuckeart/
If you want to check out his life in general: https://www.instagram.com/benhucke/