Artist of the Month - @ryanmcc_art

Some artists sketch when inspiration strikes, others never really stop. For Ryan McCulloch, drawing has always been a constant, filling every spare piece of paper with ideas, characters, and quiet stories waiting to be told.

With a background in clay animation and children’s book illustration, and over two decades of storytelling experience, Ryan’s work is rooted in connection. Each character, no matter how strange or playful, is created with intention, personality, and heart. That’s why so many people see a little bit of themselves in his surreal creations.

From early success with a clay-animated film that touched audiences around the world, to building a creative practice shaped by curiosity, humour, and everyday inspiration, Ryan firmly believes in the dialogue between creator and viewer.

And how come food and animals became his perfect creative match? Read on to find out.

StickerApp: Howdy, Ryan! Congratulations on being our May Artist of the Month. Tell us about yourself: Who is RyanMcC_Art?

Ryan: Thanks a bunch! I'm Ryan, aka @ryanmcc_art, an illustrator based in Nashville, TN. I’ve been drawing since I can remember; I have never even been able to put my pencil down. Every paper that comes into my radius becomes littered with doodles.

When I lie in bed at night and struggle to fall asleep, I have all these silly ideas in my head. I’ll tell them to my wife, and if she rolls her eyes at me, that’s when I know I’ve hit the jackpot.

StickerApp: How fun! Tell us about your creative journey. How did it begin?

Ryan: I’ve always loved creating unique, weird, and lovable characters! I was a clay animator and children’s book illustrator for a long time; those 25 years telling stories helped me hone my skills as an artist, making characters that audiences can connect with. I bring all that storytelling to the work I do now. I work hard to make sure each of these surreal characters has a soul and a personality. People always tell me that they see themselves in them. They discover one of the weird little creatures and connect with them on a deep level!

StickerApp: Hah, we can relate to that! Was there a critical moment in your career that changed everything?

Ryan: Yes! When I was 14, I made a short clay-animated film that HBO bought and played on their channel for years. It was a sad little animation. During that time, I had people reaching out, telling me how much the film touched their lives and how it helped them remember their loved ones. I was so moved by those messages at a young age, and I knew I wanted to make a positive impact on people’s lives through art.

StickerApp: That is so wholesome! What drives you as an artist, and what advice would you give to new artists?

Ryan: I definitely draw so much inspiration from my followers and my customers! 50% of the joy comes from creating the piece, and the other 50% comes from seeing people’s reactions. Art is a dialogue between the artist and the viewer, and I love that give-and-take. I am always paying attention to what resonates with people and trying to do more of it, because I want that interaction to continue!

I recently had someone buy an art print of mine, and he said, “I really mean this as a compliment. When I saw this, I thought to myself, that is so stupid, I have to buy it!”. Compliment accepted. 

I get so much inspiration from the world around me, whether I’m on a hike, at a zoo, or walking down the aisle of a grocery store! 

StickerApp: What's your number one piece of advice for those starting their creative journey?

Ryan: I always tell my art students to study, copy, and learn 100 different art styles. Take 1% from each of those, and you’ll create a personal style that is rich and distinctly yours!

StickerApp: So true! Tell us about the design of your May Thank You card: What was your inspiration?

Ryan: I wanted to focus on and share some of my Foodimals, a series consisting of animals mixed with food. Sometimes it’s an animal enjoying food, sometimes it’s an animal that is part food itself. I LOVE animals, and I have a very unhealthy relationship with food, so this series represents my inner self pretty well!

StickerApp: Why do you choose StickerApp as your sticker partner in crime, and how do you use stickers for your business and personal brand?

Ryan: StickerApp has always had great quality products and a wonderful staff and support team! I’ve always had a wonderful experience!

Stickers have become the number one way that I sell and share my art! They are individual pieces of art that anyone can take and turn their water bottle or laptop into a gallery wall. I’m a sucker for holographic material! I love that light and color are constantly moving and bouncing off them. That movement takes a still piece of art and brings it to life in a way that a canvas never could.

Thank you so much for chatting with us, Ryan! Keep up with Ryan, head over to his Instagram: @ryanmcc_art, or check out his Etsy shop.