From Carving to Comic - Hailey Clemens Artist Spotlight

messedcomics
3 days ago
2 min read

Discover more about the striking pin-up artwork featured inside The Goat: Pope Lick Creek Monster.

Since its debut in October 2025, readers have been buzzing about the bold visual style of illustrator Ethan Pope, along with the impressive contributions of artists Lauren Sparks and Hailey Clemens. Here's a closer look at Clemens' process and inspiration behind their captivating piece.

Tucked inside the front cover there lies a bold-lined, atmospheric linoleum print that immediately sets the tone for the eerie folklore that follows.

As seen in The Goat: Pope Lick Creek Monster

Hailey Clemens, a multi-media artist currently enrolled in the DAAP program at the University of Cincinnati, sheds light on their particular connection to the story of the Goatman.

"It was really exciting having a chance to share my work in this comic. Growing up less than 20 minutes from the infamous train trestle said to be the home of this monster, I felt a certain nostalgia and connection surrounding this beast. It was an offer I couldn't refuse."

So how did this striking, two-tone image come to life? The process is far more involved than it might appear at first glance. Known as a linoleum print, the artwork is created by carving away portions of a linoleum block, leaving the raised surfaces to hold ink. This printmaking method, which gained popularity in the early 20th century, continues to be a favorite among artists for its ability to produce bold, richly textured imagery.

Using sharp carving tools, the artist carefully removes fine slivers of linoleum to build the composition, shaping every line and shadow by hand. Once the carving is complete, ink is rolled across the raised surfaces, and the block is pressed onto paper. The result is a high-contrast print that captures both the tactile quality of the carving and the unique character of the artist’s hand.

Take a look at the carving before it’s printed onto paper. The raised surfaces and carved recesses illustrate the deliberate choices Clemens made to create a balance of positive and negative space.

"I’m drawn to the methodical rhythm of printmaking. Every step demands strength, focus, and careful attention to detail. There’s something meditative about carving away the surface, and the process ultimately creates a raw, almost brute-force quality that you just can’t achieve with a pencil."