One of the many things we love about CreativeMornings is the opportunity to explore different, interesting subjects through the lens of each month’s global theme. The concepts and conversations that our speakers come up with never fail to spark a new perspective.

For this month’s theme of Taboo we’ve asked Stephen Schudlich – a fourth generation Detroiter, illustrator, designer, framer, educator, writer and social zoologist – to tell us a little about what’s made him the person he is today, how his mind works and what inspires him.

Illustration credit: Stephen Schudlich

CM Detroit: Don’t give it all away just yet but can you tell us in three words what you’ll be talking about on the 24th?

Stephen: Work / Sans / Regrets

CM Detroit: Why Detroit? What keeps you inspired here?

Stephen: I was born and raised here. My family has deep roots here: My grandfather, an attorney with his office in the Penobscot Building, worked with the city prosecutors office and was responsible for jailing many of the Purple Gang. My father was offered an opportunity to pitch for the Detroit Tigers. My Masters was obtained at Wayne State. I’m very proud of that.

I teach here, and I enjoy being in the classroom a great deal. The interaction is priceless. Being witness to a moment of discovery/resolve is fantastic. By the same token, being a support, mentor, or guide when exploration confounds students is an honor and responsibility I don’t take lightly. Sounds cliché, but I learn, and I hope they learn. Among others classes, I teach a Dark Humor course at CCS, which allows students to investigate areas of illustration/design that they might not otherwise delve into. It’s not for everyone. I also hope to help build more of an Illustration area into Wayne State’s Graphic Design curriculum. I have a lot of irons in the fire here.

Detroit has so many evolving layers of material that informs my work. It’s so youthful and arrogant in many ways, particularly now, and in other ways it’s ancient and stayed. It’s a unique, rich pool of visual stimulation both positive and negative. Dynamics sculpted over generations of hope, effort, success, celebration, failure, despair, and surrender all blended together. The humorous and inspirational reveal of an average day in Detroit is priceless. You cannot make up this stuff up.

Illustration credit: Stephen Schudlich

CM Detroit: What is your favorite project you’ve ever worked on? What would your dream project be?

Stephen: Exhibition with Mark Mothersbaugh, eBay brand development, Comedy Central work or Rotland Press projects.

I suppose a picture book, or an illustration heavy campaign of outdoor media (bus stops, bus signs, billboards, etc.) with a “chance taker” client. I’d want to have a good deal of design control as well.

CM Detroit: Since this month’s theme is Taboo, what’s your favorite thing to secretly get away with OR what one do you wish more people would try?

Stephen: Ah, it wouldn’t be secret then would it. I think more people should confront aggressive belligerent panhandlers. 

Illustration credit: Stephen Schudlich

CM Detroit: What do you do when you feel stuck, creatively?

Stephen: Gym, cook something, go to an Arabic bakery, frame something.

CM Detroit: If you were not working on your current endeavors, what might you be doing instead?

Stephen: Maybe a tattoo artist, though I think I’d be rather particular about my offerings and clientele.

CM Detroit: What’s your favorite animated gif?

In honor of Lent and Holy Week…

You can hear Stephen dig further into Taboo in person this week during his CreativeMornings talk at Bamboo Detroit. Doors open at 8:30 for coffee, snacks, and mingling, and the talk will begin at 9:00am. As always, the event is free - just be sure to grab a ticket!