Spotlight: CreeesArt (Creees HyunSung Lee)

Today’s Spotlight is on a great artist I’ve had the privilege of meeting many times at comic cons all over the area.

Creees HyunSung Lee, or CreeesArt, is a freelance comic artist with a background in cartooning from New York City’s School of Visual Arts, one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. With a successful Kickstarter campaign under his belt he was able to fully fund the printing of his own art book titled “Ribbit Ribbit”, a 36-page collection filled with his original pieces. In addition to that, Creees also accepts commissions online and at conventions – anything goes, from superheroes to TV shows.

(Creees worked on a Star Wars sketch cover for me recently that I’ll be adding to this post in a couple months)

Let’s check out some of his work and the short interview I had with him at the end of the Spotlight:

Crossovers

My first exposure to his work has become some of my favorites: Superhero/Pokémon crossovers! Batman & Zubat? Lady Thor & Zapdos? Wonder no more:

He’s done some chibi wall art & a new series of hilariously amazing Avengers Minions. I personally picked up one of these:

I love that you can enjoy his art as a comic book aficionado or even just starting out.

Marvel/DC

And as an aspiring Marvel/DC artist, Creees can handle all the moods: from the dark brooding nature of Logan or Batman on a gargoyle to the lighthearted, crass humor of Deadpool. And chances are you’re seeing today’s post because of my Instagram of a Spider-Man sketch card drawn by him (Creees was a sketch artist for 2016’s Upper Deck Marvel Annual trading cards).

You can also see his work come alive when you subscribe to his YouTube time-lapse sketches & Twitch live-stream drawings.

You can literally scroll for hours through Creees’ Instagram and gaze at his incredible art: Stranger Things… Walking Dead… Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles… Star Wars…

Even if you don’t know where to start when you see him at your next con, just take a business card. They’re already works of art:

But let’s hear from the man himself now!

Interview with CreeesArt

Who or what inspired you to become an artist?
I think as a child I always drew, but Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball Z) definitely was one of the first artists that inspired me. More recently in my college years and forward, Jim Lee, Kenneth Rocafort, Sean Murphy, and Matteo Scalera all had a huge impact in my art.

Who is the biggest supporter of your work?
My biggest supporter of my art was my late godmother. She passed away last year, but she has supported me since I was in sixth grade. Now, I’m just happy to have supporters. I don’t think I have a “biggest” supporter.

Do you currently have a favorite comic book series?
To be honest, I haven’t had much time to read any comics. But from what I’ve read, “Chrononauts” definitely is in my top five.

What helps you get the creative juices flowing?
The best way to get my creative juices flowing is to look at other artists’ work. Especially the ones that I look up to and try to learn from. If I see something really well done, it makes me want to try and create something similar.

If you could pick just one project/piece that you’re most proud of, what would it be?
I can’t say which piece/project I am most proud of… After drawing something, there’s always a part of me that finds something wrong or something that I don’t like about the drawing. It’s almost like a shield to ever becoming comfortable and makes me try to get better.

When you’re not drawing, what do you like to do?
When I’m not drawing, I usually go to the gym (because I’m sitting all day), play games (CS:GO or Rocket League), or just chill with friends.

Could you share any advice for aspiring creators out there?
For anybody looking to find a career as an artist, I think it is always important to work hard and believe in your art. Also, be open to get any and all criticisms from people. Being critical of your art will be the only way you get better.

Creees, thanks so much! Keep up the great work!

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Where to follow CreeesArt: Instagram || Twitter || YouTube || Twitch