From Sketchbooks to Running The Jewels: Ian Klarer's Louisville
28m | Nov 9, 2025What does it take to go from sketching in your Louisville bedroom to creating visuals for Run the Jewels? Illustrator Ian Klarer sits down with Andrew Crum on It’s 502 Somewhere presented by Surfside, to talk about his creative journey — from early influences and late-night sketch sessions to collaborating with one of hip-hop’s most iconic groups. In this conversation, Ian shares how his passion for art and design grew out of the Louisville scene, how he connected with Run the Jewels and Shea Serrano, and what it’s like balancing creative freedom with commercial work. It’s an honest look at the grind, the growth, and the gratitude behind a career built from the ground up.
00:00 Intro — Who is Ian Klarer
03:10 Growing up in Louisville & finding art
08:25 The early freelance grind
14:50 How Ian connected with Run the Jewels
22:30 Working with Shea Serrano
28:10 Creative process & inspiration
35:00 Reflections on Louisville’s creative community
41:00 Advice for young artists
#louisville #art #illustration
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