When I was experimenting with building my own artistic style, I did a lot of research and did alot of trial and error but you reach a point where you think you’ve found your groove, but then after a period – tunnel vision sets in, and suddenly, you lose track of what got you started in the first place. For me, staying inspired means taking a step back and reflecting on some of the artists and styles that shaped how I think about art. These influences keep me grounded and remind me to keep pushing forward. For some of the artists and styles below you can see I adopt their mindsets to my own interpret rather than visually inspiring me which.
Vincent van Gogh
I know—van Gogh might feel like an obvious choice. He’s one of the most famous artists of all time, so it’s easy to think I’m just jumping on the bandwagon. Plus, if you’ve seen my work, you’d probably notice it doesn’t look anything like his. And that’s okay, because influence isn’t about copying someone’s style—it’s about understanding their mindset.
What draws me to van Gogh is how his work feels so alive. When I look at his paintings up close, I can see every brushstroke. There’s a rawness there, a sense of his presence in the art. Back in his day, some people criticized him for making the process so visible, but for me, that’s the magic of it. It’s a reminder to embrace the imperfections and let my work reflect the energy of the moment.
Andy Warhol
With my background in music—DJing and producing—it’s no surprise I’m drawn to Andy Warhol. His art captures this fascinating mix of pop culture, nostalgia, and consumerism. Warhol had this incredible ability to take something ordinary, like a soup can or a celebrity portrait, and make it iconic. That’s the kind of energy I try to channel in my mixed media collages.
Like Warhol, I love working with bold imagery. It creates a rhythm, almost like a beat in a song, that tells a story people can relate to. At the same time, Warhol reminds me not to play it safe. Art should challenge people and invite them to see the familiar in a completely new way.
Street Art and Graffiti
Street art and graffiti are huge inspirations for me, even though I don’t consider myself a street or graffiti artist. I have so much admiration and respect for these artists who create in that space. For me, it’s less about recreating that style and more about the energy and purpose it brings.
There’s something captivating about walking through a side street or an alleyway and seeing layers of tags, stickers, and murals built up over time. Each mark has its own story, purpose and meaning, and together, they create something accessible, raw and unfiltered. That’s the feeling I try to capture in my work—layers that invite people to look closer, explore the details, and discover something new every time.
Jackson Pollock
Pollock’s influence on me isn’t about trying to mimic his famous drip paintings (Though its exciting creating these types of artworks!)—it’s about how he approached the creative process. Like van Gogh, Pollock’s work feels like it’s in motion. His paintings are full of energy, and you can almost feel his presence and his movements in every layer.
What resonates most with me is Pollock’s willingness to embrace uncertainty. When I start a piece, I rarely have an exact clear idea of where it’s going. That unpredictability is part of the fun. Pollock inspires me to let go of control, trust my instincts, and let the work evolve naturally.
Final Thoughts
These artists—van Gogh, Warhol, street art pioneers, and Pollock—don’t just influence my work; they challenge the way I think about creating. They remind me to stay true to my voice while embracing the messy, unpredictable, and emotional side of art. Of course, there are many other artists and movements that inspire me like—Basquiat, Picasso, folk art, outsider art—which I will write about in another blog post!