Today’s highlight goes to Ryan Rangel of Ryan Rangel Designs!
Bio: I am a Fort Worth, Texas native, graphic designer, and all around happy human. I gained my BFA in graphic design in 2014. Currently, I work as a Graphic Artist for a local screen printing company. I am also working to expand my custom apparel business. I enjoy creating in my personal style and l having my artwork relay a story or message. I dabble in a lot of different mediums, such as: Illustration, Screen Printing, Graphic Work, Painting, and Photography.
The 1918 flu pandemic struck seven years before the introduction to a sleek and modernistic new style called “Art Deco”. This style emphasized the color white: white interiors, white furniture, and white carpets. There’s many art historians that state it was in response to the pandemic because white suggests hygiene or hospital cleanliness. Has COVID-19 had any influence on recent art you have created and do you predict any new styles that could come out of this pandemic?
I can’t say that my style of art has changed due to the pandemic, but the subject matter changed slightly. My art often has colorful characters, and these characters I create often show my current mood or emotions. In the beginning of the pandemic I had a lot of anxiety and worry, as did most people. The best way I could overcome those feelings was channeling it into a piece. I believe the art of infographics took front and center stage during the height of the pandemic and during the George Floyd Protests. I saw many beautifully done infographics during this time. So I hope that keeps momentum.
How has limited social interactions impacted your art and do you prefer peace and quiet for your creative brainstorming or do you draw creativity from social activity?
When I’m making artwork I prefer to be alone. It’s my time to just zone out. I am a social person and I miss being able to go out and socialize with friends and family. But when it comes to creating art…the less an audience there is the better for me.
The National Endowment for the Arts has reported that overall unemployment was 55% for dancers, 52% for actors, and 27% for musicians by the end of September. The latest stimulus package has been signed, but it only extends federal aid through March 2021. Are you optimistic or pessimistic of the cultural platforms that will be in place after COVID-19?
I’m pretty optimistic for the world of art. Artists and art itself can and will adapt to pretty much anything. I believe the struggle of this pandemic is only a minor setback in the art community. While things are down now, I am certain artists will find a way to push the boundaries and find new opportunities to grow and showcase their talents. I’m pretty optimistic of the future as well. We can get through this.
According to my observation we have seen much demand of arts and artists on social media during the lock down period which proves that art community will be the last one to get affected negatively by the pandemic.
I strongly agree when Ryan said “artists and art itself can and will adapt to pretty much anything. I believe the struggle of this pandemic is only a minor setback in the art community.” Also, Ryan is doing excellent work on IG !