Statement
Stephen Michae Haas is a cartoonist, speaker, writer and mentor based out of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. SMH’s focus is to make sugary, sweet yet nutritious art that looks like it tastes like candy. Think, “the schnozberry’s taste like schnozberries…” Think a little Fred Rogers mixed with Willy Wonka and throw some Be Here Now in the mix for good measure. It’s meant to be art we can laugh at and learn about ourselves while doing so.
SMH’s aim is to create a healing platform through his work where people can come to feel seen, felt and heard in ways they may not be otherwise. Cartoons for marginalized communities, more specifically victims of abuse, traumatic stress disorders, low self-esteem and the list goes on. The aim is to show that you're not too much, you're not too little, we all have demons, monkeys on our backs and chips on our shoulders but we don’t have to succumb to them. Together we can thrive in spite of them and have a jovial demeanor while doing so.
To speak on the healing component; psychology is often gate kept behind an over-intellectualized and often unaffordable garden wall. So the mission statement is to make funny and colorful art that speaks a message of self-acceptance (again don’t forget the candy). In doing so we’d hope we act as an intermediary between you and your healing journey, no matter where you are in your process.
With all my love,
SMH
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Muralist:
Neato Burrito Mural. (2019) Designed and executed a large-scale mural measuring 100 feet by 24 feet.
Neato Burrito Togo Door Murals. (2020) Created seven unique murals for to-go doors.
On-A-Roll Food Truck. (2021) Custom mural design for a food truck.
Calvin and Hobbes Bedroom Mural. (2021) Personalized bedroom mural with a Calvin and Hobbes theme.
Verizon/Susquehanna Art Museum - 5G Pole Mural. (2022) Collaborative mural to illustrate 5G technology.
Midtown Property Management Neighborhood Mural. (2023) Mural representing the local.
Excitement Video: Sex Shop Mural. (2023) Mural for a sex shop, enhancing its visual appeal.
Excitement Video: Smoke Shop Mural. (2024) Designed a thematic mural for a smoke shop.
Designer:
On-A-Roll Logo Design and Hot Sauce Design. (2021; 2022) Created brand identity and product design.
Gavin HIV Awareness Mural. (2021) Mural designed to raise awareness for HIV.
Sheetz Coloring Book. (2021) Illustrated a coloring book for Sheetz.
Vannah Banana - Shirt Design. (2021) Fashion design for apparel.
Neato Burrito Logo Design. (2022) Branding and logo design.
Broad Street Market Shirt Design. (2022) Apparel design representing the Broad Street Market.
Bespoke Vending Soda Machine Design. (2023) Custom design for a soda vending machine.
Midtown Property Management Neighborhood Shirt Design. (2023) Community-themed apparel design.
Alyson Lynch - Cartoon Piano Book Cover. (2023) Illustrated a book cover with a cartoon theme.
Tanner Bingaman - Pretty Big Garden Album Cover. (2023) Design for CD, Vinyl, and Tape covers.
Sways Pedal Treats – Ice Cream Cart Design. (2024) Creative design for an ice cream cart.
Exhibition:
Rummagers (2/2024) Solo exhibition showcasing SMH’s personal work
POP! Art with Mass Appeal (5/24-9/24) Group Exhibition at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center In Association with the Smithsonian Institution
Book:
SMH Annual Vol.1. (2024) Authored and published a comprehensive volume of artistic works.
EDUCATION:
Maryland Institute College of Art, Withdrew, 2010
Mentorship with Wayne White, 2013-2017
Mentorship with Crystal Wagner, 2014
Dynamic Sketching 1, CGMaster Academy, 2023
Dynamic Sketching 2, CGMaster Academy, 2024
TEACHING/COACHING/SPEAKING EXPERIENCE:
TedX Talk: Hear Yourself Louder, 2018
Provided one-on-one career coaching for three years, assisting individuals in achieving professional artistic goals.
Conducted a Hear Yourself Louder lecture, aimed at inspiring and motivating students through artistic expression at Cedar Cliff High School, 2024.