This month we are excited to feature the Connecticut-based illustrator Alan “Shoelace” Brooks. Alan’s journey has been full of surprises. He’s shown creativity in the most unexpected times and given so much praise to those who have supported and inspired him along the way. He is best known for his comic-style portraits and signature hatching and cross-hatching techniques. His journey to become an artist started almost by accident. He found his calling through a series of events during a time when he wasn’t particularly passionate about anything. Ultimately, he discovered his niche and now invites all of us “artsy weirdos” to enjoy his cool artwork!

Upbringing

Alan was born in New Hampshire and spent most of his life in Connecticut. Despite being born with congenital cataracts, Alan was one of the lucky ones. This infection affects the corneas of infants and can lead to blindness. Thankfully, he was treated and only has to wear “comically huge glasses,” and is still able to create amazing works of art. He is best known in his close circle and on social media as “Shoelace,” which was a fun nickname given to him in high school that he still loves going by today.

“It’s just silly, and it honestly doesn’t really mean anything, but all my closest friends still call me Shoelace.” — Alan Brooks

Inspiration

Some say that boredom sparks creativity and imagination. This was definitely true for Alan, who used his boredom to seek entertainment elsewhere, which led to his love for comic book–inspired art.

“I remember the last year of high school our TV didn’t work at all, so I just filled sketchbooks with comic panels from whatever Marvel or DC book was on my shelves.” — Alan Brooks

His newfound love for art was sourced from a sudden need to crack down and get his art homework done. Luckily, he had a supportive family who was able to cultivate an environment for him to focus.

“When I was a young tween/teen thing, I was a mega slacker. I wasn’t passionate about much, and as a result I didn’t put a ton of effort into anything. So in 8th grade I was failing art because I just wasn’t doing the homework. Never tried, couldn’t be bothered.” — Alan Brooks

Alan was offered an opportunity by his art teacher, Mr. BarBerry, whom he shows appreciation for due to the extra time he allowed him to complete his assignments without penalty. His aunt and uncle, who were very involved in raising him, took him to spend the weekend with them in order to complete his assignments. They were adamant about the fact that there was no way he could be failing art.

That weekend marked a huge turning point in Alan’s life. He had to draw a bunch of random stuff — for example, an umbrella, which he admits turned out pretty good! He describes the experience as:

“It was the first time I can remember getting into the process, the act of drawing, and I loved it.” — Alan Brooks

Style and Favorite Medium

Alan’s art is absolutely stunning. On TikTok he does art reveals regularly, showing off his mini portraits in a tiny sketchbook. His impressive talent for capturing facial expressions allows him to bring his subjects to life. Alan’s art style developed with strong influence from comic book art and the discovery of hatching and cross-hatching — shading techniques that are now what he is most widely recognized for.

“I’m heavily influenced by comic art. Guys like Jorge Jiminez, Terry Dodson, Sean Gordon Murphy, and Tony S. Daniels are doing crazy things to pieces of paper with their pencils.” — Alan Brooks

While he has developed his skills and style to what we know him for today, he is always up for learning new things and growing as an artist. Recently, he has been teaching himself digital painting. He has quite a few of those paintings posted to his website for everyone to enjoy. By far, he loves the classic pencil the most when it comes to his go-to art supply, but it is amazing to see what he is capable of creating with other mediums!

Art’s Impact on Community

When asked about what role he thinks art plays in the community, Alan explains how visual art can affect people and directs our attention to these words:

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” This quote by famous artist Pablo Picasso really resonates with Alan. Although it is a popular quote among those who create art, he sees the words as meaningful for consuming it as well. He acknowledged the trying times we are all living in and explains how art can bring about feelings of peace and provoke interesting thought, transporting us somewhere else for a moment of escape.

“[...] as artists we never know what kind of impact the images we’re making will have. Sometimes none, but sometimes it can make somebody’s day.” — Alan Brooks

As Alan continues growing and experimenting as an artist, he shares his passion with all of us. In doing so, he will continue to inspire and leave a meaningful impression on the world.

Keep up with this amazing artist here!

Socials:  https://www.tiktok.com/@alanshoelacedraws

Website: https://www.alanbrooksillustrator.com/

Bask in the spotlight!

Are you a local artist who wants to share your journey? Perhaps, you know a talented artist you'd like to nominate for an Artist Spotlight. If either of these apply to you, send your inquiry to bewilderingwalls@gmail.com for consideration!