Let’s go behind the scenes with the super creative and fun Hallmark Artist Colin Walsh. When he is not illustrating the freshest holiday Make & Mail Kit for the latest Gold Crown artist collection, he is building blocks with his son. Join us as he shares the ins and outs of his career, and some things he does outside Hallmark’s halls.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee.
How long have you been at Hallmark?
2001-2007 and 2011- present. I went surfing in Australia for a little while…
And have you always been an illustrator?
Nope, I went to school for graphic design.
If I weren’t an illustrator, I’d be…
A hula-hoop champion or an exotic dancer.
Do you keep a sketchbook? What’s your favorite tool to draw?
Yes, I usually sketch with pencils but would love to paint more in a special sketchbook.
Tell us about your Make & Mail Card Kit. How did it start?
It started from my 2016 Studio Ink Christmas collection. Studio Ink loved all the patterns, icons, and quirky characters. We all decided that this collection would translate to a cool, different kit.
What mediums did you use to create the art for the card kit?
Cut paper, pencil, gold foil, ink, colored pencil.
You are taking a fresh approach to Christmas. What icons and styles influenced you?
Ugly sweaters, fun and unexpected patterns, city scapes, and quirky animals.
Last but not least, what goodies are included in the box of your Make & Mail Card Kit?
Stickers, cards, mini cards, and tip-on pieces to play with.
Find all of Colin’s artist collection online here. For more about our Hallmark creative community, find our Artist Spotlight series here.