Today we’d like to introduce you to Kierstin LaPatka.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
A long time ago…. in a land covered in ice…. I was just a tiny nugget.
My grandfather would help babysit me while my mother worked, and when he got home from his job as a machinist, he would set me in his lap. He would have all these pens and pencils in his breast pocket that I would reach for and scribble with, put it back, and then try the next one.
From that point on, I don’t think I ever really stopped drawing, and made it my goal, with my grandfather’s encouragement, to become an artist.
I went to school for illustration, but soon discovered that wasn’t enough. I wanted to physically create what I drew. That’s when I decided that not only did I want to be a concept artist, but also a fabrication expert, as well as makeup artist. I wanted to see my creations quite literally come to life.
Makeup artist was the last on my “to achieve” list, and honestly, I didn’t think I had the balls to do it, but one day, I decided to give it a try. Half way through my first makeup, I realized this might be worth showing off and getting feedback and critique, so I brought it to Monsterpalooza, 2016.
It didn’t take long for my friend to recommend I be on SyFy’s popular hit reality competition, FaceOff. I figured… what the heck. Why not? I’d be disappointed if I didn’t try. I didn’t think I’d actually MAKE it!!
After the show, my passion and curiosity have only doubled, and so far, here I am!
Please tell us about your art.
I have such a passion for creatures and monsters. I love creating something new that excites, terrifies or disgusts my viewers. Often times, I feel like sometimes, just an image doesn’t do a creature justice. You have to see it moving around. You have to see it interact with its environment, so, I make masks for a living.
My most current and popular piece of work is just a work in progress video of a crocodile tail garbage bag test. It’s basically a prosthetic tail that is hitched on to the actor, in the water to create a realistic movement. It’s been referred to as a leech or eel.
I’d been seeing a lot of swimming creatures lately. Be it the creature in “The Shape of Water” or professional mermaids hired at popular events
All of these were cool, but…. still too friendly, and colorful for my tastes. I like dark colors. I like scary things. Things that make you look twice and react. I like people that become afraid or cautious. I think my FAVORITE reaction is ‘disturbed’.
Patrick Tatopoulos once said that there is an important difference between ‘disgusting’ and ‘disturbing’. ‘Disgusting’ often means it repels people, it grosses them out, when someone is disgusted, they will turn their heads and look away.
I can’t survive as an artist if people don’t want to look at my art.
I want to disturb them. I want them to feel uncomfortable, looking at my creatures, but I want them to still be so entranced or enthralled with the design that they can’t look away.
I was asked by a fellow artist, upon seeing it on my page, “Why?”
And I had no honest answer other than, “Why not? I was curious. I wanted to see if it could be done. So, I’m doing it.”
I feel like there’s a lot of competitive attitudes out there, with a lot of artists wanting to be the “first to do something” but I hope they all realize that we can build off each other, and we have been for centuries, and it’s only pushed us all to be better artists.
I want other folks to think, “Why not?”
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Oh man. This is a tough one. Really tough. In my personal experience, there has always been two options:
1- Suck it up and get a “day job” to fund your life and craft. “take anything and everything that comes across your path.”
2- Roll your shoulder, tuck your chin, hunker down, and bulldoze forward with your craft.
Sometimes you can do both… sometimes you can do neither.
I opted for option #2.
NOW. KEEP IN MIND. It wasn’t the most frugal of choices. Digital artists might have an easier time with it, because they don’t have much in the way of material costs, and can sit and take personal/commercial commissions day in and day out…
However. Traditional artists with mediums like Latex, Silicone, Resin, Stone, etc…. these add up. Especially for top shelf, professionally developed chemicals, MADE for my craft. Having a day job would have REALLY helped my financial situation, however, it would have drained all my energy. The number of hours I need to put in, just to create something is astronomical. I quite literally sacrifice blood, sweat and tears to whatever grease-covered, slime-oozing creature I need to sculpt, mold, cast, sand, saw, bolt, hoist, paint, and finish.
I think for ALL artists; Do not undersell yourself just to get the quick cash, and if you can’t avoid it, make ABSOLUTELY SURE that that is TEMPORARY. My best advice is: Something that’s worth anything in this world, is going to be hard work. It’s going to suck, you’re going to struggle, and fall. It’s going to happen. Be prepared. Just. Don’t. Lose. Your. Focus. I’ve spent a few nights crying myself to sleep, not sure what I’m going to do. But once you shed those tears, it’s time to buckle down and do some brainstorming. You can do it.
Sometimes you need to sacrifice a period of your time to a part time or even full-time job that isn’t art. Lots of people have done this. It’s never too late to live that artist life. Just because you aren’t successful before you are 30, doesn’t mean it won’t happen. I will often make art that I am NOT fond of or proud of, just for the sake of having a meal. Sometimes you have to bend.
But I am also stubborn. Extremely stubborn. Some folks say, “TAKE THAT JOB!” But if it doesn’t fill my wants as an artist, I won’t take it. Even if, financially, it’s a smart decision, so maybe I’m not the best to give financial advice. haha!
What’s worked for me, is “dressing for the job I want”. I fill my galleries online with content that I want to continue to make. People will see this, and recognize the style/interest, and that’s how you get known for *YOUR* work. You will eventually get hired for more and more of that same work, and that’s when success will start looking your way.
That’s the point I’m at. I’m finally being recognized for my monster works, and I’ve been getting opportunities that are filling that criteria, and I am slowly starting to crawl up this financial wall.
I hope other artists can too.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have several places that people can keep up with my activity. Publicly, you can find and talk to me on Twitter @TheForgess or follow my works on Instagram @TheMonsterForge
On a more exclusive level, I am always looking for supporters of my Patreon, TheMonsterForge. Monthly tips help me afford to make my creatures and develop more monsters for purchase. I also offer free monthly art, as well as videos and tutorials pertaining to what I do in my workshop!
You can always google my name, as well: Kierstin LaPatka.
Contact Info:
- Email: klapatka@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonsterforge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Forgess/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheForgess
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/TheMonsterForge
Image Credit:
Dominique Martinez
SyFy (FaceOff) Professional Photography team
Monsterpalooza official photography team
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
