Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Hill.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always felt like an artist. I’ve always been an artist, art has always been my life. I remember growing up I was always drawing pokemon and dragon ball pictures. I was that weird, shy kid in the back of class always doodling and not knowing what was going on. I continued messing around with art here and there through high school and away too long and useless stint in a 2-year associates graphics program. I ended up getting lucky and found a graphics job working for a few motorcycle dealerships and have been there ever since.
Manic Lawd manifested in early 2017. I was coming out of one of the darkest periods in my life and I was desperately searching for anything to give my life meaning. I had zero focus, I was switching almost daily from oil painting, calligraphy, motorcycle vlogging, vector art, and starting a band, plus so much more. There was no direction and I was a creative mess. A few months later I got the chance to take a 10 hour trip to the coast on my bike. You can do a lot of thinking while riding that long. Returning home I realized I need to pick one thing and focus and that thing had to come naturally so I wouldn’t have to force myself to do it. It was art.
With no idea of what I wanted to create I remembered hearing somewhere about putting yourself in a box to create inside of. So I decided to make a character to draw. His name was Death Pig and he was a badass, complete with skull mask… and four teeth. I ended up enjoying drawing the skull part way more, so the pig dude was dropped. I had no idea how obsessed I would become with that imagery. I started identifying with it for some odd reason I still can’t fully explain. I feel the skull always has emotions at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Manically happy or depressingly sad.
The skull and myself have gone through a few changes over the past two years. Different eyes, body shapes, and much much bigger teeth! I’ve found a drive and love for something I didn’t know was possible. I’m surrounded by a rad group of artist and friends who constantly push me to be better. I’ve never been this excited about the future!
Has it been a smooth road?
Art has definitely made for a smoother road mental health wise. It’s a lot harder to spiral when I’m drawing or painting. A constant struggle I face though is a sense of imposter syndrome. I’m always worried that the art police will show up at my door and tell me that they know I’m a fake artist. It’s been getting a little easier though.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m best known for my skulls, they have other spooky friends that show their faces every once in a while but about 80% of my work is skulls. I have a hard time sticking to any one medium but I love working digitally, painting, airbrushing and with a spray can. I’m most proud of when I can connect with the people who love my art. They bring so much joy to my life and I love them all.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Atlanta is an amazing place to be an artist right now. From what I’ve seen and experienced everyone just wants to see everyone else succeed. Just keep being cool Atlanta.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maniclawd.com
- Email: maniclawd@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/maniclawd
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/maniclawdart
Image Credit:
Micah Entrekin
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