‘Emotional impact’: Animation artist finds ‘permanent’ home at St. George Downtown Farmers Market

Written by Jessi Bang
November 20, 2022

ST. GEORGE —Set on top of the rolling green grass at Vernon Worthen Park lies a white booth, and what’s in it is anything but ordinary.

Artist Ryan Bangerter smiles for the camera, St. George, Utah, Nov. 7, 2022 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
Artist Ryan Bangerter smiles for the camera, St. George, Utah, Nov. 7, 2022 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

From cartoon animations to a graphic novel, artist Ryan Bangerter is drawing up fans at the St. George Downtown Farmers Market by showcasing his designs on T-shirts, stickers and more. And his inspiration all started from one person – his mom, who also is an artist in many forms, including painting, drawing and ceramics. He said she also taught art for most of her career and her talents inspired him to discover his artistic side at a young age.

“A lot of my art comes from things that I like or have a strong connection to,” Bangerter told St. George News. “Certain characters that have had an emotional impact on me in the past or that I relate to.”

In high school, Bangerter said he participated in an off-campus art program, where he learned various art forms. The program helped him realize he could turn his talent and passion for art into a full-time career. He went on to graduate with a multimedia degree from Salt Lake Community College then attended Utah Valley University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in game design and animation. 

The Ryan Bangerter Art vender booth is shown at a local market, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Ryan Bangerter, St. George News
The Ryan Bangerter Art vendor booth is shown at a local market, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Ryan Bangerter, St. George News

After working for various animation companies, he made the move from Northern Utah to St. George, where he worked as a screen print artist. Continuing to pursue his own artistic dreams, he began selling his designs at local markets on the side.

“All you can do is put it out there to the universe and hope that people like it,” he said.

His business, Ryan Bangerter Art,  has been shown at many markets and conventions across Southern Utah and Las Vegas. His “permanent” location is now the St. George Downtown Farmers Market, where he offers art as prints, T-shirt designs and stickers. He said he plans to expand to conventions in California and Colorado next year. 

“Starting my own art business has been a hard road, “ Bangerter said. “Getting out of the normal 9-5 working environment and being able to figure out that people actually like your art is probably the hardest step – getting that confidence you need to actually sell your stuff.”

But Bangerter’s art of expression doesn’t stop there. He’s also an aspiring author who just finished writing a graphic novel, complete with his artwork throughout.

Artwork by Ryan Bangerter for his new book "Emy & Herald" is shown | Photo courtesy of Ryan Bangerter, St. George News
Artwork by Ryan Bangerter for his new book, “Emy & Herald,” is shown | Photo courtesy of Ryan Bangerter, St. George News

The Young Adult Fantasy novel, “Emy & Herald,” is based on a young girl named Emy who is bullied in school. She decides to seek her revenge by summoning a demon to destroy them, but what she gets instead is a small imp named Herald. The comedic book is available for preorder and can be purchased here.

While he currently does freelance graphic design for a local company, Bangerter’s goal is to create a full-time career selling his own art.

To purchase current artwork by Bangerter or commission a piece of your own, visit his website or contact him on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Purchase art in person every Saturday at Vernon Worthen Park during the St. George Downtown Farmers Market.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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