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James Smolko

@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social

L.A. based illustrator & sketchbook junkie | NC → FL → CA | RCAD ’19 | My DMs open (for work, not weird stuff)

created August 9, 2025

38 followers 22 following 46 posts

view profile on Bluesky

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Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

Praise Cobra’s magic, TWU!

22/9/2025, 3:51:56 AM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

I disagree with her, but I respect her professionalism.

19/9/2025, 8:54:27 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture CIHstudios (@cihstudios.bsky.social) reposted

Casually thought I'd show off some of the letterings I've done over the years, some commissions, some personal, all hand drawn.

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19/9/2025, 7:25:06 PM | 30 5 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

My sister just passed her pharmacy tech exam. I asked if she can get me free tylenol and she said no. Honestly, kind of a waste.

19/9/2025, 8:44:54 PM | 3 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Tried to carve out some time to draw yesterday, but the knife just bent. Cheap time I guess.

19/9/2025, 4:19:10 PM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture 𝕾𝖙𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖌𝖊 𝕳𝖔𝖚𝖘𝖊 (@strangehouse.bsky.social) reposted

Echoes of Flesh sketches

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19/9/2025, 12:33:42 PM | 663 78 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

Thank you, doctor

19/9/2025, 1:57:00 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

Yes to both. It would be an ongoing position were you would design title logos.

18/9/2025, 8:50:21 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

Yes, it’s paid.

18/9/2025, 8:41:17 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

To clarify, this isn’t a one-off project or commission, it’s an actual job. My 9-5 is at an ad agency, and we’re looking to grow our design team. Work can be done remotely, but it’s a big plus if you’re in the L.A. area. Great fit if you’re comfortable in Illustrator and enjoy designing type/logos.

18/9/2025, 8:25:36 PM | 5 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

Should be open now

18/9/2025, 7:28:13 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Hey artist friends! Anyone here with experience designing type / hand-lettering who’s looking for a job right now? DM me!

18/9/2025, 7:12:08 PM | 25 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture 🎃🧟‍♂️Zombuddy🧟🎃 (@budbuddyguy.bsky.social) reposted

Art is not dead 🥹

Corn momma getting her milker sucked by a corndog baby while hot dog dad looks on in pride
18/9/2025, 2:35:01 PM | 70 5 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

I tried to brainstorm my next project but the only ideas I had were “draw nothing” and “start a small farm.” Neither involves paper.

18/9/2025, 2:58:38 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture Meg (@meganroseruiz.bsky.social) reposted

I drew Labubus from memory

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17/9/2025, 11:03:09 PM | 1444 268 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture Gary Barker (@garybarker.bsky.social) reposted

Since there is new product based on our Garfield/Turtles mash-up 30+ years ago, I thought it was time for "Garfello" to return to the comics!!! Got a bunch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle blank covers. Here is the first one. Thanks!

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18/9/2025, 12:47:21 AM | 141 37 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Posted my drawing and somebody asked if it was “abstract?” I told them yes, it’s abstract disappointment. They unfollowed me like a professional.

18/9/2025, 1:04:08 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Finally done. I hope everyone appreciates the orb because I had to google “how to draw circle” 14 times. #illustration #comic #drawing #penandink #wizard #art @truegrittexture.bsky.social

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17/9/2025, 5:06:02 PM | 7 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Four colors stacked like pancakes. Delicious for your eyeballs. #characterdesign #drawingtips #tutorial #artcommunity #illustration @truegrittexture.bsky.social

17/9/2025, 7:05:12 AM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Please help me name this wizard. I want something mystical, like “Frank.” Serious suggestions only. #characterdesign #drawingtips #tutorial #artcommunity #illustration

17/9/2025, 6:59:42 AM | 4 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Trying out some new brush pens! Apologies if I mispronounce anything, I haven’t spoken since 2003. #art #penandink #brushpen #review #drawing

17/9/2025, 6:57:31 AM | 4 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Drew some little guys, nothing serious #sketch #drawing #doodle #comic #littleguy #art

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3/9/2025, 11:59:16 PM | 3 1 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Sometimes I just like to draw little guys idk why. Anyway, this is Crandall. #art #drawing #doodle #littleguy

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29/8/2025, 5:37:42 AM | 5 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

It is, but my therapist keeps insisting on calling it “a cry for help.”

28/8/2025, 3:42:05 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

I feel like I've been posting my art into the void for years now, but on the bright side the void has been very supportive. It keeps echoing back "nice."

28/8/2025, 2:32:31 AM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

My version of that is convincing myself that 14 donuts is "meal prep."

28/8/2025, 2:25:06 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

Totally. I’ll be minding my own business and suddenly remember a random cashier calling me "buddy" in a way that didn’t feel very buddy-like.

28/8/2025, 2:21:34 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

Same here. I click thinking it's a potential friend, but it's just another spam account asking if i want to be rich by Thursday. Buddy, I don't even want to be rich by Saturday.

28/8/2025, 2:17:06 AM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Fun fact: Elvis invented sandwiches. Before him, people just ate bread separate. I got to meet him once at Walmart, but he was shorter because he wasnt wearing the hair. #art #drawing #elvis #sketch #comic

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28/8/2025, 2:10:29 AM | 3 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

26/8/2025, 2:28:15 AM | 3 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Time is a meat grinder and I'm the sausage. I keep begging the clock to stop but it just screams at me. I tried to smother it with a towel, but it screamed louder through the fabric. #comic #art #drawing #penandink #humor

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24/8/2025, 10:24:26 PM | 5 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture 🎃🧟‍♂️Zombuddy🧟🎃 (@budbuddyguy.bsky.social) reposted

Just found out my vape is literally just a can of Axe body spray???

23/8/2025, 8:18:10 PM | 35 2 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

#notasponsor

23/8/2025, 1:29:52 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

TMDWU

23/8/2025, 1:24:32 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

[2/2]… If you’re reading this and going through something similar, please know you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out.

22/8/2025, 6:08:59 PM | 7 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

It’s worth noting that back when I was getting sober, I watched a lot of KingCobraJFS. I think that I sort of saw him as a dark reflection of what could’ve been. Anyone who followed him knows he struggled with alcoholism, and I really wish he could’ve gotten the help he needed… [1/2]

22/8/2025, 6:08:21 PM | 13 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

Nice, you got one before he got a lathe and started making tiny table legs. TWU My wife has a Cobracraft Wands t-shirt. Definitely a prized possession.

22/8/2025, 4:59:33 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

Appreciate it 🙏🙏🙏 I just started posting on Bluesky recently, but feel free to check my IG out too.

22/8/2025, 4:14:32 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

Fuck 2025

22/8/2025, 3:41:22 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

I agree. He had such an iconic face.

22/8/2025, 3:35:54 PM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Confirmed by his dad — KingCobraJFS has passed away. RIP sweet prince. Sharing a handful of Cobes doodles l've made over the years. Somehow, he always found his way into my sketchbook, becoming a strange kind of muse whenever I was stuck for ideas. You better not make me miss you, boy! #kingcobrajfs

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22/8/2025, 3:31:47 PM | 35 10 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Sometimes the baby uses me as a chair and sometimes as a floor. Same job.

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21/8/2025, 9:58:20 PM | 4 2 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

I guess dogs don’t know how to read calendars

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21/8/2025, 2:01:14 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Martin (@jmartinstudio.bsky.social) reposted

Mixed media on 9x12 Strathmore.

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19/8/2025, 12:46:23 AM | 98 14 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture Inkwell (@inkwell.bsky.social) reposted

Despite enjoying my time at art school, I find it hard to suggest degree programs to those who are seeking work in the art industry New video about the current issues within higher art education atm youtu.be/3eDrzbVeJzA?...

19/8/2025, 7:03:04 PM | 64 8 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Every dog has its day.

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19/8/2025, 3:16:09 AM | 1 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

My niece asked if I’m TikTok famous. I said yes.

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17/8/2025, 2:45:38 AM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social) reply parent

Ahhh thank you!! So glad you like it

13/8/2025, 7:56:24 PM | 2 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Quick process vid of my painting of @grockallschmidt.bsky.social #georgrockallschmidt #digitalart #painting #procreate #timelapse

13/8/2025, 4:30:24 PM | 9 1 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture CIHstudios (@cihstudios.bsky.social) reposted

Reposting with alt text. Shares very much appreciated! cihstudios.com/contact

Ad copy: Art and design commissions open. For business or pleasure. Contact thru our site! (DMs work too) CIHstudios- Flipping off corporate blandness since 1926.
18/2/2025, 9:46:21 PM | 26 9 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

It’s got a hip tang! A portrait of one of my favorite YouTubers, Georg Rockall-Schmidt. @grockallschmidt.bsky.social #georgrockallschmidt #art #painting #portrait #digitalart #youtuber

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13/8/2025, 1:21:43 AM | 7 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Huh, I guess we’re not so different after all #art #drawing #sketch #caveman #humor #funny

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11/8/2025, 4:36:47 PM | 4 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture dfm (@cthonicyouth.bsky.social) reposted

Day 9: a little #necromancy #aughost #aughost2025 @therealaughost.bsky.social

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9/8/2025, 12:37:31 PM | 76 9 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

A portrait of a friend.

10/8/2025, 3:35:46 AM | 0 0 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Do I look like I know what a Labubu is? #jdvance #kingofthehill #labubu #art #drawing #digitalart

9/8/2025, 7:07:44 AM | 2 1 | View on Bluesky | view

Profile picture James Smolko (@jamessmolkoart.bsky.social)

Excited to share my latest illustration project. Thanks for the trusting me with your vision, Ryan! Go see him perform comedy live at the Neptune Theatre, October 4th! #digitalart #illustration #comedy #painting #drawing #sketch

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9/8/2025, 12:56:01 AM | 4 0 | View on Bluesky | view