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My name is Stefan Cotlet and I am a 39-year-old, illustrator and graphic designer, father of two, lover of art, photography, and electric guitar. In my art, I use both traditional and digital techniques and I love to explore different styles. My deep passion for the visual arts has taught me to be kinder to myself and others.
The Interview
At what point in your life did you know that you wanted to become an artist? Did the realization emerge slowly?
Slowly! I have always drawn, painted, ever since I can remember, but never considered myself an artist. After high school, I wanted to do architecture. That didn't pan out, but after trying civil engineering for two years, I went on to study product design at UAUIM University, in Bucharest. First year, first semester, I felt right at home. I felt like those were my people. That's when I think I knew.
How did you evolve your style and favorite mediums?
I watch videos of other, more established artists, explaining their process. I'm always on the lookout for good insights to incorporate into my artwork. I love traditional methods, but often switch to digital mid-process, for convenience and flexibility. I get very inspired by exploring new tools and techniques, but ultimately, it's the story that's important, not the medium.
What are your time management techniques? Do you have regular working hours...or favorite times to work?
I work normal hours, 9-5. I hate to think of deadlines as deadlines. Instead, I try to think of them as limitations that shape my art, just like the limited number of brushes, colors, or the fixed size of the canvas. Limitations help me focus my energy. I know being time-constrained can be really frustrating, but endlessly polishing a painting is equally bad.
Do you work on more than one piece at a time, or primarily just on one?
One piece at a time, for sure. Is there a human being out there who enjoys juggling multiple projects? I don't know.
What would you say is your biggest influence--that which keeps you working, regardless of all else, your most steadfast motivation?
Finding motivation... hard one! It's been many things over the years. At one point, it was being as good as Carl Critchlow or Donato Giancola. I don't know really, I just want to get better at my craft. It's therapeutic somehow, like I'm working on myself.
Does trying something new and not knowing the rules -- the boundary pushing -- create anxiety or excitement in you? (Or both?)
A little of both, I guess. There is always a bit of tension when trying out something new, but that's part of the excitement of it. I find the most amount of anxiety happens right at the beginning, while staring at a blank piece of paper.
Do you enjoy having the "duality of both chaos and control" or are you happiest with a set plan?
It's usually a plan for me. The plan does include some chaos, especially at the start of a new piece, while exploring different directions. Letting in more chaos, or letting things just happen, is a bit of a struggle for me. I really admire artists who can just let their ideas flow onto the paper and some of the ones I follow on social media make it look easy.
Do you have any projects or events forthcoming?
Lots to do! In the short term, I'm working on a graphic art piece, something about faith, and I will be participating in Art Collide's "Aesthetic Anomalies" art competition. Long term, I'd love to try out calligraphy and font making, and I'm looking into creating an online store.
Abort
Cult of Saturn
Monster
Pisi
