Art by: Summer Benton
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Summer Benton became a working artist at a very early age. She would “clock in” at her dad, Jim Benton’s, art studio and create her own projects. That creativity led her to get her BFA from the University of Michigan before moving to Chicago.
She recently sold her first book, “The Fanciest Flower,” to Harper Collins, has a t-shirt line with Hot Topic, collaborates with brands like Goldfish and Carter Kench, and makes artwork for Griffin Benton, who just happens to be her little brother.
I talked to Summer about the process of drawing, writing, and selling her first book, collaborating with brands while staying true to her style, her use of pink, and how teaching kids art helped her redefine her career path.
See more of Summer’s work on her website www.summerbenton.com.
You can buy Summer Benton shirts at Hot Topic here.
You can buy Summer Benton-designed Carter Kench merch here.
You can see Summer Benton and listen to Griffen Benton’s music on Amazon here.
Shop some of Summer’s favorite tools:
Caran d’Ache Gouache Studio 15 Assorted Colors Set in Metal Tin at Amazon
Apple iPad at Amazon
Apple Pencil at Amazon
Mod Podge CS11303 Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish, 32 oz, Matte at Amazon
Some of Summer’s Other Favorites
Songs:
This Must be the Place-Talking heads
Strange Magic-ELO
Right Where You Left Me-Taylor Swift
Crybaby-Janis Joplin
Chemical Thrill-Griffin Benton
Pink Pony Club-Chappell Roan
+Anything by Screamin Jay Hawkins, Tom Waits, Beyoncé, or Lana Del Rey
Podcasts:
You’re Wrong About
Shameless
Decoder Ring
Overdue
Radio Rental
Audiobooks:
Homesick for Another World-Ottessa Moshfegh
Black Swans-Eve Babitz
The First Bad Man-Miranda July
The Disaster Tourist-Yun Ko-eun
Inspirations:
Mary Blair
Quentin Blake
Hillary Knight
John Stanley
Jean Michele Basquiat
TV Shows:
Better Call Saul
Nathan for you
Real Housewives of New York City
How to with John Wilson
fresh pair of iis 