## Awesome Artist We’ve Found Around the Net: Justin “The House Bear” Froning
For years, our “Awesome Art We’ve Found Around the Net” feature has highlighted incredible art and the artists behind it. This month, we’re expanding that focus with a new column showcasing one artist in detail. We’ll explore their origins, influences, and creative process, aiming to introduce these talented individuals to a wider audience. If you’re an artist or know someone who should be featured, please contact us at [email protected]
This month, we’re thrilled to present the work of Justin “The House Bear” Froning. Froning is an internationally award-winning illustrator and designer from Northwest Arkansas, specializing in screenprint posters, packaging, editorial work, and advertising. His journey began unexpectedly. A former professional musician, his exposure to screen-printed concert posters while touring ignited a passion. He quickly adapted the style’s minimalist aesthetic, initially applying it to the indie-rock scene before expanding into pop culture and alternative movie posters. His distinctive visual storytelling has landed him collaborations with his favorite bands, galleries, and major companies, including childhood dream clients like Disney, Hasbro, and Marvel.
Joblo: What sparked your artistic journey?
Justin: I have vivid memories of spending hours at the dining room table, drawing Ninja Turtles, inventing Mega Man characters, and designing Sonic the Hedgehog levels. My one and only art class in 7th and 8th grade was pivotal, thanks to Mr. Buchanon’s belief in my abilities. However, I then picked up a guitar and put down my art supplies. Throughout high school and college, I played in a band. In the late ’90s, promotion meant DIY flyers, which provided my first foray into graphic design. After college, I joined the band Deas Vail. With my parents’ support, I left a stable job and spent six years touring, writing, and recording. It was an incredible experience that helped me hone my graphic design skills while creating merchandise for the band and others. Seeing limited edition screen-printed posters on tour with Copeland, coupled with discovering Jason Munn’s poster book, *The Small Stakes*, truly inspired me. Artists like Don and Ryan Clark (Invisible Creature) and Kevin Tong became major influences. I started creating my own posters, rediscovering hand-drawing after a decade’s hiatus and merging it with my design skills. My inspirations often align with my interests—pop culture and music—making it a natural professional fit.
Joblo: Who were some of your favorite artists growing up?
Justin: While not an “art kid,” I was heavily influenced by comic artists like Adam and Andy Kubert, and Jim Lee. I also loved the aesthetics of Asian art, particularly the woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige. Hayao Miyazaki’s films and Katsuhiro Otomo’s *Akira* also deeply impacted me. Later, when collecting posters, artists like Invisible Creature, Kevin Tong, Olly Moss, and Jason Munn became major inspirations.
Joblo: Who are some of your current favorite artists you follow on Instagram?
Justin: I’m fortunate to be part of the supportive The Billing Bloc community. I admire everyone in that group and want to give a special shout-out to Chris Koehler, a close confidant for critiques and brainstorming, and James Hobson, who has provided amazing opportunities through The Moon-Art Gallery and years of encouragement. Other artists who inspire me include Ken Taylor, Oliver Barrett, Dakota Randall, Lucas Tetrault, Dan Schlitzkus, Danny Haas, Aren Vandenburgh, Simon Marchner, Drop Mag, Livio Ramondelli, Glen Brogan, Tom Whalen, Laurent Durieux, Garbhán Grant, Benedict Woodhead, Julián Rodríguez, JetPacksAndRollerSkates, Dan Black (Landlord), Shawn Ryan, Krzysztof Domaradzki, Grzegorz Domaradzki, and my amazing wife, Ciara Froning.
Joblo: What advice would you give budding artists?
Justin: Follow your passions and be persistent. Equally important is to be kind and enjoyable to collaborate with. Talent combined with a pleasant demeanor will lead to more opportunities. I still find it surreal working with dream clients. While I don’t believe I’m the most talented artist they could choose, I prioritize listening and collaboration. It’s okay to hold your vision while also being open to suggestions. Most of my great clients found me unexpectedly; Disney through my band posters, for example. Build a strong portfolio and then don’t hesitate to cold-call—it’s a great way to practice self-promotion.
Joblo: What can we expect from you in the future?
Justin: I enjoy working on both film-related projects and band posters. I love the creative freedom of concert posters and it keeps me connected to a passion while allowing me to stay home with my family. I’ve recently done more album art and am enjoying it, so expect more of that too.
Joblo: As a fansite, we have to ask… What are some of your favorite movies and TV shows?
Justin: My all-time favorite movie is *The Shawshank Redemption*. Others include *Alien*, *Howl’s Moving Castle*, *Princess Mononoke*, *Akira*, *Back to the Future*, *The Edge of Tomorrow*, *The Dark Knight*, *Aliens*, *The Royal Tenenbaums*, *Moonrise Kingdom*, *The Iron Giant*, *The Transformers Movie* (1986), *Castle in the Sky*, *Gladiator*, *Braveheart*, *21 Jump Street*, *22 Jump Street*, *Snatch*, *Valhalla*, *Fight Club*, and *Stranger Than Fiction*. For TV shows, I’m a fan of *Hannibal*, *Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team*, *Blue Eye Samurai*, *I Think You Should Leave*, *Detroiters*, *What We Do in the Shadows*, *Thundercats*, and *Voltron*. I actually prefer the new *Voltron: Legendary Defender* series to the original, which is rare when childhood nostalgia is involved.
Below are some of our favorite pieces by Justin. Follow his journey on his [Website] and [Instagram/Shop].
*(Image Gallery: Amos Lee & Indigo Girls, Death Cab For Cutie, Donnie Darko, Eric Church, Grimlock, Halloween, I Am Mother, Iron Man, Jurassic Park, Kill Bill Vol. 1, Mega Man 2, Metroid, Mr. Plow, Nope, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, The Silence Of The Lambs, Soundwave, Stand By Me, Stormtrooper, Thelma & Louise, Thursday, Unwed Sailor, Weezer, Wilco, Zac Brown Band)*