Ever wondered what happens when vintage comic aesthetics meet local landmarks and cryptid monsters? Join us at the table with Autumn Walsh, the creative mind behind PopWater Studio, as she takes us through her artistic journey from theater kid to digital illustrator with a flair for the delightfully weird.
Autumn's work combines Cincinnati landmarks with cryptid creatures in a distinctive vintage comic book style that will make you laugh and look twice. Her artistic evolution is a testament to finding your voice by creating what genuinely amuses you, then discovering your tribe of fellow weirdos who get it.
How her pandemic-era pivot from baking to digital illustration led to discovering her unique artistic style
The story behind her Roebling Bridge artwork featuring cryptid monsters that accidentally launched her artistic direction
Her thoughtful approach to intellectual property that led to creative freedom rather than limitation
The joy of selling work at art fairs and building temporary but meaningful communities with fellow vendors
Why she maintains affordable price points across her products to make her art accessible to everyone
The meditative pleasure she finds in drawing tedious details like bricks and tentacles
How maintaining a separate studio space helps her balance creative work, family life, and a full-time career in brand management
Whether you're dreaming of printing your own artwork, figuring out how to balance artistic passion with practical life, or just wondering what happens when the Florence Y'all water tower meets monsters, this conversation offers insights, laughs, and reminders that art should, above all, bring joy.
Find Autumn on Instagram @popwaterstudio or check out her work at PopWaterStudio.com.
If you have any comments or questions about this episode or unchARTed Creative Community Network, you can email podcast@unchartedayton.com.
And remember to give us that 5-star rating!
