[Show as slideshow]

East Lansing resident and CSS graduate Joe Schlaud has always made illustration an important part of his life, and it shows through in the surreal and hard-edged qualities of his work. His style is a mish-mash of techniques he’s picked up from different artists, and currently utilizes muted colors to convey portraits and snapshots of the macabre.

“My mind works like a flipbook, picture after picture,” explains Schlaud. “Each plays its part and tells a piece of the story. So the pictures that I make serve that same purpose. Each unveiling a new chapter.”

Each piece begins with intensive research, until Schlaud’s mind becomes saturated with imagery. Then he starts to draw. The resulting paintings are mostly acrylic, but he also creates digital work by integrating textures such as rust, peeling paint, wood grains, and wallpaper.

“The things I really enjoy are people and portraits,” says the artist. “My sketchbook is filled with weird characters and faces. It is no surprise that most of my work has the same subject matter.”