Featured Artist: Sam Woods (@samwoodsiv)

I’ve been holding onto this one for a while, but since I’ve finally crawled out of my hiding spot I figured it was time to unleash this interview on you guys. I’m super excited to bring you this Q&A with the inspirational Sam Woods. If you’re on Instagram, you’ve no doubt seen his work (if you haven’t, go here). I was immediately drawn to Sam’s creations and am always in awe when I see his new pieces pop up on my feed. He's not only an inspirational editor, but the guy is out there helping people every day. Ok, let me stop jabbering so you can get on to the good stuff. Here we go, Sam Woods:

Can you give us a little background info on yourself? Where do you live? What do you do for a living?

I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’m married to Angie Woods and have been happily for almost 14 years! We have two beautiful girls, Amelia (7 yrs old) and Ruby (4 yrs old). My wife and I are on staff at a Church here in Tulsa called, Church On The Move. Angie works in our arts department and helps to create our service experiences. I work in our student ministry, Oneighty. I’m one of the youth pastors and have the privilege and honor of speaking the truth of God’s Word to teenagers.

When and how did you start creating digital art?

So, when IG first came out, I downloaded it…because that’s what you’re supposed to do when a new social media platform comes out! Ha! It wasn’t too long that I came across people who were dabbling in mobile editing…before that was even a term! People like, @six37, @frozen_light, @nghbrs, and @nois7. I was completely mesmerized, but bordering on skeptical that it was “iPhone only!” So, I started observing, asking questions, downloading apps, and experimenting. 

Do you have any formal training as an artist? Or are you self-taught?

Totally self-taught. I don’t consider myself a graphic designer, or even an artist for that matter. I just happened to find a niche in a medium that I enjoyed.

How many hours per day do you currently spend creating art?

It depends, really. There are some days I go without messing with it at all, and others where I’ll spend a couple hours tinkering around editing pics. I try to make sure that I exercise self-control, because it’s easy to get swept away in editing, so I set up some parameters to make sure that I’m not neglecting more important things…like my family! 

Would you consider yourself a professional (you get paid to create art), or a hobbyist?

I would totally consider myself a hobbyist, although I have been paid for some of my pieces.

What are some of your favorite apps or software programs to use for creating art?

Oh man, where to begin?? Mextures is a constant go to. I use Union as well on just about every piece. Alien Sky and Reflect are great. iColoramaS is a great one for fx, and I’ve really taken a liking to Glitché. 

What are some of your favorite accounts to follow on Instagram? Artists or otherwise.

Hmmm, so many to choose from! For surreal art do check out @casualtyofcool, @merekdavis, @charlie_davoli, and of course, @frozen_light still pumps out ridiculously rad art! For just flat out beautiful pics, check out @leahminium, @thejustinjohnston, @waterproject, and @aaron.atanacio. For design elements check out @insomniathan, @nghbrs and @1_of_8. For incredible use of color check out @vaguespace and @chaunceton.

Do you have any advice for people just starting to create their own art? Resources, tips, etc?

The only real advice I have is never stop learning. The ONLY thing that has afforded me any type of “success” with IG/mobile editing is asking questions, experimenting with apps and processes, and "creeper-status" like observation of my favorite artists. It takes time. Embrace the journey.

Where can people find out more about you or get in touch with you? Twitter, website, etc.?

Aside from IG, Twitter is just fine as well (@samwoodsiv).

 

Well, there it is. I want to send a huge thank you to Sam for taking the time out of his schedule to sit down and answer these questions for me. If you’re not following @samwoodsiv on Instagram you should go do it now! Until next time, cheers.