Doug Solomon received his MFA from Ohio University, where he became the embodiment of the Groucho Marx quote, “I don’t want to belong to any club that will accept people like me as a member.” This Etsy seller and freelance illustrator likes to draw unamused rabbits, which are currently on display as part of our Twitter Artist Series. As a bonus, the design is available as a free download for mobile and desktop devices (scroll down for available formats). But first, here’s a quick chat I had with Doug about Mel Brooks, design inspiration, watching mindless television, and his best tips for Etsy sellers.
It’s been said that the best designs are ones that punch you in the gut or at the very least stop you in your tracks. Talk to us a bit about your design process and specifically your contribution toward Etsy’s Twitter Artist Series.
I’m more interested in having people do a double-take than stopping them in their tracks. My process is pretty straight-forward: I draw an outline in pencil and then ink in the lines and tones. For Etsy’s Twitter art I wanted to do an Easter theme and thought it would be interesting to draw a parallel between the fertility of rabbits and the fecundity of the super-extended family of Etsians.
Your work often includes a lighthearted, witty sense of humor. I totally appreciate that, but I’m wondering, where does it come from?
I was weaned on people like Mel Brooks and Woody Allen. I probably get my dry sense of humor from my mom. As an artist, I like the idea of taking something harmless and subverting it in some way. An odd juxtaposition or subtle facial expression is enough to make me laugh rather than things that are overtly silly or slapstick.
You’ve been an Etsy seller for some time now. Any tips or words of advice for up-and-coming designers that are interested in selling their work?
Find your niche. Develop your own distinct style and maintain a consistent point of view throughout your body of work. It’s also important to have at least enough work to fill a page on Etsy — I think the average buyer shies away from empty shelves.
How do you currently market yourself as a designer? Does social media play a factor?
I currently market myself on Etsy and Blackbook. I just joined Twitter (which I love) and Facebook (which I’m finding rather a hot mess).
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I have three digital tape recorders full of hundreds of absurdities that I have created or captured from movies, television, etc. I usually have one in my pocket and get an abnormal amount of joy from them.
Pick up your free mobile or desktop download of Doug’s exclusive design below. And be sure to check out his sweet Etsy shop.
Download for iPhone / iPod Touch
Download for iPhone 4
Download for iPad
Download for 1280×800 Desktop
Download for 1440×900 Desktop
Download for 1680×1050 Desktop
Download for 1920×1200 Desktop
Instructions:
1. Pick your device above and save the image to your computer.
2. Sync your device and click the photo tab to include your pretty new wallpaper.
3. After syncing, view the photo and click the lower left button to use as wallpaper.
4. That’s it! Now show off and tell all your tweeps to follow @Etsy.
62 comments
Sign in to add your ownSRPS says:
"As an artist, I like the idea of taking something harmless and subverting it in some way." I love this line. It is the whole purpose of my life, it seems. Take the ordinary, and turn it on its head. Or at least shift the perspective. Bravo. And congrats on the feature!
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Awesome! Love the rabbits!
1 year ago
WoodlandCottage says:
I just love bunnies--thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
EminenceDesign says:
Love your wallpaper! Especially the fact that the rabbits are unamused - cracks me up!
1 year ago
artemisartbiju says:
nice article. I downloaded the illustration for my desktop. thank you.
1 year ago
ThePolkadotMagpie says:
He's App fantastic. Love this...down loading. :-)
1 year ago
ModernShop says:
Those rabbits are so unamused! Love it!
1 year ago
thisisblaise says:
i thought it might be wrong that those bunnies kind of remind me of donnie darko (or maybe donnie darko's cousin), but then i read this: "As an artist, I like the idea of taking something harmless and subverting it in some way." so now i feel okay about it. i also didn't know if, in his photo, dave's holding a giant telephone receiver or a cabinet door handle. in any case, where can i get a miniature rotary telephone!?
1 year ago
NaturesNote says:
I like the attitude, especially liked the line about wanting to get a double take but not stopping them in their tracks. Also very good tips, thanks
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Love your sense of humor! Funny bunnies!
1 year ago
LizzyLizano says:
Go Bunnies! Great stuff, thanks for the downloads....awesome! :)Lizzy http://fb.me/lizzylizanojewelry
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
Bunnies! Sorry, I am obsessed with all things rabbit of late! :)
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
great tips for up and coming designers! developing your own style and staying true to that style really makes a difference.
1 year ago
TheZestyDesk says:
Awesome! Thanks for the download!
1 year ago
FluffyFlowers says:
lol that's a studly lookin' rabbit :)
1 year ago
WriteTheGoodWrite says:
"Find your niche. Develop your own distinct style and maintain a consistent point of view throughout your body of work." Some great advice - I agree!
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
How fun! Thank you so much for the download treats!
1 year ago
gabrielefelt says:
He's hilarious :>>
1 year ago
marjudesignsforyou says:
lovely rabbits...
1 year ago
auntjanecan says:
Great!!!! I love Doug's Shop.
1 year ago
kilas says:
@thisisblaise it's definitely an oversized phone. in fact, it was purchased from an etsy seller. glad you liked the feature! thanks for all the great comments! -dave
1 year ago
rebourne says:
heehee, "god knows i tried" --- so great! definitely a dry sense of humor and a niche that you fill very well.
1 year ago
theroyal says:
it is the year of the rabbit
1 year ago
SailThouForth says:
The bit about the digital tape recorders reminded me of a summer in the late '80s when my cousin and I filled many childhood days recording our own "radio show" (that no one ever heard) on an old tape recorder. Fun stuff! Meanwhile, I find Facebook rather a hot mess, too (which is why I have so far avoided being on it) - great way to put it! :)
1 year ago
spontaneousreality says:
those bunnies remind me of candy!
1 year ago
KMalinka says:
Interesting post. Thank you very much.
1 year ago
TheCreativeVineyard says:
Nice post. I had to laugh at the first few lines, since that is my husband's favorite quote, too.
1 year ago
SlippinSouthern says:
What a hoot! Nice story.
1 year ago
ArtsbyDaisy says:
Love your da it's:)
1 year ago
emwi says:
These are great illustrations! I recently found an etsy with elephant and rabbit illustrations (http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElephantDancing?ga_search_query=elephant+rabbit&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade), and they are all very cool as well. My boyfriend also carries a recorder everywhere. I love the idea of doing that. He's gotten some really awesome things, like funny conversations, cool bird calls, and (my personal favorite) a Mexican clown troupe's music and performance (just the audio though). A recorder is a great way to get ideas, too.
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
So cute!!!
1 year ago
Verdurebydesign says:
I like doing the double-take when looking at things. Thanks for giving me that curled around the edges smile.
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Very striking background, like the Easter theme for me whats most striking is the colour combination and the pose. Arms folded is all body language.
1 year ago
poorjimsvintage says:
twitter is for sell outs who only have thoughts that are what? 140 characters long.
1 year ago
fashionL says:
nice article. Thank you!
1 year ago
prisonbreak007 says:
awesome , i love it
1 year ago
dally7 says:
Congrats!! Wag that tail!
1 year ago
TallyLocke says:
i think you lie! the bunnies ARE smiling! (rather a rye smile tho)
1 year ago
CountrySquirrelsRUS says:
I love the cat sketches! If you ever think of anything with squirrels, do let me know! I need something adorable for my studio. Great interview! Congratulations on the featured story!
1 year ago
dougsolomon says:
It's great to hear all the feedback and personal stories. Thanks everyone, I appreciate it!
1 year ago
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1 year ago
ConceptsInClay says:
I love that you steer away from the obvious! Things with just a little "warpage" are way more fun than stuff this is "in your face" crazy. You have quite a talent there - best wishes for coninued success!
1 year ago
BlueStarrGallery says:
year of the rabbit, yeah
1 year ago
kathyjohnson3 says:
Great sense of humor, love the bunnies!
1 year ago
NotYoMommasHandbag says:
Wonderful! thank you......smiles
1 year ago
conspiracytheory74 says:
great work!
1 year ago
coralsolo says:
that's my boy!! - how could anyone not be craxy for his work; speaking objectively, of course, i love everything he does!!
1 year ago
stepbackink says:
Love the rabbits :)
1 year ago
miamimom1 says:
I know that wry rabbit! His name is Pavey.
1 year ago
vintagemaison says:
My mum died recently and we have found 4 old reel-to-reel tapes of our childhood, but no tape player! Arggggh! I love the way Doug mixes modern tech with design. And I love Twitter! It's very good brain practice to condense down to 140 characters, and heaven knows, at my age, I need the excercise...
1 year ago
Iammie says:
I love bunnies!
1 year ago
rarebeasts says:
Great designs.
1 year ago
moonmistress86 says:
these are awsome even better than the first set which i have....hi uncle Doug!!!!! see you at gpas sometime
1 year ago
tiffanymcfarland says:
my love of bunnies says good idea!!! I love it!
1 year ago
AngryDustBunnies says:
I saw bunnies and HAD to check it out! Funny...although I prefer mine angry. ;P
1 year ago
dianeswebdesign says:
interesting
1 year ago
girliepains says:
manly rabbit.
1 year ago
artisilk says:
Cool rabbits!
1 year ago
NYLeatherRose says:
xo-xo funnnnnnyyy :)
1 year ago
earthtoartceramics says:
I love the advise and enjoy the humor in your work.
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