Each month, we are privileged to work with artists from all over the world. Their unique styles and points of view make for an especially diverse sense of inspiration in the art that arrives in our monthly Holstee Membership. From Los Angeles, California to Barcelona, Spain and everywhere in between, each piece of art is a true collector's piece. 

Damian King is an Oakland, CA based designer with a passion for all things made by hand. We got to work with him this month to help us bring our theme of Intention to life.

For a little more about what inspired this artwork, his process, and his life, here's a short Q&A:

What is your definition of a successful life?

One in which you feel proud of the work you are doing. Where you are able to make a living doing what you truly love to do. Having a group of family and friends that love and support you.

Describe your perfect day.

Sleep in, have a slow morning with breakfast and coffee. Spend the day in nature on the beach or in the mountains with my wife. Maybe end the day watching a movie on the couch or going out with friends.

How did you get into design?

My illustration career transitioned into more of a typography/design space in a very organic way. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact place where the shift happened, but I think it started when I began doing t-shirt design where typography was needed. From there I fell in love with letters and design in general. Honestly in wasn’t a huge leap. These days I am back in the illustration world though. I work for Clorox as the sole illustrator where I work for their family of brands like Glad, Burt’s Bees, Kingsford, Brita and many more.

Where do you find inspiration?

Everywhere really. Of course Instagram and Pinterest are the obvious places, but movies, fine art, books, and nature all inform my work.

What's your dream design project?

That’s a hard one. That answer will probably change depending on when you ask me. Right now I would love to get into doing large scale murals. Companies like Patagonia, Levi’s, or Deus Ex Machina are favorites of mine.

Which designers or thinkers influence/inspire you?

So many… Brett Stenson, Land Boys, Makoto Kagoshima, Keith Negley, Alice and Martin Provensen, Mary Blair, Paul Rand… The list just goes on and on.

What was the inspiration behind this design?

I wanted to create something simple, but eye catching that had a real purpose, something that would serve as a reminder to myself and others to stay present. 

At the moment, what is your favorite …

Color: Orangey red

Food: Poke Bowl

Song: ‘Feels like Summer’ by Childish Gambino

Quote: “There’s nothing to it but to do it”