Artist Spotlight: Dave Kloc - Screen Printed Posters

Dave Kloc is a Los Angeles local & our featured solo artist within the group poster show, Rock My Soul. His music clients include; Sleep, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Billy Strings, Primus, Phish, Metallica, Childish Gambino, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Dirty Heads, New Found Glory

You may have also seen his work for; John Mulaney, Jim Gaffigan, Die Antwoord, Funny or Die and many posters for Meltdown Comics

Here's a look inside his (HIGHLY creative) mind Name / current location / medium

Dave Kloc, Los Angeles, CA - screen printed posters When did you first start doing art?

I have always been drawing. Since I was a little guy - I would always draw aliens and superheroes. I had a How To Draw Comics the Marvel Way book that I sat and recreated over and over. Then Magic the Gathering cards blew up when I was in middle school and all I did was draw those. Then I got into hockey and all I did was draw goalie helmets. It was never supposed to be a career but hey… I basically just haven’t stopped drawing. I’m very lucky to be able to do it full time!

What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever created? There was a poster I was able to do for the band Sleep of the inside of a space capsule that ended up looking exactly as I saw it in my head. That’s always the goal. Think of something that seems fun to draw - and then try and make it flow directly onto the paper. When it works it’s a grand feeling.

What are your inspirations? Other artists. Which might feel like a cop out but I’m always amazed by my fellow colleagues that do the same work for bands and such. They inspire me to leave my comfort zone, try new color pallets, subject matters, perspectives and paper stocks. What are your thoughts about Los Angeles? I, like most people, have a love/hate relationship with LA. I love leaving and coming back. The best food in the US is quite a crown to wear but the August/September heat might break me one day. But know that i’ll have a burrito in my hand the moment I fully melt.

Do you have a favorite quote? “If you believe in telekinesis, please raise my hand” - Vonnegut Do you have any key concepts, wisdom, or principles that you live and create by? I’ve found that making a good looking, interesting, captivating piece has to start with genuine enthusiasm from the artist. If it becomes work, and is a chore to create - it’ll be a chore to look at. Repetition and comfort are the enemy. Any words for aspiring artists? Don’t be too precious. You’ll always be able to make something else. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be for now. Keep improving, don’t just draw something because you know you’ll do it well, find the forms that challenge you and work to make them a strength. Also - I find that considering yourself an artist usually comes with some hangups and predispositions that can erode your perspective. Just be yourself - you create art, you don’t have to be “an artist”

Any words for aspiring collectors?

nobody wants to BE an ASPIRING anything. Anything else we should know?

I’m also a collector. I met most of the people that I work with by collecting their work and staying in touch as first and foremost - a fan! I appreciate the gigposter world and am very honored to be a part of it on both side of the print.

Learn more about Dave on his official site