From superhero fan art to heartfelt portraits, Torren Thomas turns everyday subjects into extraordinary works.
Torren Thomas is a caricature artist and illustrator—meaning his keen eye for detail allows him to create distorted visual representations of subjects through illustration. Originally from Warrensburg, Missouri, Thomas moved to Lawrence in summer 1992. Still a resident today, Thomas has continued to work in freelance and in studio as a professional artist for the past 14 years.
What was the moment you wanted to become an illustrator?
I don’t believe there is one exact moment that I knew I wanted to become an artist. Drawing and painting are just something that I have always done. I have memories as far back as the age of three, sitting on the living room floor of my grandmother’s house, coloring with my mother. In first and second grade I would try to create my own comics and obsessively draw the Ninja Turtles and Michael Jordan. I think I may have wanted to be an artist my entire life.
Can you describe your illustration process and how you approach new creative projects?
It is a little difficult to explain my illustration process simply because I do different types of work for different types of clients that require slightly different approaches. One thing that is consistent, no matter what the subject or who it may be for, is research and sketches. No matter the project, I always try to do a lot of research on my subject. I try to learn a bit about who or whatever it is I’m going to do a piece on, then gather reference images, and in some cases, shoot my own reference. From there, I do a few sketches and try to get some sort of approval on the idea I’m working on from my client. After that I just try to focus on bringing whatever idea I’ve come up with to life and making it look as good as possible.
What are some objects, people or places you enjoy illustrating that are not common in your other works?
I think the two major things that I enjoy illustrating that I don’t see in a ton of other artists’ works are professional wrestlers and rappers. I also enjoy painting horror movie icons. Those are a bit more common but still don’t tend to show up in artists’ works a ton.
What are some of the most standout pieces in your portfolio?
I have a lot of pieces in my portfolio that I think turned out well or I am proud of to some degree, but one of the pieces that stands out is the portrait I did of my late grandmother. I find it significant because it’s my grandmother, but also because of comments I’ve had on that piece from complete strangers. I have had more than one person who never met my grandmother say they could get a feeling about what type of woman she was just looking at the painting. I think any time you can make anyone feel anything at all with a drawing or painting, it’s kind of special.
Do you ever experience creative block? If so, how do you overcome it?
I experience creative blocks all the time. Whenever I struggle with it, I just try to step away from what I’m working on and find some inspiration. Normally watching a few movies or shows, playing a few video games, and talking to some family or friends gets me out of a slump.
Can you think of a particular time during a project that proved to be challenging? How did you overcome the obstacles? One particular project?
Probably not, but that is only because almost every project I’ve worked on in my entire career has proven challenging in some way at some point, and I always approach those times the exact same way. You do what you have to do. If that means work extra hours, extra sketches, sacrifice time with family and friends, pull all-nighters, and maybe even start the whole thing over halfway through. I always just try to put my head down and get the work done.
What is the most common advice you share with other amateur artists looking to expand their knowledge and skills?
The most common advice I give to other artists is to dedicate yourself to your craft and stay patient. Making it as an artist can be difficult and things may not go according to your life plan, but if you really want this, stick with it. Even if you must work another non-art related job on the side while you learn and grow, do it. Don’t give up.
