Meet Bob Hansen

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bob Hansen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bob below.

Bob, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

It is something that I have, and always will struggle with. The only thing I have found that helps is conversation with peers and continuing to challenge yourself. Try and find your own voice and not compare yourself to others.
Reminding myself to try my best and even if I fail it’s okay, at least I tried and had a learning experience. There is no experimentation without failure.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Been drawing since i can remember and did my first screen printing in 7th grade art class and was hooked! That led to a path of getting my first job at a screen shop where I worked my way up from pulling a squeegee to full time artist/designer. Throughout the years and with the help of skateboarding I have developed a passion for art, sign painting, music and a community based around the like, along with vintage motor scooters and mopeds.
These are the things that drive me to do what I do whether its beautifying storefronts or their branding, painting murals or printing merch for local musicians and events.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Printmaking gave me an understanding of design and layout as well as color separation and blending.
I love nice clean lines which is what led me to sign painting.
Sign Painting really challenges me with letter forms and layout.
The advice i would give anyone wanting to approach either of these disciplines is buy books!
Study and practice, practice, practice. This is something you will be continually learning and developing skills for throughout your life.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The business end of being a working artist is the thing I have had the most difficulty with.
Do the research and find industry pricing standards. Stick to them and don’t sell yourself short.
Get an accountant! This one thing will alleviate soooo much stress and worry.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @inknife_bob
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.hansen.581
• Linkedin: no
• Twitter: no
• Youtube: no
• Yelp: no
• Soundcloud: no
• Other: If you really want a deep dive I have all my sketch pads and art from the 80’s till early 2000’s
  https://www.tumblr.com/bob-hansen-art