Meet the Artist: Don Lee — From Canvas to Band Shirts

Chrissy and The Watchful Spirits Band Shirt - Artwork by DonLee

When I decided to create my first band shirt, I knew I wanted it to be more than just merch — I wanted it to feel like a piece of art. Straight away, my friend and collaborator DonLee came to mind. DonLee is not only a talented visual artist but also someone I’ve worked with on creative projects before, and I knew he’d bring something funky, unique, and true to Chrissy and The Watchful Spirits.

To share more of his perspective, I sent DonLee a set of interview questions about his creative journey, his inspirations, and how he approached designing the band shirt. His answers are full of insight into the mind of a working artist, and I’m excited to share them here.

Meet the Artist: DonLee

Interview Q&A

Early Life & Inspiration

Q1. What first sparked your interest in art, and when did you realise it was something you wanted to pursue?

I couldn’t tell you the exact moment I became interested in drawing. I just know I was doing it from when I was very young. Here’s a story I’ve shared before: my parents got me a magnetic chalkboard with little magnetic letters and a plastic seat connected to it. I drew on that chalkboard so much that I wore out the chair (my dad even made a wooden stand and attached the chalkboard to it so I could keep using it). Eventually, some of the chalk couldn’t even be erased off the board — LOL. As far as when I knew I wanted to pursue it as a career, I had a really hard time picturing myself doing anything else, so I went for it.

Q2. Were there any people, places, or experiences in your early life that had a big influence on your creativity?

I watched a lot of TV and loved toys like He-Man and Transformers. I attribute my first inklings of learning anatomy to studying and drawing the He-Man dolls.

Image 1, Megatron. Image 2, He-Man. Image 3, Optimus Prime.

Artistic Journey

Q3. How did your style develop over time? Did you start in one area of art and then shift into others?

I’ve never felt I’ve had a specific style. I’ve always been interested in drawing people and animals. I guess the development comes when I learn more — more about anatomy, or more about the story behind something. It also happens if I see some art that inspires me to try something different. Those are exciting moments for me as an artist.

Q4. Who are some of the artists, movements, or cultural influences that have shaped your work?

Thanks to the internet, I have many influences. Comics have had a big influence. Bill Watterson’s Calvin & Hobbescomic strip had a huge impact, as did Todd McFarlane. My influences are maybe too numerous to list here. I’m a big fan of Gustav Klimt, Art Deco, Peter de Sève, Loish, Kirk Shannon, Vince Lowe, Franklin Booth, Mike Mignola, and personal friends who are also artists.

Bill Watterson, 1986. Image Ref Comic Book Historians

Gustav Klimt, left image The Lovers. Right Image Hygieia. Image Ref Arthive

Creative Process & Inspiration

Q5. What usually inspires your pieces?

If it’s a commission it’s my interaction with the client & the notes & brain storming/references I find but with pieces I create on my own it could be a silly phrase I hear or a drawing prompt that captures my attention. Also, something I do to keep art in front of me that inspires me is use my computer’s screen saver, set to pull random images of many different artists’ work that I admire. I think that constant viewing helps reinforce my art inspiration on a more subconscious level.

Fuzzy Little Fox - Taking a nap in the sun and snow by DonLee

Q6. Can you describe your process when starting a new piece? Do you begin with

sketches, ideas, or just dive straight in?

Some times I sketch first, some times I create a list of words that I relate with the subject & build something in my head before it ever hits the paper. It really depends on the subject. When I’m zero-ing in on an idea I might do small sketches, known as thumbnails, which allows me to quickly put down some ideas and make the composition more impactful.

Top left - Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Top right - Leeloo, The Fifth Element. Bottom left - Kaiju Picnic Panic. Bottom right - David Lynch. Artwork by DonLee

The Band Shirt Design

Q7. How did you approach designing the shirt for Chrissy and The Watchful Spirits?

I did my best to listen to Chrissy’s thoughts & I wanted it to be about her music so I listened to her songs quite a few times & took notes on the lyrics to better understand what was being conveyed.

Q8. Was there a particular lyric, theme, or feeling in the music that inspired the illustration?

I think the first line of Star Dust “Star dust falling down from a higher love.” and when you said “…my memories from before” I suddenly envisioned you some how suspended the star dust, floating and singing.

Chrissy and The Watchful Spirits Band Shirt Design - Early sketches by DonLee

Q9. What details in the design are most meaningful to you, and what do you hope fans notice when they wear or see it?

I want the feeling of floating to come across. Floating & immersion. Seeing that Chrissy on the shirt is so into her music everything around her can’t draw her focus away.

Wider Work, Achievements & Commissions

Q10. Beyond this project, what other artworks or series are you most proud of?

I’m not sure. Every piece is my baby at the time I’m doing it LOL. Though as I think

about it I am very fond of an illustration that I did for your Potent Creatures story. My

visual telling of Kia and a mystery woman physically separated yet they obviously

have a connection.

DonLee Commissioned Work (Family & Pet Portraits)

Commissioned works by Artist DonLee

Current Projects & Future Vision

Q12 What are you working on right now?

I’m drawing up a Coffee drinking coffee maker robot. I thought of it one night & the idea made me laugh so I had to get drawing on it.

Q13 Looking ahead, are there any dream projects or directions you’d love to?

I’d like to work with a writer to help make a children's illustrated story book. I have a few ideas but want someone to bounce the ideas off of.

Closing Thoughts

Q14 What do you hope people feel or take away when they see your art?

I hope someone comes away feeling something from my work. Whether it’s drawn with the intent to make someone laugh, a simple portrait, fantasy piece or landscape I hope people can feel the effort & care that goes into something I make.

Chrissy and The Watchful Spirits Band Shirt - Design by DonLee

If you’d like to connect with DonLee for a commission — whether it’s a family portrait, a loved one, or a beloved pet— you can reach him directly through his instagram or website. You’ll also find his merch and t-shirts there, each piece carrying his signature artistic touch.

And this conversation isn’t over — next time, the roles switch. DonLee will step into the interviewer’s chair to ask me, Chrissy and The Watchful Spirits, about music, creativity, and spirit. That blog is coming soon… to be continued.