We take pride in the artwork we use for all of our goods. What makes our designs especially great are the talented artists we have partnered with to create them. Our artists are Seekers- outdoor enthusiasts, summit chasers, and all around adventurers. It’s about time that we start introducing them to you!
In celebration of the men and women who have served in the US military, it's only fitting that we kick off our first Artist Spotlight this Veterans Day weekend with Jonny.
We first discovered Jonny about a year ago on Instagram (via his @drawntosketching account). We loved his sketch art and knew we HAD to work with him. Since then, we've partnered on multiple designs for Seek Dry Goods and will be hosting him at our booth at Outdoor Retailer this January in Denver.
Jonny Bobgan | Graphic Designer & Illustrator: Seekfire Creative, @drawntosketching
Veteran, Artist, Dad, Seeker
SDG: In what branch of the military did you serve and for how long?
Jonny: Marine Corps, 4-years
SDG: What role did you hold?
Jonny: Infantry Squad Leader
SDG: Where do you get your creative inspiration?
Jonny: In the mountains, of course! But also from the incredible community of outdoor artists on Instagram. I’ve made some good friends who set the bar high with quality work on a regular basis. It’s so fun to witness their growth as artists, and it motivates me to grow in my own ways.
SDG: Favorite type of art to create?
Jonny: I actually love to create a variety of artwork. I only post my outdoor-inspired pen sketches and acrylic paintings to @drawntosketching, but my portfolio, jonnybobgan.com, highlights some of the other artwork I love to do when it supports brand strategy for my design clients.
SDG: What are you most excited about going forward?
Jonny: This year, I transitioned to working from home as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, so it’s been a year full of ups and downs and establishing processes for business development and project management. I’m excited to move into the next year with a solid system in place and an established client base, so I can focus more on creative work.
SDG: Favorite place to hike?
Jonny: I’ve been battling some chronic injuries from the Marine Corps, but when I’m healthy, I love running the trails around my home in Maple Valley, WA, as well as around Tiger Mountain. When I can get further from home, my favorite adventures have been around Mt. Hood and the Mt. Margaret Backcountry at Mt. St. Helens.
SDG: Most essential piece of outdoor gear?
Jonny: My Salomon Speedcross 3 trail running shoes. I’ve been running and hiking in them for 6 years (obviously a few different pairs) and they dominate the trail. They’re especially effective when trails are wet and muddy here in the northwest.
SDG: Favorite book?
Jonny: So many great ones! But the best book I’ve read recently is Wind, Sand and Stars, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
SDG: What is your favorite Seek Dry Goods product?
Jonny: Definitely the 8-ounce Alpine Glow travel mug! It’s my little sidekick. It’s excellent quality and I don’t drink a lot of coffee at once, so it’s perfect for me.
