Today we’d like to introduce you to Will Toulan.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in Gloucester MA. I was always taking things apart, seeing how they work and sometimes putting them back together. My favorite toy growing up was Lego. I would build the kit and then take them apart and build my own creations.
I attended the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in 2006 where I studied painting, printmaking, video art, and primarily drawing. I graduated in 2010 and spent a few years in Baltimore before moving back to the North Shore in 2014. After moving back, I worked several different jobs but made little art. In 2015 I built a PC from scratch and started experimenting with making art on a computer. Inspired by the work of other digital artists on Instagram I began learning as much as I could through YouTube and other online resources.
In 2016 I was in between jobs and began posting a new piece to my Instagram page every day. Currently I do digital art and motion design freelance work and work as an arborist during the day.
Please tell us about your art.
I started making these renders because I was inspired by other digital artists. My art is strongly influenced by films and video games I played as a child. The work of Industrial Light and Magic (Original Star Wars) trilogy and the work of HR Giger (Alien 1979) are huge inspirations and have shaped the look and feel of my current work. I am also fascinated by technology and the role it plays in shaping, and changing our planet and environment.
The renders I post daily to Instagram and the commission work I do are created using a handful of specialized programs. Used in conjunction these programs form a pipeline for creating images. The main program I use is Cinema 4d. I also use Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, World Machine, RealFlow, and a handful of other plugins.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Internet / Social media obviously. Instagram, Facebook, Behance are some good places to start. However, I think it’s important to not isolate yourself or put all your eggs in the digital “basket”. Get out there and go to openings talk to people about your art, their art, and listen to what they say.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Instagram @willtoulan
Contact Info:
- Email: willtoulan@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willtoulan/
Image Credit:
Will Toulan
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