Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 53F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 53F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.

Hamilton-based graphic artist Matt Morton with some of his artworks.

Matt Morton is a graphic artist who is making art full time, for clients who need screen printing, logos designed and other custom artwork. The ARTOFMATLOC is his business.

The Matloc part comes from a childhood nickname. A gifted artist from Hamilton, he uses his artistic ability to assist in the business world. He has been in business for 5 years, learning much along the way. Besides screen printing and logo work, Morton has invested recently in a computer controlled embroidery machine, expanding his offerings for custom clothing and hats.

Hamilton-based graphic artist Matt Morton with some of his artworks.

What are you communicating with your art?

My art is a mixture of urban expression with corporate values. My art at times is expressive of my mood, things that inspire me, or make me feel in the moment. I love it because everything is produced freehand. I get to share my art for the client vision.

What media do you use and how did you get started with it?

I work with acrylic, color pencil, when speaking of traditional art. I tend to gravitate towards color pencil because of the level of detail I can capture.

What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?

The fight/struggle I had with my art was to not fall into a genre to make a name for myself, to not be stuck in one genre. When adjusting to making art a business, and graphic design your livelihood, it was extremely challenging to figure a way to have a consistent stream of income. I made a business plan and that was my map. I had to figure out how I can help people create their vision, and ideas. It helps others to feel something, to create a stamp of originality is what I needed to do for others.

I always wanted to do custom shirts/screen printing. I often at times did not have the money from my work to support the expansion of the idea. I worked and when I could I would use that to fund and invest into myself and my business.

I eventually left my full time job. I redirected energy into getting more screen printing clients. It started slow but it then started grabbing traction once I locked in vendors, and applied myself more to networking.

How do you balance the art and business side?

A balancing act it truly is. My personal art and showings normally starve compared to the business side I have paintings that I work on in the evenings as well as slew of digital art I create in the app Procreate. I find that if you set an amount of time, an alarm, and focus on one thing and do not overwhelm yourself you can almost get anything done.

Where did you learn graphic art?

My first art experience was when I was 5. My older cousin, who is now a designer for Under Armour, would draw, and the thing that wowed me into going further into art, and graphic art was watching him take a regular piece of notebook paper, and draw a character.

A major influence was Lorraine Raywood at Arthur R. Sypek Technical center in Pennington. It was my first real introduction to graphic art. She helped us by critiquing, showing us methods, and fun projects that kept us striving for more.

My graphic art knowledge then expanded from a computer graphics degree at Mercer County Community College. Professor Yevgeny Fiks and John Deery were two professors who pushed me to understand more of project thinking and how to apply it in a 3D modeling course.

Is it still enjoyable being a graphic artist?

I find constant joy in being a graphic artist because I enjoy creating custom stamps to represent a brand/business, and/or event. It opens doors for others and I focus on tailoring art that speaks for the client in their respective field or brand. Creating timeless staples for them to go forth with confidence and be a representative of their own dream and idea come true.

What types of products do you offer?

T-shirts, prints, custom art, custom embroidered hats. My clients primarily have been small and medium sized business, and churches in Mercer County and surrounding areas. Word of mouth is the best salesperson and our quality brings in many new clients.

Where can we see your work?

A lot of my work is displayed on my website. I am currently reaching out to venues as I would like to host a show of my own as that has always been a goal of mine.

What is most fun about being an artist?

Being able to just be in the moment, to create with no bounds, to escape into a world of nothing to something. Every great idea as an artist starts with a blank medium, and transforms into something that is. To have clients fully trust in your work, and style to give them a quality end result. These relationships, and form of networking have been priceless.

What is on the horizon?

I am looking create a space, a community in which I can give back to others, and teach. In the coming years I look to expand further and be able to provide jobs to artists, and creators.

Instagram: artofmatloc and artofmatloc_screenprinting. Facebook: artofmatloc. Email: artsales@artofmatloc.com

Thomas Kelly is a New Jersey based painter represented by several galleries. His narrative work has a signature style with its roots in expressionism.

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