Inspiration Paintings Matthew Smith
Inspiration Paintings Matthew Smith The Idea
The Process
You will learn about forty amazing people in this book. There was something inside me nudging me to create something for people I care about. Since the idea stuck around for a while, I decided to execute it. There was nothing out there that convinced me to create this either. All I knew at the time was that I wanted to create some kind of typographic project—maybe handlettering or even some kind of watercolor painting. I decided to do these watercolor handlettering paintings as a result.
My process came first, from asking for colors, quotes, songs, and other phrases that inspire the selected people for the list. It took weeks, even months, to receive and compile this list together. Once I had what I needed, I looked for type design and font inspirations. The different fonts, typography and other design inspiration that I viewed were pertinent to the completion of this project.
The List
After I found a font that I felt embodied the person I was painting for I began to sketch. I sketched different compositions until I made one that worked the best. I then, gridded out the sketch on watercolor paper and painted it. Each painting was made on 9”x12” paper. I purchased frames as part of the gift. To finish, I photographed each individual painting in an outside environment. My aim was to individualize each painting as much as possible. My hope is that the impact of these people inspires you.
I made a list and revised it until I was resolved with it. I’m still not resolved with it completely because many people who inspire me immensely did not make the list. There are quite a lot of people I wish I could have asked to do these paintings for, but I realized I was already quite ambitious with forty. I was supposed to do a painting each day for the forty days of Lent (the Catholic season of repentance), but this became a four month process instead.
The Paintings
Alex is the life of the room. She is so inclusive and kind. We served together in Lourdes France and really got to see the power of service go on in each other’s lives there. She has an enormous heart and love for the world. She finds this spunky quote inspires her every day in her life.
My sister Jeanne and her husband Will exemplify leadership and humility in their holy marriage. They inspire me as I see them raise their children. I hope to become as strong, faithful, and devoted as they are as I grow to become the husband and father that I’m meant to be.
Dave was a youth group leader at my church when I was in twelve years old. He has shown me how to experience my faith and have fun. Since then, he was ordained a Catholic priest and has baptized my niece and nephews. He reminds me that I can be close to God and be myself.
Danielle is like a little sister to me. She is such a passionate and matter-of-fact person and I was blessed to go on a service trip to Lourdes with her. She has struggles and her faith, especially from the book of Joshua, helps her be courageous and strong as she deals with them.
Jordan is a campus minister from St. John’s University. She constantly challenges me to be more positive, give people the benefit of the doubt and give more of myself to others. Mother Theresa inspires her as she commits her life to service, and this quote brings that to life.
Nick constantly inspires me to get out of my comfort zone. We’ve been on mission trips, retreats, and in high school classes together. He is a true friend. Back to the Future is his favorite movie of all time. It inspires and reminds him to make his life the best that he can live out.
Chase is an incredibly thoughtful individual. I had the pleasure of leading a bible study with him throughout my senior year at St. John’s University. He always came and had something profound to say. He inspires me to be a better friend and devoted to the people I love.
Taylor worked with me at the Art Office at St. John’s University. After four years of knowing her I have been inspired to work my hardest and be as genuine and caring to others as I can This statement reminds her that she can accomplish whatever she needs to.
Professor Lauto goes to my church and is the head of the art department at St. John’s University. Her compassion and critical motivation has impacts me to be who I am and who I wish to become. Faith guides her through her life and this quote reminds her strive for humility.
Jon has been a close friend of mine for about eight years, and he has always inspired and pushed me to my physical limits. He never stops until he puts all of his effort in. This includes 50 mile races. He asked for a surprise and, I could not think of a better phrase for him.
My friend Nick was the first person to welcome me to the St. John’s Campus Ministry community. He took me to different events and was always a friend to me. He has a huge sense of humor too. His faith gives him strength in his life and he embodies this quote in his life.
My cousin Shane is a pharmacist and adventurer. He courageously lives his life to the fullest and inspires me to hopefully go on trips and adventures while doing what I love for a living just like he does. He gives me hope that I can. This song inspires him in his life.
Ricky is my best buddy and he is such a blessing to have in my life. He inspires and reminds me to be a person of faith in the world. He encourages and inspires me to live my best life and to have fun doing it. This quote reminds him of how he wishes to live his best life.
Aidan has shown me what it means to truly live fully alive. His devotion to his faith and to living an authentic life as himself inspires me. This song, Southern Skies is by a band called Matrimony. Whenever I listen to it I think of Aidan and his incredible influence on me.
My friend Stephen Rooney has been a constant inspiration since we ran Track in High School. He has pushed me to even run a marathon with him. He has a strong devotion to Mary, Mother of Jesus of the Catholic faith, whom inspires him as he studies to become a priest.
Philip is a man of strong conviction and leadership. He knows how to stay true to who he is and what he believes in. No matter where he goes, Philip stays true to his convictions. This quote inspires him and to follow his dreams as a score writer and composer.
Kailyn is a true example of a devoted friend. She has so much love in her heart. She inspires me to always show that special care and love toward others whenever I can. Her devotion to her Catholic faith blows me away. This quote is where she gets her strength from.
My Sister Chrissy inspires me every day to work hard no matter how difficult I may think my situation is. She has taught me that positive character in the workforce makes an impact like no other. The Harry Potter books inspire her and she requested this quote, specifically.
Victoria works to bring awareness for Fair Trade products and fair wages for laborers. She inspires me to work toward global equality, especially where I can do my little part. Her Grandpa used to always say, “God is good.� This phrase inspires and reminds her of him.
Tim is a courageous person. He dedicates his life to helping and protecting people. He inspires me to give more of myself to others and to protect in the ways I can. This song by Lynyrd Skynyrd inspires and reminds him of the kind of man he works hard to become.
Rose has is easy-going, yet has a burning fire within her. She serves and volunteers almost all year long. She inspires me with her zeal for her faith, and in her servant’s heart. This Bible verse encourages her to remember why she lives out life in the manner she does.
Professor Sherin has impacted and shaped me into the graphic designer I am today. Without her constant critiques and sarcastic comments, I’d be nowhere. She also loves the planet and does all she can to promote sustainability. She is an inspiration like no other.
Professor DeLuna has always taught me to think and dream bigger when it comes to my projects. She always has so many suggestions to improve. With her passion and scrutiny over typographic details, she has inspired me to become the passionate designer I am.
Nolan Reynolds was my youth minister as I went through middle school and high school. He has been an influential guide for me throughout my life. “Memento Mori” means “Remember that you have to die” in Latin. This quote inspires him to live his best life.
Anthony Muhs is a musician, web designer, youth leader, husband, and father. He has six children, whom he supports with his diverse mix of work. He inspires me as create and do my own work. This phrase inspired him so much that he wrote a song based off of it.
Patrick is a really good friend of mine. He always pushes me in the right direction and he knows exactly what to say to me when I doubt myself. Patrick embodies what it means to be a Catholic Man. This quote reminds him of his belief that Jesus lives through him.
My friend Mark has been a constant encouragement for me in my life. He challenges me to think before I speak and inspires me to be more empathetic. This quote comes from a band that bonds our friendship. When he hears this music he feels like he is on a cloud.
Mike is an incredible graphic designer and even more of a genuine friend He works harder than almost anyone I know. He inspires me to do the same with my graphic design work. He chose this phrase because it encourages him in the way he lives out his life.
Steven is a huge graphic design inspiration to me. He has always inspired me to present my work in the most professional manner I can. He even suggested making this book. Steven is a person of humor and laughter. This quote inspires him in his life.
Brother Mike is a spiritual guide for me in my life. He guides young people to understand the wants and desires of their hearts and how they can enact those desires in harmony with the world. This phrase comes from the Marianist Brothers, the community he lives with.
Anthony served in our campus ministry together since we began school at St. John’s University. He has so much care for the people around him from coworkers to family members. He inspires me to show such love. He loves Disney, but Snow White is his favorite.
Dr. Traina taught me my Math core class at St. John’s University. I thoroughly enjoyed the class because of this man. His kind, gentle soul inspires me. If I ever become a grandfather, I’d want to be like this man. His mom used to say this phrase to him all the time.
Dr. Sutton taught my favorite theology class on beauty. He is an amazing man of faith and is the father of five daughters. He inspires me to hopefully be a loving husband and father, and person of faith like him one day. This Psalm inspires him to live out his life.
Mary is the sweetest person I know. I am so grateful to have a friend like her. She’s an attentive listener, and she inspires me to ask others about themselves, even strangers. She lives her best life, and it all stems from the love that she feels connected to in this song.
Yusef is a fellow graphic designer from St. John’s. He inspires me to be more creative. His design sensibility and his ability to think differently about projects inspires me as a designer. This phrase is a constant theme for him as he lives out his life every day.
Max was my supervisor and professor at St. John’s. He puts enthusiasm and intensity into his work like no other person I know. I am blessed to see him work so hard, and raise two children in the midst of all he does. His art professor said this phrase to him as a student.
Nerissa was my supervisor for four years. She buys Christmas presents, birthday cakes and is always a listening ear for her workers. Nerissa has given me some of the best advice I’ve ever needed. She chose such a simple, yet profound phrase to hang in her home.
Mrs. Coffee and I went on a mission trip to a place called Nazareth Farm in West Virginia when I was in high school. She has been a light to me since that trip and constantly gives me books along the way. This phrase encourages her as she lives out her life of ministry.
Father Joe has pushed and encouraged me to give everything I have in service to others. He inspires countless young people to take their faith life seriously, including me. He requested this his favorite Bible quote, which guides him as he ministers as a Catholic priest.
My cousin Sherry is studying Music Therapy at a University where she has a diverse friend group. She has a strong faith life in a place where many people do not, yet she is resilient in her faith. This Bible verse inspires her to keep her resilience alive in her day to day life.
Thank you Your interest in this project is super appreciated. I am so thankful for these people in my life and for this opportunity to introduce you to them. I look forward to many more opportunities to use my skills and talent to create beauty for even more people, strangers and friends alike. I’d just like to add that the front cover was a handlettering watercolor painting for my graduation cap when I graduated from St. John’s University this past May of 2018. The quote is from a song called “Into the Unknown” by a band called The Lighthouse and the Whaler. Their music inspires and encourages me as I live out my life moving forward into my career as a graphic designer. The font used is:
Montserrat Regular Montserrat Medium If you found this interesting and would like to see more of my work you can find it on: www.smithlydesign.com Copyright © SmithlyDesign 2018. All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of briefquotations in a book review.