Sometimes you see a person’s name and work and you bridge the two together, creating a mental image of what you believe the person looks like, enjoys doing, etc. Konstantin Vernikovskiy never gives you exactly what you’re expecting. His work is dark and beautiful, and always uniquely clever in its wording.
We caught up with Konstantin to find out how he comes up with all this good stuff. Here’s what he told us:
What inspires your work?
Well, I’ve always read a lot of web-comics, watched a lot of movies, and played a lot of video games. Doesn’t sound like a promising beginning for an art career, but there it is. I want to tell stories and make characters, and greeting cards are like ultra-tiny micro-stories that I practice with.
What’s your favorite kind of greeting card to receive?
I have to say, I’m a fan of the deadpan snarky cards with an undertone of unspeakable horribleness.
What’s your favorite kind of card to send?
I’d say that it’s whatever the person would truly appreciate, but I’d be lying. I want to send a card that I would like. Because I’m selfish like that.
What is the last card you received / sent?
You know, I can’t recall a time I actually sent someone a card. I make cards, sign cards, and so on… I guess I’m a natural-born postage-moocher.
Where do you do your best work?
At my computer. It’s where all the magic happens.
What’s your favorite medium and why?
I really enjoy digital art made directly with a tablet; tablets are convenient and powerful tools. There’s also the coolness factor of how far technology has advanced that I can do this now. Though I hear it’s possible to draw directly on a computer monitor now – crazy.
Where are you located?
Boston, MA, USA, M.D., PHD., Esq.
Where can people find your art for purchase?
My main website is, unfortunately, down; when it exists it will be at kon.vernikovskiy.com. Meanwhile, I have a temporary and ugly gallery here that people can look at here: http://picasaweb.google.com/BobusDoleus/Gallery#
And everyone should feel free to contact me directly by email for purchases, commissions, or other work!
Tell us what you think about the Pig!
It’s great how the internet lets cool people get together and try cool things. And the Pig is accomplishing something very cool indeed! There were some established conventions what needed challenging.
What’s your favorite pork product?
Well, bacon /is/ the candy of meat… But I’d have to say I most love pork to be used in fine dining, or fancy home cooking, such as this recipe: http://www.recipezaar.com/Vietnamese-Fish-Simmered-in-Caramel-Sauce-Ca-Kho-To-56112 (Substitute pork for fish.)