Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Higgins.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My story is probably pretty boring. I was born and raised here in Houston, TX. I’ve been pretty creative my whole life but was never really interested in fine art until college. I studied graphic design in high school and went to Texas State University in San Marcos, TX for design as well. In college I found screen printing which was one of the first times a fine art really appealed to me. Since graduating in 2010 I’ve been working professionally as a designer. About 6 years ago I met Carlos Hernandez an artist and printmaker who runs Burning Bones Press here in Houston. Through him I found more forms of printmaking outside of screen printing and this pushed me to start making artwork and shortly after to start HMD Stuff & Things where I sell art and designed goods.
Please tell us about your art.
So I work under my company HMD Stuff & Thangs I think that best describes what I make. I make whatever stuff and/or thangs I feel like making, but for the most part its shirts, printed goods, pins, patches, and stickers.
My process usually begins with some random idea that pops in my head and nags me until I create it. The execution varies depending on what I’m making but it’s usually either entirely created on the computer or created by hand and then cleaned up a bit on the computer.
My work is mostly about connecting people through shared culture and experiences, having fun, and not taking things to seriously. That being said, over the last year, I’ve been working on a slightly more serious project called Introflirted. It is a collection of flirty love notes for introverts. That has been a bit different from my normal work because it is more of a personal expression for me and explores a more serious topic of relationships and dating, although still through a fun lens.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
I think the biggest thing is to just get started and to make things. I think many people, not just artists, get stuck on these barriers to getting started. Whether its lack of skills, not knowing where to start, or not having the right tools. I think for the most part if you just start somewhere, even if it’s in the wrong place, eventually you’ll find your way forward.
I think the other thing is trying not to judge yourself against others or at the very least not judging yourself against people who are more successful or established. Everyone more or less started from the bottom and built up over time and you have to focus on improving your work and not compare it to harshly against others.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can view and buy my work on HMDStuff.com. El Bambi in the Heights also carries some of my work. You can also follow me on Instagram @HMDStuff to see new things I’m working on.
Contact Info:
- Website: HMDStuff.com
- Email: stuff@hmdstuff.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/hmdstuff
- Facebook: http://instagram.com/hmdstuff
Image Credit:
Photography by Marshall F. Walker
Styling by Tessa Ehrman
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