Jeff Dehut is a freelance Illustrator working in Louisville, KY specializing in tabletop game design and portraits using traditional mediums such as pen and ink, and watercolor. He is the creator of Pocket Dungeon Quest, a simplified, casual rogue-like tabletop adventure for 2-4 players.
When did you first think you would be an artist?
It was when I was just a small boy. I would sit at home after school and draw comics all afternoon. I knew I wanted to get into art somehow. At that time my thoughts were either as a comic book artist, or concept work for movies and games.
Who or what inspires you now?
I absolutely love Wesley Burt’s style; I could look at his sketches all day. I also love looking at concept art books of any kind.
If you could do anything else but make art, what would it be?
I would probably have to say making coffee. I just love everything about the coffee-making process.
"Homes" by Jeff Dehut, 8x8in, micron pen (2016)
What frightens you the most?
Getting stuck at a job that drains me creatively.
"Enjoy the Little Things" by Jeff Dehut, 8x8in, digital (2017)
What is your favorite music to listen to when making art?
Typically I listen to documentaries about various things, or audiobooks of all kinds. When I listen to actual music, it’s usually soundtracks or instrumental so I can focus on other things at the same time.
Vinyl or CD?
Neither. Digital.
Favorite movie?
Star Wars, IV, V & VI.
What are you reading right now?
Ha. I just finished the Magnolia Story, it was a super cute book.
What advice would you give a young artist just out of college?
Don’t wait for jobs to come to you. Go get a job - of any kind. Go make your own creative projects while you wait for something creative to turn up. Be proactive. Make the kind of work on your own while you’re not getting paid for it so that when a company is willing to pay someone for it you can be first in line with experience. Go! Do!
"Illustration Samples" by Jeff Dehut, 3.5x2.5in, ink & marker (2017)
Tell us about an important moment of transition for you as an artist?
The moment I lost my first salary job. It forced me into freelance for a while which forced me to learn many valuable skills I would not have otherwise acquired.
"Watercolor Thumb People" by Jeff Dehut, 3.5x2.5in, watercolor & micron pen (2017)
If you were given a $100,000 what would do with it?
Get a studio of some kind so I could finally unpack all of my art supplies and make bigger work.
What does art mean to you?
This is a huge question... Art is something you create - for me it is usually, to some extent, emotionally charged, and I hope my art makes other people feel that way. Usually I want people to feel happy to see my work.
What do you feel is your greatest flaw?
I typically bite off more than I can chew. I’m getting better at it…kinda.
If you could have a talent that you currently don't already have what would it be and why?
I want to learn about more art mediums or techniques because I always want to learn more about my craft.
If you could meet any celebrity who would it be and what would you ask them?
I would like to get a photo with Enrico Colantoni because I loved him in Galaxy Quest and I think we look very similar. It would be funny!
Does art have a purpose? If so, what is it?
Oh boy. I think it does. The purpose of my art is to make others feel encouraged to be better people.
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Age: 36
Education: Associates in Graphic Design with a specialty in Photography
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/explosivelimes/
"Watercolor Faces" by Jeff Dehut, 8.5x11in, watercolor & micron pen (2016)
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