If you’re all about bold, fun, 70s inspired designs, then Dominique Benedict is the Art Wow artist for you! Based in Arkansas in the US, this talented designer plays around with patterns, lettering and colours to create vibrant and striking designs. Dominique’s simplistic style will definitely add a bold statement to any room! This Q+A will give you a small insight into this exciting new illustrator…
Please tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your name? Where are you based? What does a typical day look like to you?
Hi! My name is Dominique Benedict, and I am based out of Arkansas in the US. I do a lot of random jobs. Before COVID, my job was mainly a touring live music photographer. Currently, my day consists of prepping for my coffee business launch! (Breakfast At Dominique’s, check it out. Hahaha!)
How would you describe your style of work?
My style is bold, fun, and inspired by the 70s!
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given in life?
My favourite advice ever in the whole wide world wasn’t given to me – It’s actually from a movie, but Matthew McConaughey says: “The older you do get, the more rules they’re gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta do what *movie name* wants to do. You just gotta keep livin’, man. L-I-V-I-N.” I took that so seriously, decided to skip college and travel with musicians for a few years. Cheesy, but it totally changed my outlook on life.
What inspires you?
Legacies. There are people who started out just like us and left an impact so large that they’re still remembered years later.
Is there a piece of artwork on Art Wow that you are most proud of? Why?
I personally love my 1970s Fear and Loathing piece. That movie is wild. I’ve never watched it and not felt inspired to create something weird.
If your artwork were music, what would it sound like?
I am confident in stating that most of my work would definitely be somewhere along the lines of an Aerosmith and Janis Joplin crossover.
What artist, past or present has inspired you?
Art-wise, Warhol played a huge part in making me interested in colours and art itself. In all of the arts (music, actors, etc.) though, McConaughey really did say the words that set me on an artistic path.
Who are your biggest influences?
Steven Tyler, James Dean, Bowie, and probably the character Karen Walker from Will & Grace.
What was the last gift you gave someone?
My friend got married, so I gifted her those candles you see on Etsy with the “This smells like ____” labels. Hahaha! I’m certain her husband wasn’t thrilled.
How did you get started as an illustrator?
Boredom. I like to be working all the time. When I was off the road, and didn’t have any shoots booked, I started playing with lettering and altering my photos beyond classic editing.
If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
Most likely a leopard. I’ve got one tattooed on my hand because they’re confident and don’t take any crazy from anyone, but are also peaceful and serene when unprovoked.
How did you develop your distinct style? Was it an experimental process?
I just do what I want, and don’t think about it honestly. Overthinking kills creativity.
What have been your biggest creative challenges to date?
Making a living off of it. Haha!
In one word, describe how art makes you feel.
Inspired!
