Artist Spotlight
In this month’s artist spotlight we bring to you Ryan of ABON Designs...
Jen Kendra - You are a freelance graphic artist. Where did you learn to do graphic design and how long have you been doing it?
Ryan - I have always had a passion for drawing. In high school, I would often sketch in class, and my peers appreciated my work. At the age of 15, I began experimenting with digital art using a free program called GIMP. Through self-guided learning and online tutorials, I developed my skills, which led me to pursue graphic design professionally.
JK - Were you formally trained/did you take classes?
R - I am entirely self-taught, though I plan to take formal courses in the future to refine my skills further. However, I found that design came naturally to me, and I was able to master the tools I use through independent study and practice.
JK - Where did your name ABON Designs come from?
R - ABON Designs originated from my streamer alias, "ABON Gaming," which stood for "A Bunch of Nerds Gaming." Over time, as my passion for design grew, the name evolved into "A Bunch of Nerdy Designs."
JK - Where are you from?
R - I am from Taunton, a small city in southeastern Massachusetts.
JK - What software do you use to make your graphic design?
R - I utilize a variety of software depending on the project and client needs. My primary tools include Procreate, Adobe Fresco, Adobe After Effects, and Adobe Premiere.
JK - You also do ABON Gaming – can you tell us a little bit about that?
R - ABON Gaming was initially conceived as a collaborative streaming project with friends. However, it eventually transitioned into a solo endeavor. I’ve always enjoyed gaming, though I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a social butterfly when it comes to streaming.
JK - You work with streamers to build their dream stream layout. What is that like?
R - Helping streamers bring their vision to life is incredibly rewarding. Starting out as a small streamer can be overwhelming, as it requires balancing networking, content creation, and community growth. I aim to simplify the process by providing them with high-quality visuals that elevate their brand. I even take on some projects pro bono as a way to give back to the community.
JK - Did your business get busier during the pandemic when everyone was using apps like Twitch?
R - During the pandemic, I was primarily focused on my day job, but I did find time to take on projects for friends. I often offer my services at little to no cost because I genuinely enjoy helping others—especially during challenging times. I believe in treating people with kindness, as I would hope for the same if I were in their position.
JK - Do you have other creative outlets?
R - Currently, I am exploring game design. Video games have always fascinated me, from their mechanics to their artistic design. As of January this year, I have started learning C++ programming to expand my skill set.
JK - I noticed that some of your artwork is horror based – are you a big horror fan?
R - Absolutely! Horror has always been one of my favorite genres. As a child, I was captivated by the special effects and the way horror films evoke adrenaline and suspense.
What is your favorite horror film? I would say it’s a tie between the Friday the 13th franchise and a cult classic, Puppet Master.
JK - Do you make logos for clients? What else do you make?
R - Yes, I create logos for clients and collaborate with them to refine their vision. I also work on stream layouts, branding materials, and custom illustrations tailored to individual needs.
JK - Have you ever had a difficult client and how did you handle that experience?
R - Yes, I’ve encountered challenging clients, but I view those experiences as learning opportunities. Every client has a unique perspective and expectations, so I’ve learned to be patient, communicate effectively, and adapt to different working styles.
JK - What is one of your favorite drawings, and why?
R - It’s difficult to choose just one, as my artwork serves as both an emotional outlet and a creative passion. However, my recent Friday the 13th tribute piece holds a special place for me because it represents my return to realism after a long time.
JK - What five words would you use to describe yourself?
R - I believe the five words that would describe me would have to be Resourceful, Humble, Reliable, Flexible, and Consistent.
JK - Do you have any advice for other up-and-coming graphic design artists or gamers?
R - Never give up on your dreams. Mastery takes time, so keep practicing and stay true to your unique style. Whether in design or gaming, passion and perseverance will always be your greatest assets.
JK - What’s next for you in both life and art?
R - Life is unpredictable, but art has always been my anchor. My goal is to continue growing as an artist and to help others pursue their creative passions—whether through streaming, design, or mentorship.
JK - What are you websites/social media handles?
R - I run a small online store on Fourth Wall: ABON Designs Shop,( https://abon-designs-shop.fourthwall.com/ ) where I offer designs inspired by horror, gaming, and comedy. You can also find my personal instagram with artwork on Instagram: @abon_gaming ( https://www.instagram.com/abon_gaming/ ).