Get to know Francis Sharp, the designer behind this issue’s cover and the talent behind Hill and Holler’s graphics. Now with the business for about 2 years, Francis tells us that he’s always used art to connect with people. Creating the designs came naturally and he loves the process from start to finish. While he loves coming up with the initial idea, he find the most interesting part to be creating and watching the idea come to life (which happens on paper). He says that, “an idea has a funny way of developing a personality once it’s materialized.”

To date, Francis’ favorite design work is of a skateboard deck. Always wanting to design this, trusting in his pencil, and doodling for about 2 months until he thought of the leg to go with the skateboard, Francis is very happy with the final product. Not only does Lewisburg now have its very own skateboard but Francis played a key part in creating it.

While Francis stays busy keeping the styles fresh at Hill and Holler, he is available for freelance work. He specializes in graphics, art on commission, and teaching art classes in painting. On the weekends you can find Francis instructing area youth with skateboard lessons. If you may be interested in hiring Francis for a project, you can find him at the holler or email him direct at plaincolored@gmail.com

– LBSPY 57 (August 25-September 29, 2014)