Stuart Ward is a 40-year-old artist based in Tokyo, Japan, who has been creating art for over 22 years. Stuart is the owner of his own studio/agency and primarily works in the art industry, with 10+ years of professional experience. He has created experiential work for notable brands such as Absolut Vodka, Lyft, and Rolls Royce. We’ll take a closer look at his workflow and his essential tools for creating. Don’t forget to check out his portfolio!

What apps do you use in your workflow?

I mainly use Cinema 4D, After Effects, Illustrator, and Substance Painter in my workflow.

How did you develop your creative skills?

I received both formal and informal education and practice my craft consistently. I also use paper to-do lists to create a sense of accomplishment as I cross things off the list.

Can you tell us about your daily creative process?

I don’t really have a process, but I make paper to-do lists and cross things off the list as I get them done, creating a sense of accomplishment. However, the lists never seem to get any shorter though.

What art tools do you use besides your computer?

I use a 3D printer, sketchbook, and airbrush as my primary art tools, along with a drawing tablet and a midi controller for external hardware.

What is your favorite type of project?

True creativity. I am trying to express a vision within my mind and soul and depict a small slice of infinite possibility.

Do you create self-commissioned work? Why do you do it?

Yes, I create self-commissioned work because it allows me to create art closer to the original vision without having to modify the media to make it saleable.

Which social media platforms do you actively use?

I use Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn for social media platforms.

What are your current workstation hardware specs?

The only moving parts in my PC are the cooling fans. My current workstation specs include a 3900x, 3090, and M.2 NVMe x2.

What is your opinion about NFTs?

99.9% of them are zero-value garbage. I love NFTs as a way of making intangible things collectible. It allows me to create art closer to the original vision of the art without having to modify the media to make it saleable.

What do you do to unwind?

I enjoy bouldering to unwind and get into a creative mindset.

Can you share a Spotify playlist you listen to while working?

I don’t use Spotify, but I do listen to music while working to get into a creative mindset. (Check out his favorite working playlist from here!)

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