FROM HAND-DRAWN TO DIGITAL: THE ARTISTIC EVOLUTION OF SEAN PATRICK

FROM HAND-DRAWN TO DIGITAL: THE ARTISTIC EVOLUTION OF SEAN PATRICK

Once upon a time the appreciation of art was one conserved for the conveniently opportune, through art gallery visitations or the acquisition of physical collectables. In the modern world however, the simple click of a button provides a convenient medium to access, appreciate and experience art at your fingertips, a dream for digital artists across the globe. Standing out as a testament of the transportive nature of digital media, multifaceted creative and artist Sean Patrick takes YONKI on the journey and delves into the world of digital artistry. Born in Enugu, Nigeria, and raised in the Federal Capital Territory, Sean’s artistic journey began with the traditional hand-drawn art before harnessing the skills of digital artist to becoming a multifaceted artist navigating the complexities and opportunities of the modern creative landscape. Intrigued by this modern form of artistry, Yonki attempts to delve into how the modern artist is inspired by the day-to-day community, the achievements, and the unique challenges he faces as a digital artist in an ever-evolving digital society.

Describing himself simply, he leans towards the terminology of a contemporary digital artist and bypassing the fear of sounding one dimensional he expresses the reality of a significant part of his days consisting of art itself. The concept of art being closely tied to himself he aligns with hobbies which rotate around anything creative, including designing for his blvckfire brand. His commitment to creativity in all its forms reflects a reality of artistic expression permeating every aspect of life.

In high school, a significant piece of his work was focused on documenting his high school experience with the curation of the comic book high school sucks, a homage to the full experience. High school sucks, marks the artists deep fascination with drawing which ultimately guided him to the burgeoning use of digital art a medium upon the loss of the long-term project. The transition to digital art ultimately being birthed through necessity and the passion for expression.

A significant source of Sean’s inspiration comes from the digital world. He finds muses in the visually striking and intriguing elements of the internet, with music playing a pivotal role in his creative process. Genres like R&B, hip-hop, and Nigerian alté resonate with him, influencing his artistic style. Sean is also deeply fascinated by human faces and their structures, often drawing inspiration from his environment and the people around him. This connection to the digital and physical world allows him to create art which showcases his upscaled skill and finesse of the digital medium.

In describing his creative process Sean expresses the use of two central questions to guide him “How does this make me feel?” and “What do I want others to feel?”. With these being at the crux of his art he emphasizes the importance of honesty in self-expression through art, regardless of the medium. The goal being to deliver these elements in the most artistically clever way possible, ensuring a meaningful connection between the artwork and its audience.

Sean’s community of friends playing a vital role in his creative process, offering encouragement and guidance as “cheerleaders” that fuel his artistic endeavors. This community-driven approach ensures that his art remains a medium of self-expression and connection. 

One of the most intriguing aspects of Sean’s career is his ability to actualize other people’s creative desires. Describing it as one of his “favorite parts” of creating. He values the connections he builds through his art, seeing them as crucial to conveying other people’s artistic desires.This ability is showcased in multiples collaborations with the likes of Tolani Otedola and Odunsi the Engine. He describes the collaboration with Odunsi’s as a unique one taking into consideration the polarizing effect Odunsi has on the fanbase. Sean’s unique art style for the cover of his single Crown Bounce was seen to channel the “sexy” and “groovy” vibes of the music video into the cover. In this collab the compelling ability of Sean to convey conceptual ideas into striking visual art is a testament of his skill. His goal being to “deliver these elements in the most artistically clever way possible, ensuring a meaningful connection between the artwork and its audience.” 

However, Sean’s emphasizes the existence of challenges which exists in the digital art sphere.. The existence of digital art being restricted only to online platforms makes the appreciation fleeting to an extent while simultaneously instant. “You post, it gets liked and reposted and sometimes it does not. But only on the internet. Navigating the boundary between digital and physical art has been a critical aspect of Sean’s evolution as an artist. The digital world offers permanence and a broad reach, but physical exhibitions and tangible art forms provide a different kind of appreciation and value.  He acknowledges that digital art can sometimes be fleeting in its appreciation compared to physical art, but this realization has only strengthened his resolve to produce work that he is proud of. This obstacle, instead of offering discouragement revealed the need to balance both realms, creating digital projects that can stand on their own.

The appreciation of art, or the lack thereof, is another significant concern for Sean. Initially, his art was heavily influenced by the reception of others. He often found himself creating art based on requests, which eventually felt like “an unending cycle of people-pleasing.” The importance of aligning his art with potential motivations overtime became clear to Sean and allows him to shift to create art that feels more fulfilling and authentic in his artistic practice.  Sean realized the importance of aligning his art with his personal motivations. This shift allowed him to create for himself, leading to a more fulfilling and authentic artistic practice. 

Would Sean choose digital art over physical art again? His journey suggests a resounding “yes”. Despite the initial loss of his physical documentation and the silence that followed high school, Sean’s migration to digital art allowed him to start anew. Describing his creations as a “record of this moment in history, seen through the eyes and mind of a Nigerian born at the cusp of the 21st century.”

“My work integrates influences from my heritage, the people I know, and the diverse cultures I encounter. In offering a portal into my world, I strive to inspire others to appreciate their unique perspectives, embrace their individuality, and share their experiences.”

Ultimately, Sean has ambitious goals. His short-term plans include reviving his brand, Blvckfire, and exploring new ways to physically entrap his work in tangible forms.  With one of his long-term dreams being to recreate his high school animation, capturing the experience of a single day in an immersive manner. Due to the  time-consuming nature, it holds immense sentimental value for him. In the meantime, he continues to document his art through comics and books, leveraging the outreach that digital art provides to share his work with a global audience.

In conclusion, Sean Patrick’s journey from hand-drawn to digital artistry showcases the transformative potential of embracing new mediums. His ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital world, coupled with his unwavering commitment to creativity, makes him a significant figure in contemporary art. In his dedication to producing relevant and timeless work through his project he underscores his commitment to evolving and exemplary showcase of digital art. He continues to push boundaries and explore the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.