Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Dominguez.
Steve, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The Salty Studios began out of desperation. I was broke AF and trying to find footing after an ill-advised move to Massachusetts. In between heated sessions of Marvel Vs Capcom 3 I came across a t-shirt design contest.
I had been illustrating throughout my whole life and the payout was a cushy $2000. So I gathered all the resources I had to create a unique design based on a slogan a drunk friend came up with.
Although I never won the contest and ultimately had to move back home to Texas, I was very motivated to continue my rekindled love for art. I’ve been drawing, plotting and growing ever since.
In 2018, I switched gears and started taking on clients for logos, shirt designs, posters, hot dog carts, bottle labels; if they could envision it I would create it. It was great fun and excellent experience.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
After falling on harsh times, I had to sell most of my design equipment and went back to pen and paper. This breakdown was a blessing in disguise as it allowed me to explore my mind artistically. I began to create work that didn’t care as much about public opinion and “likes.”
But having to take care of a family meant becoming an adult. Working for The Man is soul crushing, particularly when you know you have a dozen projects sitting at home. Anyone willing to chew out a retail employee because they can’t honor a coupon can go to Hell.
But a paycheck’s a paycheck and it helps myself and my family defy the “starving artist” trope.
As they say. damn The Man. Save the empire.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Salty Studios – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m not afraid to voice my opinions and I”m certainly not afraid to let my art do it for me. My work is for people who love to discuss art and not just pick a painting to match their ugly couch. It doens’t hang above the water cooler, it isn’t taught in schools, and there’s no Facebook clickbait to hype it up. In other words, it ain’t drip painting.
I’m also a big voice against overpricing. All of my original work is “pay whatever you want.” I never want to turn anyone down who appreciates my work because they don’t have enough paper in their wallet. My rates are always whatever you can afford.
And I love when clients give me their strange, underdeveloped ideas and allow me to work magic. I don’t care if it’s silly or unusual or even offensive. Give me a great concept and I’ll craft perfection.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am excited to begin work on my first graphic novel.
It is a coming-of-age story about a boy who becomes a luchador. I’ve been drawing and reading comics all of my life and I’m anxious to see this project come together.
Whether this will lead to a career as a comic book guy or just a stepping stone to something great remains to be seen. But rest assured, success or failure, you won’t have seen the last of me.
Contact Info:
- Website: thesaltystudios.com
- Email: thesaltystudios@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltytheartist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaltystudios
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaltytheArtist
Image Credit:
Photography and art by Steve Dominguez
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