About
Sam Spratt is an illustrator known for creating art for Gawker and its other websites, as well as creating a “realistic meme series.” His art often becomes popular and is widely shared on Tumblr.
Online History
Spratt was hired by Gawker media in 2010, shortly after he was granted a BFA in illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design.[6]
YouTube Channel
Spratt created his self titled YouTube channel[7] on February 7th, 2011. As of September 2014, the channel has gained over 3,000 subscribers. As of September 2014 the channel’s two most popular videos are “Smoker,” uploaded on February 8th, 2014, which has gained over 38,000 views and ‘Realistic X all the Y Meme’ which was uploaded on February 20th, and has gained over 33, 000 views. Both videos featured screen captured, time lapse videos of Spratt’s digitally illustrating.
Realistic Memes
On July 18th, 2011, Spratt posted a series of realistic looking reaction faces titled “The Art of Internet Memes.” As of September 2014, the post has gained over 3,000 notes.
On August 31st, 2012, The Laughing Squid[8] published a collection of Spratt’s realistic Angry Bird illustrations.
Media Coverage
On April 20th, 2012, The Daily Dot[1] published an interview with Spratt, in which he explains his interacts as an artist with the Tumblr community, saying:
“I think Facebook, Twitter, and especially Reddit -- are amazing places to pick up nuggets of news, inspiration, ideas, and so on. But Tumblr, because it is so image-centric, will always be the best for just casually absorbing content--Not even picking out individual things you like, just scrolling and pausing and scrolling and pausing, letting the Web trickle into your brain.”
On September 9th, 2013, Pitchfork[9] featured a article on Spratt’s artistic process for the cover art he produced for singer Janelle Monae’s album Electric Lady.
Social Media Presence
As of September 2014, Spratt’s Facebook page[2] has gained over 39,000 followers and his Twitter account[3] has gained over 13,000 followers. His Instagram account[4] has gained over 14,000 followers.
Search Interest
External References
[1]The Daily Dot – Illustrator Sam Spratt talks about how he makes art on Tumblr and beyond
[2]Facebook – Sam Spratt
[3]Twitter – SamSpratt
[4]Instagram account – Instagram
[5]Tumblr- Instagram
[6]Sam Spratt- Bio
[7]YouTube- Sam Spratt
[8]The Laughing Squid- Realistic Angry Birds Illustrations by Sam Spratt
[9]Pitchford- Take Cover: Janelle Monáe’s The Electric Lady