Ryan Dowell
Graphic Designer & Photographer - Located in Chicago, IL
With a love of retro seasonal decorations and imagery, I started my art business in 2018.
Based out of my home studio in Chicago, I love to adapt and replicate many different vintage art styles in my work. I have expanded this work to many clients and companies as well as many exhibitions & art shows. Those can all be found here on my portfolio website.
I have always been drawn to retro style decor and accents as long as I can remember. As a child, I would always get so excited around times of holiday celebration. All of those warm cozy feelings mixed with spending time with my friends and relatives made for the best holidays. As I got older, I put this love on the hold for some time through college. However, that nostalgic look started to come through in most of the work I was creating in college. Flash forward to 2018, when I got this crazy idea to start making his own retro style decor. What started as a couple of stickers and a pin has now blossomed into jointed cutouts, hundreds of cutout designs, pins, hanging banners, apparel, embroidered hats, ornaments, tree toppers and coming soon mini figures.
Now after two years in business, hundreds of orders, stocked products in several shops and a former Etsy shop I have opened this brand new official shop showcasing my latest items.
My ultimate goal with this line of products is to provide as much joy and nostalgia for people to enjoy for years to come. Over the years to come expect to see new products, new themes and lots of new seasonal products.
With a love of retro seasonal decorations and imagery, I started my art business in 2018.
Based out of my home studio in Chicago, I love to adapt and replicate many different vintage art styles in my work. I have expanded this work to many clients and companies as well as many exhibitions & art shows. Those can all be found here on my portfolio website.
I have always been drawn to retro style decor and accents as long as I can remember. As a child, I would always get so excited around times of holiday celebration. All of those warm cozy feelings mixed with spending time with my friends and relatives made for the best holidays. As I got older, I put this love on the hold for some time through college. However, that nostalgic look started to come through in most of the work I was creating in college. Flash forward to 2018, when I got this crazy idea to start making his own retro style decor. What started as a couple of stickers and a pin has now blossomed into jointed cutouts, hundreds of cutout designs, pins, hanging banners, apparel, embroidered hats, ornaments, tree toppers and coming soon mini figures.
Now after two years in business, hundreds of orders, stocked products in several shops and a former Etsy shop I have opened this brand new official shop showcasing my latest items.
My ultimate goal with this line of products is to provide as much joy and nostalgia for people to enjoy for years to come. Over the years to come expect to see new products, new themes and lots of new seasonal products.
Awards, Exhibitions, Updates & Projects
2020
New Website storefront officially launched
New collaboration with Halloween Shirt Company for an exclusive line of products
Monster Market 2020
2019
First physical store to carry my product line is Wolfbait & B-Girls in Chicago, IL.
Second physical store to carry my product line is Sideshow Gallery in Chicago, IL.
2018
First Art Market at Krampus Market in Lombard, IL.
Started my own small business of seasonal decor under the 'Ryan Dowell Art' brand.
2017
Whisky City Pride Gallery Group Show.
2016
Manifest International Photography Show.
2015
'Gendered Perspectives: An Investigation Into Contemporary Identities' curated show at Bradley University.
Solo Show "Preview of Open Closets" at Broken Tree Peoria, IL
Solo Art Show "Headlines" at Blue in Peoria, IL.
Ear in the Envelope Peoria Nouveau Show.
2014
Gallery Intern at Peoria Art Guild.
Photography pieces (4) added to Bradley University Library's collection.
Artwork Commission for Romeo B Garrett Multicultural Center.
Published work in Studio Visit Magazine
Published work in Agave Magazine
2013
Published work in Meat for Tea: The Valley Art Review.
Published work in Hot Metal Bridge Magazine.
Drawback Exhibition participant for Backspace Collective.
Summer Issue of Wilde Magazine Featured Artist.
Featured Artist for Playing Peoria.
Featured Artist in March Issue of Art Nouveau Magazine.
Art Nouveau Magazine Featured Artist.
January - May Gallery Intern at Backspace Collective.
Project Manager of Broadside Journal of Art & Literature - Bradley University.
2012
Ciao & Friends Opening Art Exhibition for the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Prairie Center of the Arts Vernissage Fall Exhibition.
Selected for "Art Lives in Central Illinois" published book.
Bradley University Photography Contest 1st place Portrait Category.
2011
Spoon River College first Installation sculpture, 1st place winner in Sculpture.
Spoon River College Spring Art Show winner: Sculpture, Painting & Ceramics.
Kaleidoscope Journal of Art & Literature Cover Design.
Spoon River College Popular Vote Photography Purchase Award.
Art Talent Grant Recipient with Art Show.
Drama Grant Recipient and participant in "The Laramie Project."
Spoon River College Art Department Student Worker.
1st Place Painting Award & 2nd Place Sculpture Award.
Fulton County Town & Country Blue Ribbon, 1st Place & 2nd Place awards.
2010
Co-Editor of Kaleidoscope Journal of Art & Literature.
Three 1st place & One 2nd place awards in Spoon River College Spring Art Show.
Drama Grant Recipient and participant in "The Foreigner."
Art Talent Grant Recipient
New Website storefront officially launched
New collaboration with Halloween Shirt Company for an exclusive line of products
Monster Market 2020
2019
First physical store to carry my product line is Wolfbait & B-Girls in Chicago, IL.
Second physical store to carry my product line is Sideshow Gallery in Chicago, IL.
2018
First Art Market at Krampus Market in Lombard, IL.
Started my own small business of seasonal decor under the 'Ryan Dowell Art' brand.
2017
Whisky City Pride Gallery Group Show.
2016
Manifest International Photography Show.
2015
'Gendered Perspectives: An Investigation Into Contemporary Identities' curated show at Bradley University.
Solo Show "Preview of Open Closets" at Broken Tree Peoria, IL
Solo Art Show "Headlines" at Blue in Peoria, IL.
Ear in the Envelope Peoria Nouveau Show.
2014
Gallery Intern at Peoria Art Guild.
Photography pieces (4) added to Bradley University Library's collection.
Artwork Commission for Romeo B Garrett Multicultural Center.
Published work in Studio Visit Magazine
Published work in Agave Magazine
2013
Published work in Meat for Tea: The Valley Art Review.
Published work in Hot Metal Bridge Magazine.
Drawback Exhibition participant for Backspace Collective.
Summer Issue of Wilde Magazine Featured Artist.
Featured Artist for Playing Peoria.
Featured Artist in March Issue of Art Nouveau Magazine.
Art Nouveau Magazine Featured Artist.
January - May Gallery Intern at Backspace Collective.
Project Manager of Broadside Journal of Art & Literature - Bradley University.
2012
Ciao & Friends Opening Art Exhibition for the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
Prairie Center of the Arts Vernissage Fall Exhibition.
Selected for "Art Lives in Central Illinois" published book.
Bradley University Photography Contest 1st place Portrait Category.
2011
Spoon River College first Installation sculpture, 1st place winner in Sculpture.
Spoon River College Spring Art Show winner: Sculpture, Painting & Ceramics.
Kaleidoscope Journal of Art & Literature Cover Design.
Spoon River College Popular Vote Photography Purchase Award.
Art Talent Grant Recipient with Art Show.
Drama Grant Recipient and participant in "The Laramie Project."
Spoon River College Art Department Student Worker.
1st Place Painting Award & 2nd Place Sculpture Award.
Fulton County Town & Country Blue Ribbon, 1st Place & 2nd Place awards.
2010
Co-Editor of Kaleidoscope Journal of Art & Literature.
Three 1st place & One 2nd place awards in Spoon River College Spring Art Show.
Drama Grant Recipient and participant in "The Foreigner."
Art Talent Grant Recipient
Copyright 2011-2020 Ryan Dowell Art, LLC