Meet Just A Little Guy
Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
Originally in the deep south, beneath the poverty line; I've relocated to Los Angeles in 2017. My roots ingrained in me my work ethic, and the know how to get extremely creative with very, very little. Being in LA, being surrounded by so many diverse perspectives and creative people has inspired me immensely. When people are allowed to settle their roots in land where they can live as authentically themselves as possible, beautiful things can bloom.
Love that. Who/what are your biggest artistic influences?
My style fluctuates across materials and crafts, I would say my largest influences are my own audience and current events. Largely, right now I want to do what I can to lift spirits and voices that need to be heard. I love telling stories, so by extension I love reading, I could point to narratives across a spectrum from Kentaro Miura to Tamsyn Muir as inspirational. I equally adore deep think pieces and brightly colored graphic novels; I truly believe there fewer limits around what stories different media can tell than some may think.
What is the hardest part of your creation process?
Right now, by far, it is having extremely limited resources. I am in the extremely fortunate position of being able to focus on art full time, at the unfortunate cost of this being the result of an incredibly sudden job loss in February of this year. I have no end of ideas, but there are only so many hours and only so far one can stretch a yard.
Moth Wing Jacket
What’s your favorite item that you have created, and why?
I may be biased based off of the fact I just finished it yesterday, but this moth wing jacket has my heart at the moment
It is so beautiful! What do you love most about Minneapolis or Minnesota in general?
So, I have travelled already more in my life than I ever expected to be able to, and I have still not ever made it out to Minneapolis nor Minnesota. This trip will be my very first impression, and I am excited to explore the city.
Fun! What is a fun fact about yourself that others may not expect?
I am a rather avid LARPer (not boffer, I do not have the stamina and wherewithal for that) if you ask me about it, I will happily talk your ear off about it. Yes, I promise there is a game you'd enjoy, yes you the person reading this thinking no. I remain a firm believer adults deserve more whimsy and opportunity to fully engage their imaginations.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
If I can strike some incredible luck, and work extremely hard, I would love to see myself successful enough to have brought on one or two people to help me. This festival is my first venture into pursuing art full time, so you can bet I'm working hard to try to bring you all things you will enjoy; to try to earn my way into momentum towards future festivals.
You have the day off, what do you do?
Oh...absolutely cuddle my three (cat) children. They wouldn't let me leave even if I wanted to; if you visit my booth I will absolutely show you pictures of them for free because everyone deserves to enjoy them.
Anything special you’d like to share?
I am currently fundraising for this event, and would appreciate any support:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nolan-trans-artists-journey
Find Just A Little Guy at the Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival on August 9th & 10th.