Getting Cultured With AJ Sloan: Adam Dalton Blake’s Illustrious Illustrations Illuminate the Tom of Finland Art Fair, GlobalSexual

October 7, 2023
AJ SLOAN

Adam Dalton Blake, the illustrious illustration artist, is excited to exhibit his playfully sensual body of work at the Tom of Finland Art & Culture Festival GlobalSexual, hosted by the TOF Foundation. This prestigious opportunity feels akin to participating in a Best in Show dog event, except with leather-clad pups. Blake's creative journey began in his youth with scribbles and finger paints, ultimately leading him to study fashion design and explore the intersection of pattern textiles and sewing. His art, deeply rooted in his Queer identity, exudes an infectious sense of gaiety, challenging conventional notions of male pin-up figures with vibrant, positive, and sexy depictions. As his art evolves, Blake explores various mediums, from prints and greeting cards to garments, all while expanding his online store and planning exciting collaborations for the future. His commitment to portraying a diverse and inclusive Queer art continues to shine brightly in the Queer art scene.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adam Dalton Blake (@adamdblake)

Your work will be exhibited in the upcoming TOF art fair, GlobalSexual. How does it feel to be honored with the opportunity with the TOF Foundation?

It’s a pretty big honor to be exhibited alongside one of the largest trailblazers in Queer art. It feels like a Best in Show dog show but instead, the dogs are puppies and don leather masks.

Can you tell us about your journey as an illustration artist? What initially drew you to this medium?

The adage of “he before he could walk” definitely fits my journey as an artist. Granted, it was more scribbles and finger paint rather than the Queer pinup I do now, but I’ve always had the eager need to put color on paper. I went to college for fashion design, but through that, I discovered the amazing connection between pattern textile and my own sewing, which has ultimately led to my pattern style today.

Your work often features LGBTQ+ themes. How does your Queer identity influence your artistic expression, and what message or stories do you aim to convey through your art?

I mean, all I only know my Queer is expression. Everything I create, or even do in a day, is through the lens of my Queer identity. I’m aiming to bring my sense of gaiety, in every way, to the world of pin-up. Ypin-upely see colorful pin-ups of men, often rendered in dark and gritty leather cosplay. I aim to convey that there are multitudes of Queer art, and some of us just want to draw a cute butt in a cute outfit, doing a cute little pose.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adam Dalton Blake (@adamdblake)

Can you describe your creative process, from concept to completion? Do you have any unique techniques or rituals that help you get into the creative mindset?

On my Instagram (@adamdblake), I’ve created a bit of a prompt for myself. Since November 2022, I’ve challenged myself to make a pattern/illustration per day and post it. So, after creating over 300 patterns in just over 300 days, the creative process has become a muscle that has been refined. It always has to start with the idea of “What cute pin-up idea do I have today” or “Do I need to make a gay muscle version of the cast of The Muppets” and from that I start drawing digitally, then inking and then bringing into Illustrator to create a pattern repeat from my sketches and posting it the next morning.

Diversity and representation are important in the art world. How do you strive to represent different aspects of the Queer community in your art?

My art is definitely in the style of pin-up of those perky booties and bouncing bulge sand, but I like to showcase the breadth of expression through clothing. I love to make my illustrations dress up in skirts, dresses, and in that beautiful feminine lens while balancing the masculine draw. The Queer community isn't just one thing and I love to illustrate how we can express ourselves in any way possible.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adam Dalton Blake (@adamdblake)

Art often evolves over time. How has your style or approach to illustration changed or developed throughout your career? What projects or themes are you currently exploring? What can we expect to see from your work in the future?

My work has evolved in a bunch of ways, mainly through the refinement of the skill and then additionally the intended use. I used to illustrate with the sole purpose of creating patterns for textiles, but now through my self-imposed Instagram challenge, the intention has changed to creating for anything, really. Right now, I’m exploring how my art can be translated into tangible items through prints, greeting cards, tote bags, and, of course, garments. On the horizon are some fun collaborations for Pride in a more commercial sense and the continued expansion of artwork offered for purchase at adamdaltonblake.shop!