Q+A with Caitlin Mattisson on Ancient Symbols, Folklore, and the Psyche

Queens of the Stone Age / Eagles of Death Metal poster from the Innings festival | Artwork by Caitlin Mattisson & Alan Forbes

Mattison grew up heavily influenced by her Bay Area surroundings and was inspired by the hand drawn techniques of ‘60s era artists, rock and roll posters, tarot, sci-fi novels, horror and cult films, comic books, ancient cultures, folklore, and phantasmagoric music. All these elements brew and ferment together to create her lovely and heady illustrations and prints.

Your website mentions that you’re inspired by graphic novels, ancient symbols, folklore, and old horror movies. What attracted you to those things in the first place? And how did those influences spill onto your work (more specifically, onto your poster pieces)? 

My whole family loves to read, and my parents had an extensive comic book collection. I have been looking at comics since before I could read. Growing up idolizing my older brother Conan probably led me into horror movies at a younger age than most. I grew up in the country and was often alone in a forest, so the dark doesn’t scare me; it just feels familiar. And folklore led me into archetypes of symbolism which lead me to ancient symbols; runes, alchemy, etc. I think everything that makes up your psyche shows through in your artwork. 

How and when did you get involved with screen printing?

I took a printmaking class in junior college when I was 16 at Santa Rosa Junior College.  After that, I started screen printing with friends in college and eventually became a teacher at Workshop SF where I now teach it to others. 

Nothing is Permanent by Caitlin Mattison

The Hermit, a Caitlin Mattisson & Alan Forbes collaboration

What are your opinions on going to school for art?

For me, it was a really great experience, and taught me the professional vernacular necessary to properly communicate in the business world. I also think it taught me to take criticism, work on a team, meet deadlines and take my own art seriously. 

What happened to Black Mangus? Do you plan on collaborating with Diane Berry again in the near future?

No comment. 

8th Annual Desert Daze - Moreno Beach- Lake Perris, CA. October 10-13, 2019 | Artwork by Caitlin Mattisson and Alan Forbes

How did you start working with Alan Forbes? Do you prefer collaborating with another visual artist or working independently?

Alan and I became friends through Instagram, and we began an art correspondence while I was drawing my Tarot deck. When I moved back to SF, he asked if I wanted to collaborate on a shirt design for The Shrine. It went really well and got a great response, so we continued to work together. I enjoy working alone on most things, since I keep a really quick pace, work all hours and love taking things to strange extremes. However, working with Alan is truly a joy, since we share so many art inspirations and ideas, and as illustrators, we work from home alone, so it is nice to have a co-worker of sorts to brainstorm with. 

I love, love, love the Chris Robinson's Hootenanny Heroes (San Rafael, CA  2017) tour poster you and Forbes created. Could you tell me a bit about the creative process?

I’m so glad! That was such a fun one. I was trying to make it have a real story book feel to the layout… I think maybe I was even tapping into old Elfquest group shots haha. I wanted it to feel like a gathering of lots of creatures and people, with a bright, psychedelic vibe. I also was combining an old timey hootenanny vibe with a fairy tale backbone and a present day fashion sensibility. 

Chris Robinson Hootenanny Heroes - San Rafael 2017 by Alan Forbes & Caitlin Mattisson

Where and when do you feel most creatively fueled?

My best friend Alison likes to tell people that I “live in a flow state”. I am a really intense and driven person and it is harder for me to chill than to work. Anytime I look at the sky or trees I really want to draw/paint, so mostly all the time. 

How much input do musicians typically have on their posters? How do you handle difficult personalities?

It really depends on the person. Some artists already have an idea; if it is cool and I like it, then we proceed. Some musicians don’t give me any input at all, which is awesome and usually gets them a more detailed, inspired design. One of the reasons I work in this industry is that I love music, and I assume that if someone wants me to work for them they respect my art. So, if someone is being rude or unprofessional, I will politely decline the job and wish them the best, but I work for myself and get to choose who I deal with. 

Castle Games by Caitlin Mattison

You mentioned in a previous interview that your 2012 Roadworks Carving (belated congratulations, by the way) reminded you of San Francisco. How do you feel when you look at that piece now?

I still really love it. It was definitely a moment in time and I always look at old pieces with a critical eye, but I am really proud of that piece. 

And finally, what is something you would have liked to know earlier in your career?

I keep thinking of answers for this, but they are either really specific or things that I could not have changed/known without changing the course of my history. I think the only thing is that I wish I had believed in myself sooner. No one is going to take you seriously as an artist if you don’t believe it first. 

Check out more of her work on her website.

This interview has been edited for clarity and length.