29 July 2016
Artist Interview - Justin Maller
Justin Maller is a digital artist and artistic director, as well as a friend of Grovemade. We recently took a few minutes to chat about his creative process, his influences, and his lucky socks.
Tell us a little about yourself; Where are you from, where are you located now, what are you working on?
Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, I’ve been living in Brooklyn for nearly seven years now. I started making digital art for fun in 1998, and have been doing it full-time since I finished university in 2005. I spend my days working on a variety of projects for my own brand and clients around the world.
Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, I’ve been living in Brooklyn for nearly seven years now. I started making digital art for fun in 1998, and have been doing it full-time since I finished university in 2005. I spend my days working on a variety of projects for my own brand and clients around the world.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=75f902a415e5a3d40bb56b45c2cd7d86 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=1afdf7fde655a8f98f0be0e4fce1c31e 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=3a7c0628f46e2ba1edc82405a32c102a 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=2fef76fa2daec491bcc1b807ef36bc1f 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=f8c5be73f7917f9c0cbf45145bd55040 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=e3f49fdaef6def0806472f76a15020ed 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=5e7cbbc62767839268111eeb98f862fe 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=19b177e9845f972677956e2de46dacb6 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=a6854674f4d3ea9aa4c2f2cf2d56fa9b 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=b5c5d4f17bac82f376c54748b21b4d1b 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=671705aaf6799f2bc6423d7a188abf7d 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=6e070d29bbc3f5d3aa729b009864f41a 3000w)
What does a digital artist do?
My boilerplate explanation of what I do is: “make pretty pictures on my computer”. It’s a little reductive, but completely true! I use Photoshop and Cinema 4D to create a variety of work, usually for my own lines of products, and also for campaigns / illustrations for commercial entities. A big part of being a freelance digital artist is the work that goes into running and marketing a small business.
My boilerplate explanation of what I do is: “make pretty pictures on my computer”. It’s a little reductive, but completely true! I use Photoshop and Cinema 4D to create a variety of work, usually for my own lines of products, and also for campaigns / illustrations for commercial entities. A big part of being a freelance digital artist is the work that goes into running and marketing a small business.
Have you always had an urge to create, or did it come along later on in life?
Yeah, I’ve always been pretty creative. When I was younger, I did a lot of creative writing and acting. Art was actually the last thing I tried. It’s still very odd to me every now and then that it’s what I ended up doing professionally!
How did you get into your field?
I discovered Photoshop and then DeviantArt, and got addicted to creating and the creative community. Something about it just really resonated with me; I was instantly passionate about digital art. I put a lot of my free time into experimenting, and then founded Depthcore. Eventually I had just stuck with it long enough that I started getting some commissions, and things organically snowballed over time to the point where I was able to pay my bills without having to hold a day job.
Yeah, I’ve always been pretty creative. When I was younger, I did a lot of creative writing and acting. Art was actually the last thing I tried. It’s still very odd to me every now and then that it’s what I ended up doing professionally!
How did you get into your field?
I discovered Photoshop and then DeviantArt, and got addicted to creating and the creative community. Something about it just really resonated with me; I was instantly passionate about digital art. I put a lot of my free time into experimenting, and then founded Depthcore. Eventually I had just stuck with it long enough that I started getting some commissions, and things organically snowballed over time to the point where I was able to pay my bills without having to hold a day job.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=526f9a598369c3f483bc70f3123e38f7 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=e4ac5c0472262be5b7f677c9a77d5c6c 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=4ed3afccc90c086ad722b0a2c92fd80a 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=482cf99d2b41bf0059f51dd6fac89d35 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=19d6952c7c2d60874d0bc657a69fc39e 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=a90d407381f9cdd143005511894e8738 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=d13eb446daf045cd13ec38ce0a08969f 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=001e4c8dc98eedc9d4fb6ece69f8e02c 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=c881b06afc8290c5668822a291d9778c 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=7a058913f584e397b20ec74ba5631c14 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=dfc6d9384db898fecbbc8e8eed1f28ed 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=60f479e0631819467c85e5cb0b1907da 3000w)
About how long does it take you to complete a piece from start to finish?
Two or three days, usually. I used to take a lot longer on pieces, but my year long Facets project taught me a great deal about moving faster and more deliberately. Obsessing over details is all well and good, but for me it’s also a great way to get bogged down.
Can you tell us about your process?
There’s not much to it. I consider the task at hand, fire the computer up, and begin. I do not sketch or plan, I like to let the pieces come to me naturally as I work.
What’s your ideal working condition?
I work best late at night, but I make efforts to be a regular human and keep normal hours. I spend my early morning relaxing with coffee and walking my dog, and then just try to sit down with a clear head, ready to work.
Two or three days, usually. I used to take a lot longer on pieces, but my year long Facets project taught me a great deal about moving faster and more deliberately. Obsessing over details is all well and good, but for me it’s also a great way to get bogged down.
Can you tell us about your process?
There’s not much to it. I consider the task at hand, fire the computer up, and begin. I do not sketch or plan, I like to let the pieces come to me naturally as I work.
What’s your ideal working condition?
I work best late at night, but I make efforts to be a regular human and keep normal hours. I spend my early morning relaxing with coffee and walking my dog, and then just try to sit down with a clear head, ready to work.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=44b45c30e28eedce799ce06242de2f07 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=3f92aadf40db57a4dd0600ddbcad803d 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=022bca20e10b9e9e08404375c9a56d09 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=232e740089f5f681bfa3e1aed684d826 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=4c6fedb8da097be49a233ddfbab60256 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=967ca03cbc51bb1bdcfc0fca311fe62b 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=465341672bbfe7a001deac5843935901 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=fdffa4fbb6d724bbebb4e60222ccc959 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=92ffc64458dd6d85562f15fd2937297d 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=4d4066cea453b1053e760e76cd3f37e5 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=946d85fc1e8329992c7227b162ba9465 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-E1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=64c8bedeb585dc6f7b94894eecb1344e 3000w)
What’s your ideal work setup?
I’ve got my studio set up pretty much to my liking. I keep my desk clear of clutter, a few select little toys / totems that make me smile, and essential equipment. One of the first things I commissioned after moving to New York was my walnut desk; it’s one of my favorite things I own.
Do you listen to music while working?
Yeah, either music or stand up comedy. In the morning I keep it chill, some Recondite or Christian Loeffler. When I ramp up in the afternoon, lately I’ve been listening to All Them Witches, The Kills, Dead Sara, and Deftones.
Which current designers, artists, thinkers, and makers have the greatest influence on you right now?
I think Ari Weinkle is one of the greatest digital artists currently working. It’s a crime how little attention his beautiful work gets. I’m also a big fan of David McLeod, who works with a great deal of grace and subtlety. Clayton Cubitt is perhaps the greatest person you can follow on social media - his thinking and artwork are both gloriously forceful and challenging.
I’ve got my studio set up pretty much to my liking. I keep my desk clear of clutter, a few select little toys / totems that make me smile, and essential equipment. One of the first things I commissioned after moving to New York was my walnut desk; it’s one of my favorite things I own.
Do you listen to music while working?
Yeah, either music or stand up comedy. In the morning I keep it chill, some Recondite or Christian Loeffler. When I ramp up in the afternoon, lately I’ve been listening to All Them Witches, The Kills, Dead Sara, and Deftones.
Which current designers, artists, thinkers, and makers have the greatest influence on you right now?
I think Ari Weinkle is one of the greatest digital artists currently working. It’s a crime how little attention his beautiful work gets. I’m also a big fan of David McLeod, who works with a great deal of grace and subtlety. Clayton Cubitt is perhaps the greatest person you can follow on social media - his thinking and artwork are both gloriously forceful and challenging.
What do you do to stay sharp?
I’m a big believer in hobbies and pastimes outside work; I feel like living a productive personal life is the best way to have a productive creative life. I’m a bit of a gym rat. It definitely helps my mind stay clear, as does jamming out with my band. I’ve also been cooking a lot lately. My buddy Dean Sheremet just put out a new cookbook and I’ve been working my way through it.
What do you most enjoy about the job?
The simple joy of creating. The freedom to live my life on my own timetable. The wonderful people I’ve met and collaborated with over the years. I’m so grateful for it all.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a digital artist?
I think the challenges of being a digital artist are more tied into the challenges of freelancing: running a business, managing cash flow, taxes. For me, the creative side of things has always come relatively easily.
I’m a big believer in hobbies and pastimes outside work; I feel like living a productive personal life is the best way to have a productive creative life. I’m a bit of a gym rat. It definitely helps my mind stay clear, as does jamming out with my band. I’ve also been cooking a lot lately. My buddy Dean Sheremet just put out a new cookbook and I’ve been working my way through it.
What do you most enjoy about the job?
The simple joy of creating. The freedom to live my life on my own timetable. The wonderful people I’ve met and collaborated with over the years. I’m so grateful for it all.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a digital artist?
I think the challenges of being a digital artist are more tied into the challenges of freelancing: running a business, managing cash flow, taxes. For me, the creative side of things has always come relatively easily.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-G1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=773d2fcfebb3ba08334fe723c6f131dc 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-G1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=2a4c8b612e9864618f5346323a4b06e5 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-G1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=e6d9bee21ec0230a7d470b7625853326 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-G1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=9f764229bda13373d5505e91830b415b 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-G1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=c94bc5d3ec5da230f39b5edd03750176 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-G1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=1c7169203cf5824b6a976549bfbfe195 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-G1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=3b7907ed0ab6a4e86cd46c80e0813f75 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-G1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=d7b8c3f2e1173f20122d49d2077a4fd1 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-G1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=1f68f4afc0e2a8f62ddf609cc43acf2a 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-G1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=f18187da05492bdc8c4fba153b9910c2 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-G1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=89c551d6cee2bc1d6596654bc260653b 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-G1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=67a8ead6c77576652823629a5c2d3bf0 3000w)
What kind of equipment do you use?
iMac, Das Keyboard Ultimate, Logitech MX Master, Grovemade Monitor Stand (and have been for years!), HM Aeron.
What skills or training does someone need to do what you do? Do you need to have an aptitude for art or can what you do be learned?
I learned this stuff myself via trial and error over time, so I don’t have any insights into the training side of things. I think anyone can do this for sure, but you need to have two things that maybe can’t be learned:
1) A good eye. You could also call this good taste; basically just a fertile imagination.
2) The patience to develop your skills to the point where the things you create are of the same quality as the things you see in your mind; basically the point when your output matches your taste. Everyone sucks at first, and staying with it after “failing” initially is tough. It takes a lot of time and a lot of work.
iMac, Das Keyboard Ultimate, Logitech MX Master, Grovemade Monitor Stand (and have been for years!), HM Aeron.
What skills or training does someone need to do what you do? Do you need to have an aptitude for art or can what you do be learned?
I learned this stuff myself via trial and error over time, so I don’t have any insights into the training side of things. I think anyone can do this for sure, but you need to have two things that maybe can’t be learned:
1) A good eye. You could also call this good taste; basically just a fertile imagination.
2) The patience to develop your skills to the point where the things you create are of the same quality as the things you see in your mind; basically the point when your output matches your taste. Everyone sucks at first, and staying with it after “failing” initially is tough. It takes a lot of time and a lot of work.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=6524392bf73b9d3f7d29d2ffcc889408 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=3083c16fda0d3bfaf4b0e314332e84d3 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=9280b1554f8297b9eaf03f61ca2baa60 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=d88462bb1d3b43886cbc313a05dca170 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=add1c3c1176b1bbf81fe39bd25563d29 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=528302ed4cdd40321704f5956c73d613 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=a61cd4487caf52c2aa8946f4ee1d68e2 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=e72ebe87b8db3584c9cddd3476ff4142 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=fbc9f783679cb79fd87c9b8339c0845f 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=b294264c5f60ef82080f553fd1ca2fa6 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=5ff4246215c564817ce14cbc65fd977d 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fjournal-interview-justin-maller-H1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=33aed895718091f8f5f3e390352349cb 3000w)
What advice do you have for folks just starting out?
Make lots and lots of work. Try lots and lots of things. Personal work is always what will drive your creativity and lead to the biggest jumps in skill and advances in personal technique, so do as much of it as you can!
Read any good books lately?
Yes! I’m in a book club with my best mates. We just did The Orphan Master’s Son. It was absolutely glorious. You wouldn’t think a story set in North Korea could be entertaining and darkly hilarious but this book manages to be a page turner whilst also offering a great deal of well researched insight into life under the regime.
Make lots and lots of work. Try lots and lots of things. Personal work is always what will drive your creativity and lead to the biggest jumps in skill and advances in personal technique, so do as much of it as you can!
Read any good books lately?
Yes! I’m in a book club with my best mates. We just did The Orphan Master’s Son. It was absolutely glorious. You wouldn’t think a story set in North Korea could be entertaining and darkly hilarious but this book manages to be a page turner whilst also offering a great deal of well researched insight into life under the regime.
Is there a piece you’re most fond of?
Usually just whatever I’ve finished most recently.
Do you have a lucky pencil?
No, but I do have lucky socks!
What comes next?
Working harder than ever to develop my own brand and products, then taking a couple of months off to develop a new approach I’ve had brewing in my mind for a year or so now that will require some intensive learning and experimentation! Personal work is the best :)
Usually just whatever I’ve finished most recently.
Do you have a lucky pencil?
No, but I do have lucky socks!
What comes next?
Working harder than ever to develop my own brand and products, then taking a couple of months off to develop a new approach I’ve had brewing in my mind for a year or so now that will require some intensive learning and experimentation! Personal work is the best :)