Getting to Know: Sophie McMahan of You Were Swell

Few artists can so successfully find a niche or a running theme in their work without giving into old tropes.  Sophie McMahan's twisted brand of Americana stands out among the crowded market for retro inspired arts and crafts, with her unique Etsy shop --You Were Swell -- highlighting her kitschy but dark artwork.  I got the chance to talk to her about her inspirations, the process of creating a new piece, and the meaning behind her work.

How old are you and where is your shop based out of?

I’m 28 years old and I’m located in Urbana, IL.  My shop is online only, so I do everything from home.

Was there a specific moment or cultural touchstone in your life that first brought out your creative side?

Yes!  I have always been a huge art and pop-culture lover.  But it was during the summer before my last year of college that I had a total breakthrough.  My aunt had given me a copy of Lynda Barry’s “Naked Ladies, Naked Ladies, Naked Ladies” - which is a sad, tender, and unusual coming of age comic/graphic novel.  It was unlike any other comic books or graphic novels I had ever seen.  I was so drawn to the format and type of story and artwork.  It made me realize that I could sort of do whatever I wanted in making comics and art - I didn’t have to follow a certain formula I once assumed.  That book really piqued my interest in alternative comics, and that same summer I bought Daniel Clowes’s graphic novel called “Caricature”.   That book and his artwork in general made it even more clear that this was what I wanted to do too - create weird art and comics.

What inspired you to share your artwork with others and to open a shop?

I’ve always wanted to create products with my artwork on them, and the internet has been an absolutely incredible tool to get my artwork and products out there.  

I’ve recently been able to quit my day job and focus fully on my art and my own business.  It’s been wonderful so far.

Do you have a specific process for new pieces or designs, and once the idea is formed, are they usually produced as drawings, paintings, or digitally illustrations?

I take a lot of inspiration from old b-movies, vintage magazines, pop culture, and vixens from the past.  I will usually use reference photos  from my inspirations when creating my pieces.  All of work are drawings.  I start off penciling in my ideas.  Then I will ink it - I use micron pens.  And then I color the drawings using gouache and acrylic gouache.  I hope one day to learn how to do coloring digitally - but for now it’s all by hand.