Every creative journey has its beginnings, and for Studio Amac, it all started with a couple commissions from my college dorm neighbors and a spark of encouragement from a teammate. What began as a side hustle in college for gas money has grown into a passion-driven art endeavor—and this is how it all came to life.
The First Commissions
It all started back in college, when a couple of my dorm neighbors (the Lowrey twins) asked me to draw Tigger and Scooby Doo for them. These were the first two people other than family members to ask me to draw for them and I didn’t think much of it at the time—just a fun way to put my colored pencil skills to use. Those first two commissions were simple but meaningful, planting the seed that maybe my art could be something more than a hobby.
As I began talking more about my art at track practice later that year, a teammate of mine saw my work and encouraged me to create an Instagram account to share my art with others. I was hesitant at first, but with their support, I took the leap. Little did I know, that decision would become a turning point for my creative journey.
Stickers, Prints & Coffee Shop Sales
With my newfound motivation, I started exploring ways to make my art more accessible. I began creating stickers and prints out of my existing pieces, which I sold at the coffee shop on campus called Cups. It was a simple operation that gave people a chance to own my art. Every sale, no matter how small, felt like a win. And the extra gas money didn’t hurt either.
(Checkout the slideshow below this post for pictures of the first commissions and my setup at the coffee shop)
A New Chapter: Rebranding to Studio AMAC
During this time, I met my now wife, Sofi, whose support and creativity became an essential part of the journey. With her help, we rebranded into what you now know as Studio Amac. She brought fresh ideas, helped refine the brand identity, and played a huge role in shaping the business side of my art. She also contributed to subject ideas for new pieces and began collaborating on pieces with me to perfect each design. Together, we aimed to create something more professional and cohesive—an identity that reflected both of our artistic styles and our shared vision.
Graphite Commissions & Finding Our Style
As Studio Amac grew, we took on graphite commissions for friends, family, and beyond. These custom pieces were personal and meaningful, helping us build a base of loyal supporters. Graphite became a foundational medium for me—it allowed me to focus on fine details and create lifelike, expressive works.
But over time, my creative instincts pushed me toward something different. That’s when we dove into a “pointillism with words” style. This new direction blended intricate design with meaningful text, allowing me to create pieces that were not only eye-catching but also rich with layered meaning. The fusion of form and language gave my work a unique, signature style—one that continues to define Studio Amac today.
Looking Ahead
What started as a few dorm room commissions has grown into a creative business that continues to evolve. From selling stickers at a coffee shop to developing a distinctive artistic style, every step of the journey has shaped Studio Amac into what it is today.
Thank you for being part of this story—whether you’ve been here since the early days or you’re just discovering us now. I can’t wait to see where this creative journey takes us next.
With love,
Amac
