The dream goal for many artists is to earn a living on the work they create.

For the last eight years, Chris Bigalke, known as the artist Showdeer, has been living the dream.

Showdeer, owner of I Heart Weed, designs custom and commissioned original artwork prints and products.

I Heart Weed custom designs art based off specific cannabis strains.

I Heart Weed image

“I start with the name of the strain and then gather a few images from the web I like,” Showdeer said. “Usually vintage pictures or illustrations, and I start to collage and alter them all together. From there I use lots of filters and layers in Photoshop and start to do illustrations within the piece. It all just kind of comes together eventually.”

To develop his style early on, Showdeer started designing posters for bands and beer labels for craft brew companies in Portland.

Showdeer started working with “cannabis art” when his good friend and occasional business partner Ryan Hayes, who owns Furnish PDX in Portland, was building out new cannabis dispensaries.

Furnish PDX designs and builds custom furniture, display cases, and cabinetry for domestic and commercial spaces.

“(Furnish PDX) commissioned me to design a handful of one-off cannabis designs for his clients he was working with,” Showdeer said.

I Heart Weed image

Showdeer can be found on Instagram @iheartweedart, Twitter, and his website.

For more “Cannabis Art” features, click here, or contact us if you are interested in being a featured artist.