Skinner, Oakland-based artist and local legend, has carved a unique niche in the art world with his stunningly surreal creations that blend vibrant colors, intricate details and a touch of cosmic horror. Born in Auburn, California, Skinner grew up immersed in 1980s pop culture, heavy metal music and comic books - influences that continue to resonate in his work today. His childhood fascination with fantastical narratives and graphic imagery shaped a creative vision that defies convention.

Self-taught and fiercely independent, Skinner’s art reflects his belief in forging one’s own path. As he once said, “If you wait for permission to create, you’ll be waiting forever. Just do it and let the world catch up.”

Over the years, Skinner has evolved into a multidisciplinary artist, excelling in painting, illustration, animation, toy design, murals and more. His work explores themes of existential dread, cosmic chaos and the limitless possibilities of the imagination. Whether it’s a hand-painted mural towering over a city street or a limited-edition vinyl toy, each piece bears his unmistakable creative signature.

A 10 minute read exploring his artistic legacy.

The Skinner Universe

Once you step into Skinner’s world, you'll find yourself immersed in a universe that is equal parts nightmarish and awe-inspiring. His creations are populated with fantastical beings, ancient gods, mythological monsters and psychedelic dreamscapes that seem to pulsate with energy.

This universe is not merely a backdrop but a living, breathing entity that evolves with each new piece.

Skinner’s works often blur the lines between reality and fantasy, challenging viewers to confront their own perceptions of existence. “I want people to feel like they’re looking at something from another dimension,” Skinner explained. “My art is a portal to places we’ve never been, but somehow feel like we know.”

The characters and stories within his art often reflect larger philosophical questions about humanity’s place in the cosmos. From Lovecraftian horrors to vividly imagined utopias, Skinner’s universe is as diverse as it is thought-provoking.

Skin Crawl

"Skin Crawl" is a horror anthology comic magazine created by Skinner. Launched in 2021, the magazine showcases Skinner's distinctive art style and storytelling, drawing inspiration from classic horror comics. The first issue, funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, features five tales of terror and is available in both full-color and black-and-white editions.

Following the success of the initial issue, Skinner launched a Kickstarter campaign for "Skin Crawl Issue 2! Giant Size Horror Anthology," which offered 96 pages of horror content (32 pages more than the first issue.) 

In addition to the comic magazine, Skinner expanded the "Skin Crawl" brand to include a podcast. The "Skin Crawl" podcast, available on platforms like Bloody FM, features radio drama-style horror stories, further immersing audiences in Skinner's macabre universe.

"Skin Crawl" exemplifies Skinner's dedication to the horror genre and his ability to engage audiences through various media, from print to audio storytelling.We are looking forward to more Skin Crawl comics in the future.

Shrine of Abominations

"Shrine of Abominations" is an ambitious stop-motion horror fantasy film spearheaded by Skinner, in collaboration with stop-motion animator Ross Kennedy. The project, which has been in development for over six years, draws inspiration from legendary figures such as Ray Harryhausen and Jack Kirby, aiming to create a "monsterpiece" that pays homage to classic horror and cosmic narratives. 

In 2021, Skinner launched a Kickstarter campaign to secure funding for the film's completion. The campaign was well-received, reflecting strong support from fans and the artistic community. The film is planned to be 30-45 minutes long, with the final duration dependent on the total funds raised. Notably, industry veteran Phil Tippett has contributed to the project, directing sections of the film, and additional support from top animators at Tippett Studio is anticipated upon full funding. 

As of recent updates, "Shrine of Abominations" is progressing through post-production. Skinner has shared glimpses of the film's development on social media, indicating that the project is "cooking like never before" and expressing enthusiasm about the progress being made.

Artistic Journey and Approach

Skinner’s journey as an artist is a testament to resilience and authenticity. Without formal art training, he embraced a DIY ethos early on, teaching himself techniques through trial and error. This approach allowed him to develop a style that is wholly his own - an amalgamation of comic book aesthetics, psychedelic patterns and heavy metal album art.

“Art, to me, is like a playground for chaos and experimentation,” Skinner said. “I don’t want to be constrained by rules. I want to see what happens when you let your imagination run wild.” - Skinner, Spray Planet - August 11, 2020

His process begins with an idea or an emotion, often inspired by music, mythology, personal experience or current events. From there, he sketches his vision, layering details until the piece takes on a life of its own. Skinner’s fearless approach to color - favoring bold, neon palettes - is a defining characteristic of his work. His compositions are intricate and layered, inviting viewers to discover something new with each glance.

The Frank Kozik years

Skinner has spoken fondly about his time living and sharing a studio with the legendary artist and designer Frank Kozik, best known for his bold gig posters, toy designs as art director for Kid Robot and contributions to pop art. This period was both formative and inspiring for Skinner, as Kozik’s irreverent approach to art and life left a significant impression on him. Living together provided Skinner with firsthand exposure to Kozik's creative process, work ethic and deep understanding of the intersection between art and commerce.

In interviews, Skinner has described how Kozik's ability to balance fine art with commercial projects helped him better understand the potential of blending creative passion with entrepreneurship. Kozik’s prolific output and dedication to his craft motivated Skinner to embrace his own artistic instincts unapologetically.

After Kozik’s passing in May 2023, Skinner reflected on the profound impact Kozik had on his life and career. In a heartfelt tribute, he called Kozik “a legend who lived unapologetically and inspired countless artists to do the same.” Skinner also expressed gratitude for the lessons he learned from Kozik, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, humor and staying true to one’s artistic vision.

Collectibles: Art Beyond the Ink

Skinner’s foray into collectibles has expanded his artistic reach, transforming his designs into tangible objects that fans can own and cherish. From intricately sculpted vinyl toys to limited-edition apparel, his collectibles are a testament to his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.

Some of his most notable projects are his collaboration with toy companies like Unbox Industries and House of Gog to produce figures inspired by his artwork. These toys and statues have become highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Skinner’s approach to collectibles is rooted in his desire to make art accessible. “Not everyone can own a painting,” he said, “but everyone should have the chance to own something that inspires them.”

Beyond toys, Skinner has also designed skateboards, album covers, and clothing, each piece reflecting his distinctive aesthetic. These ventures have allowed him to reach new audiences and further blur the lines between fine art and popular culture.

Skinner x House of Gog

Skinner has established a now well-known dynamic collaboration - and friendship - with House of Gog. This partnership has brought Skinner's vivid and imaginative creations into the three-dimensional realm of high-craftsmanship resin, offering collectors tangible and unique representations of his distinctive art in statue format.

Genesis of the Collaboration

Interestingly, as pointed out by Will Wright, Rue-Morgue’s online managing editor, it was Skinner who initiated contact with the House of Gog. Impressed by their work, he reached out via Instagram to commend them on a recent statue inspired by the art of Pascal Blanché. This interaction led to a friendship and eventually to a professional collaboration, reflecting a mutual appreciation for each other's artistic vision. 

Their collaboration has yielded several notable art statues, namely Goraxx, the Monster maker (Sold out), Relic of a Jupiter tomb (sold out) and Welcome to the Machine (still available), all incredibly cool art pieces showcasing Skinner's intricate art brought to life through House of Gog's meticulous craftsmanship. 

Artistic Synergy

The partnership between Skinner and House of Gog exemplifies a harmonious blend of visionary art and expert craftsmanship. House of Gog's commitment to authenticity ensures that each statue not only replicates the visual intricacies of Skinner's designs but also embodies the essence and emotion of his original works. 

Collector's Appeal

Each limited-edition statue is crafted with care and hand-signed by Skinner, enhancing its value and appeal to collectors. These pieces serve as a testament to the successful fusion of Skinner's imaginative artistry with House of Gog's dedication to producing art-focused high-quality collectibles.

Upcoming Collaborations

House of Gog has announced a third collaboration with Skinner coming in 2025, teasing the release of a new original art statue. (Oh, and you did not hear it from me, but a 4th one is also in the works!)

Recognition and Influence

Over the years, Skinner’s work has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following. His art has been featured in galleries around the world, including solo exhibitions in Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo. Critics have praised his ability to combine technical precision with an unbridled imagination, creating works that are as intellectually engaging as they are visually striking.

Skinner’s influence extends beyond the art world. His collaborations with musicians, filmmakers, and fashion brands have cemented his status as a cultural icon. Artists and creatives across disciplines have cited him as an inspiration, drawn to his fearless approach and boundless creativity.

Collaborations with Cultural Giants

Skinner’s dynamic artistry has been sought after by iconic brands and creators, including Warner Bros., Vans, Adult Swim, Fender Guitars, Heavy Metal magazine, Juxtapoz, Kidrobot, and Quentin Tarantino. Each collaboration has allowed Skinner to inject his distinctive style and vision into projects that resonate far beyond the traditional art world.

One standout partnership was with Grammy-winning metal band Mastodon, for whom Skinner created intricate album art and show visuals. His work with Adult Swim brought his surreal imagery to animated form, earning him acclaim for translating his aesthetic to the screen.

“Working with these legends has been humbling and invigorating,” Skinner said. “It’s amazing to see how my art can evolve when it intersects with other creative forces.” - Skinner, Metal Injection - April 30, 2014

Skinner x Mastodon

As previously stated, Skinner collaborated with the metal band Mastodon to design the album artwork for their 2014 release, Once More 'Round the Sun. His distinctive style, characterized by vivid colors and intricate details, complemented Mastodon's progressive metal sound, resulting in a visually striking album cover that resonated with fans and critics alike.

The album artwork features a complex, otherworldly scene that reflects themes of life, death, and cosmic exploration—concepts prevalent in Mastodon's music. Skinner's ability to translate these abstract ideas into a cohesive visual narrative contributed significantly to the album's reception and aesthetic appeal.

In addition to the album cover, Skinner collaborated with Mastodon on videos, visuals for their shows and merchandise designs, including custom t-shirts. These collaborations have further solidified the synergy between Skinner's art and Mastodon's music, offering fans a comprehensive sensory experience.

For a deeper insight into Skinner's creative process and his collaboration with Mastodon, you can watch the following videos:

His Process, From a Technical Perspective

Skinner’s creative process is as meticulous as it is intuitive. He often begins with rough sketches, using pencil and ink to map out his ideas. From there, he transitions to acrylic paints, layering colors and textures to achieve the vivid, almost three-dimensional quality that defines his work. His studio is a testament to his dedication, filled with reference materials, sketches, and tools that reflect his eclectic influences.

“I’m always experimenting with new techniques,” Skinner explained. “I think the process should be as exciting as the final product. If you’re not learning or pushing yourself, what’s the point?” - Skinner, Spray Planet - August 11, 2020

Known for his exceptional ink work, Skinner masterfully combines airbrush, paint, masking and various other techniques in his process. He even hand-paints some of his toy releases, showcasing his craftsmanship.

In recent years, Skinner has also embraced digital tools, using software to refine his designs and explore new possibilities. However, he remains committed to the tactile nature of traditional media, often combining the two to create hybrid works that bridge the gap between analog and digital.

Ink: Precision Meets Chaos

Skinner’s use of ink is a foundational aspect of his art. Whether working on paper, canvas, or other surfaces, ink allows him to create sharp, intricate details that define his otherworldly characters and landscapes.

Linework: Skinner often begins with bold, gestural linework, which he uses to map out the composition. He employs a combination of brushes and traditional dip pens to achieve varying line thicknesses and textures.

Detailing: Ink provides him with the ability to add fine, intricate details—an essential part of his art’s hypnotic and layered nature. The precision of ink enables Skinner to depict minute features, from the wrinkles on a cosmic creature to the veins of a chaotic pattern.

Spontaneity: Skinner embraces the unpredictable qualities of ink. The fluid nature of the medium lends itself to experimentation, with drips, splatters, and accidental marks often becoming integral elements of his compositions. He has mentioned enjoying the “chaotic energy” that ink can bring to his work.

Contrast and Shadows: Ink allows for stark contrasts, which Skinner uses to evoke a dramatic sense of depth and dynamism. By layering areas of heavy black ink against more intricate, lighter lines, he creates the bold, high-impact visuals that his fans have come to love.

Standing Up, Speaking Out

Skinner is also a passionate advocate for social and environmental issues, using his platform and artistic voice to promote activism and awareness. He frequently addresses themes of community, equality and sustainability through his work, leveraging his unique style to engage audiences on a deeper level.

He has collaborated with organizations and campaigns focused on issues such as climate change, mental health awareness and social justice. In interviews, Skinner often emphasizes the importance of artists contributing to positive change, stating, “Art isn’t just a mirror; it’s a weapon, a shield, and a megaphone. It’s how we fight the battles that words alone can’t win.”

Skinner has donated art and proceeds from sales to various charitable causes, including disaster relief efforts, local community projects, and organizations supporting marginalized communities. His activism extends to his public appearances, where he often speaks on the role of creativity in fostering empathy and driving change.

What Comes Next

Skinner continues to push the boundaries of his craft, paving the way for a future brimming with possibilities. Upcoming projects include exciting new releases with the House of Gog in 2025, collaborations with filmmakers to bring his vivid universe to life through projects like Shrine of Abomination set to debut this year, the highly anticipated Realm Runners board game and the eagerly awaited Skin Crawl Vol. 3—just to name a few!

Looking ahead, Skinner remains as passionate and driven as ever. “The goal is to keep creating, to keep exploring,” he said. “Art is infinite. There’s always another story to tell, another world to build.”

With his unwavering commitment to authenticity and innovation, Skinner continues to captivate audiences and inspire fellow artists.

Follow @theartofskinner on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube

You can visit his website theartofskinner.com for his full portfolio

-Selina
Team House of Gog | Community Dev.
"Always the illest for the illests"