Meet Joe Havasy | Illustrator and fine artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe Havasy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I believe the most important factor for success as an artist is making quality work. I strive to make sure every item I ship is free from defects and is shipped securely. I always include a personal thank you note, with an original sketch. I even do this for single sticker orders.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My whole life I have been making artwork that is cartoony and cute, but also has a little bit of an edge. I use bright colors and clean line work. There’s often a little bit of dark humor to my pieces, and due to my extensive influences from the worlds of comics, science, and fine art, there’s no one’s art that looks quite like mine. After graduating college, I started an Etsy store, and expanded my reach all over the world. I have art in collections from Australia to Japan to Norway to the United Kingdom, and many places in between. I’ve utilized social media to build my brand, and started doing art markets locally a few years ago. I’ve also expanded from prints and paintings, to things like tee shirts, mugs, stickers and magnets. The biggest challenges was the economic downturn of 2008, and the rise in the number of Etsy users which makes my listings a little harder to find. I’ve been working hard to beef up my social media presence, and redesigned my website this year. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is really just to stay organized and keep up with communication from my patrons. I also learned not to be afraid to delay or refuse a commission if I am truly overworked or if it doesn’t fit my vision for my work, where in the past I would say yes to everything. My message to the world about my art, is that I just want to make great art, and make your home more beautiful. If I can make a piece that looks cool, that also has some humor to it, I’m on the right track.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For breakfast, Homegrown has the best chicken biscuit in the city. Victory Sandwich Bar has the best sandwiches and the Jack and Coke Icees. Porchlight Kitchen in Smyrna has the most amazing ribs, pinchos, trifongo, and other puertorican foods to die for. Make sure you get reservations in advance! ABV Gallery usually has a cool art show up. I love the High Museum and the GA Aquarium. You also can’t go wrong with Fellini’s Pizza or some burgers and fries at the Varsity.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Gina Kirlew is my girlfriend and a endless source of inspiration and motivation. We inspire each other as we create art in the same home and pump each other up. You can see more of her artwork at her instagram @ginakirlew.

Website: www.joehavasy.com
Instagram: @cutesturbing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cutesturbing