Garrett Jaeger is a cartoonist and 2D animator based out of Atlanta. He is known for his surrealist and, at times, psychedelic illustrations. Jaeger chatted and explored his influences, style and upcoming projects.
Courtesy of Garrett Jaeger
Garrett Jaeger, a local Atlanta artist. Divine Ikpe | Avant-Youth
If someone who had never heard of you before approached you, how would you describe your art to them?
I draw and design cartoons that appeal to the youth and young adults of today.
Who are your main influences in both your artistic and everyday life? And do your friends inspire any of your work (or visa versa)?
I have a lot of influences but my main ones are the artists: Robert Crumb, Kim Jungyoun, Ed Roth, Jack Cole and Xue Jiye. I really get inspired by my closest friends and the fun times we have together. I would hope that I also inspire them.
Collaborative piece between Jaeger and Hoff from Upchuck. Courtesy of Garrett Jaeger.
Artwork by Kim Jungyoun
Artwork by Robert Crumb
Artwork by Ed Roth
Artwork by Xue Jiye
How do you come up with ideas for what to draw and animate?
I listen to a wide variety of music, and getting lost in it melodies and rhythms help me come up with pieces. That helps drive my creativity. Along with that, I watch study works from other artists too.
Who would be your dream artist to collab with? And who would be your dream artist to see an exhibition for?
I would definitely love to collab with Kazuya Tsurumaki. He’s the director of the anime OVA series: Fooly Cooly.; despite the language barrier, I think it would be an amazing opportunity. For an exhibition, I’d love to see Takashi Murakami and his anime statutes.
Artwork by Kazuya Tsurumaki
Sculpture figures by Kazuya Tsurumaki
Which piece of art of yours is your favorite?
The Mickey Mouse drawing I did is my favorite. I think it encapsulates the kind of stuff I draw without being too off-putting. (laughs)
How has your illustration style changed since you started?
My style has gradually become more whimsical and satirical while also increasingly realistic and grotesque as well.
All Artwork courtesy of Garrett Jaeger
What new skills and techniques have you tried out recently?
I’m learning to compose my animations in Adobe After Effects and switched gears from animating in Flash to animating in Clip Studio Paint. Suffice to say, it’s been a rewarding challenge. I also took oil painting and life drawing classes this past semester; they really helped to take me out of my comfort zone.
What has been your biggest setback as an artist so far?
Networking and marketing my own artwork is difficult due to how niche and specific my style is.
Tell me about your upcoming projects!
I’m currently working on making a three minute short animated video that combines real life video with 2D animations and illustrations.
Jaeger having fun. Divine Ikpe | Avant-Youth
What’s the ultimate goal for your art? And what are your professional aspirations?
To make people happy. I really want people to enjoy what I make and not overanalyze it too much. I want them to see past the greater meaning of the work and just enjoy the moment. And professionally speaking, one day I aspire to work in the animation department for Adult Swim.
Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to get into illustration and animation, specifically in Atlanta?
Keep making art, translate your work into a professional and clean-looking portfolio, and network. Networking and making an effort to spread your work is really important in general but especially in a large city.
Where can people find your art and what socials can people follow to keep up with your work?
My official portfolio and my instagram (@cigarrettatl).
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