LINK: meet matt: q+a 2026
I want to thank Matt (@iMartist) for taking the time to answer my questions this year. I know I interviewed him in 2025, but due to accidentally wiping out my site, I had to start all over. Last year, I asked more personal questions and the response was amazing. I thought for this year, I’d ask him more about his art and his process.
This experience reminded me of my high school yearbook editor days, when I’d interview students and staff, trying to craft stories that went beyond the surface, giving people a chance to be seen and known.
In a way, these Q&As felt like I was stepping back into that moment, but instead of high school hallways… it’s online. We’re all neighbors here in this virtual world, scrolling past one another every day. Why not pause and actually get to know the person behind the posts?
You’ve been involved in a lot of community art. What does that communal aspect of creating mean to you?
I don’t know how you derived this question because I haven’t really as of late, before blogging I was very involved in exhibiting & performing in my 30’s. Unless you mean collaborating online? I enjoy being challenged now and again, that’s why I participate in various prompts.
In 2025, he mentioned his Noir pen & ink drawing ended up on a billboard display on the South Bethlehem Greenway sponsored through an exhibit at Lehigh University Art Galleries. He was kind enough to send a photo of his achievement.
You work across many mediums: drawing, photography, music, writing, film, performance. Is there one that you are more particularly drawn to?
Not really. It’s whatever I am in the mood for. Lately, I suppose it’s drawings attached to flash fiction, like the Noir series, or the pattern/color sticky vinyl I’ve been playing around with in the decked out dolls series. I’ve also been drawn to creating music via A.I. which I find funny because I used to be an A.I hater.
What drew you to filmmaking at such a young age and who were your influences?
I would have to say early influences for me would be related to animation or animated sequences in live action films. Warner Bros Loony Tunes featuring Bugs Bunny, the scores by Carl Stalling made me want to compose and create instrumental music. But early animators like: Willis H O’Brien who did King Kong & the amazing Ray Harryhausen who animated Mighty Joe Young as well as fighting skeletons for Jason & The Argonauts & The Rankin/Bass Christmas specials Like Rudolph & Santa Claus is coming to town.
Classic black & white films from the 1930’s to the 1950’s of every genre as well. After seeing Night of the Living Dead and knowing that a feature film could be made in your hometown (in George Romero’s case, Pittsburgh PA) was also a huge inspiration.
How has creating art evolved over the decades?
The more I do it, the better it is 
. I’ve gone through phases. Comic & Zine Creation, theater, acrylic painting, poetry slamming and since I’ve been blogging since 2011, I have ventured out into new mediums and processes.
What was the most challenging artwork that you’ve done and why?
Physically? When I co-created and sang/acted in multiple roles for the bilingual theater production called Allentales. Emotionally when I drew a series on Serial Killers, the research messed me up so bad, I gave up on it early.
What advice to you have for the younger generation (can be in general or related to the arts)?
It’s a lot easier these days to break in, because of all the online opportunities like IG, YouTube, TikTok ect.
NEVER give up on yourself, sometimes the easy way isn’t always the right way. Just keep creating as much as possible, even if it’s just to please yourself. Blogging opened doors to an international audience, for the life of me I didn’t think I’d ever get.
What do you hope people take away when they experience or see your work?
Inspiration & happiness 
And lastly, is there something you haven’t explored yet that you want to?
Can’t think of anything, maybe 3d paper art?
Matt, thank you so much for your time and for sharing your world with us. It’s been awesome getting to peak inside the mind of iMartist, a fellow blogger who has spent decades creating art through phases, through mediums, and through his community.
***If you’re interested in being interviewed by yours truly, drop me a comment or e-mail.
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