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Holografische
Groovy baby
Materiaal met een psychedelische uitstraling.
Artist of the Month - @5uperfreak
Bold colors, bendy characters, and a marshmallow hand with serious main character energy. UK-based illustrator Dan Whitehouse, aka 5uperfreak, has built a cartoon universe where pop culture, dad jokes, and pure joy collide.
From editorial features to brand collabs and collectible sticker drops, his work proves that playful art can still pack serious creative punch.
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Artist of the Month: @5uperfreak
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The hand-mascot Spanky came to say Hello! to spring in glossy mirror
5uperfreak: Birmingham’s Color-Explosion Storyteller
Have you ever stumbled upon an illustration that feels like a sugar rush of colour, humor, and pure cartoon joy? That’s exactly the magic that Dan Whitehouse, aka 5uperfreak, brings to the world with every piece he makes. Based in Birmingham, UK, Dan is the illustrator behind a universe of vibrant characters, wild color palettes, and playful visuals that make you grin before you even get the title.
From animated hands with cheeky faces to surreal, candy-colored mashups that feel alive, Dan’s work is equal parts nostalgia-fuelled cartoon homage and totally fresh creative vision. His whimsical worlds are inspired by Pop Art, cartoons, and street culture, all wrapped in a splash of Dad humor that makes his style unmistakable.
His portfolio spans editorial features like The New York Times, bold brand collaborations, and the ongoing adventures of his unforgettable marshmallow-handed alter ego, Spanky. Every piece pulls you in with fearless color, playful detail, and that signature 5uperfreak charm that refuses to take life too seriously.
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March Artist of the Month
StickerApp: Hi Dan, it's a pleasure to have you on board as the Artist of the Month for March. Please tell us a little about yourself. Who is 5uperfreak, and what are some of your biggest dreams in life?
Dan: Thanks, sticker fam! I’m just a guy who’s loved drawing cartoons since I was a little nipper. I’ve always had a knack for seeing the positives in any sticky scenario, so that’s where I find my work; a universe always aiming to bring some light and goofy humour to the viewer!
One of my biggest dreams is to head up an animated cartoon series featuring the adventures of my character, Spanky.
StickerApp: That's awesome. When and how did your creative journey begin?
Dan: It all started when I was at university studying Graphic Design. It was there that I truly started to explore my illustration skills and love for storytelling through characters. I particularly enjoyed making children’s books very early on, which I think is where the urge for creating my own little worlds stemmed from!
StickerApp: Amazing! Was there a pivotal moment in your career that changed everything?
Dan: Honestly, it’s gotta be the day I created Spanky! He started off as a little doodle in black ink, but over time, he just took on a life of his own. Now he’s been featured all across the world in ad campaigns, art shows, newspapers, magazines… The bloody lot. He’s the lil’ poster boy of my universe!
StickerApp: Haha, God bless Spanky! So, what drives you forward as an artist, and what are your biggest inspirations?
Dan: Easy! My Nan, who is sadly no longer with us, is the constant driving force behind my creations. She was my absolute biggest fan, and without her, I probably wouldn’t even be an illustrator today!
She was a constant burst of positivity and the kindest person I ever knew, and I try to carry that forward in myself and my work.
StickerApp: How adorable and precious! What is your number one piece of advice for those starting their creative journey?
Dan: Get stuck in. Being a creator is a very personal gig. You gotta embrace that and pour as much of your soul into what you make as possible. Be vulnerable and honest and have fun with the process!!
StickerApp: What he said! How would you define your style, and what are your favorite techniques?
Dan: My style has been heavily rooted in vintage cartoons for quite some years now. However, as I’ve grown older and worked on many projects over the years, I want my work to reflect my personal growth too, so I’m looking forward to exploring new styles this year to push the boat out a little further and keep things interesting.
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StickerApp: Looking forward! Tell us about the design of your March Thank You card. What was your inspiration?
Dan: With Spring right around the corner, I wanted to introduce the StickerApp community to The World of Spanky during his favourite time of year! Spanky is a free spirit who thrives on discovery, adventure, and being outside, interacting with anything he crosses paths with.
Spring is the time when colour begins to soak the earth all over again, so I wanted the sticker card to reflect these much-welcome bursts of colour and cheeky glee with my silly little buddy, Spanky!
StickerApp: Oh, thanks, Spanky! How do you use stickers for your business and personal brand, and what's your favorite sticker material?
Dan: I’ve always loved the holographic and mirror stickers I’ve made with StickerApp over the years. My work has a lotta rainbow colours going on, so these materials always make those pieces absolutely pop the heck off!
As for usage, I love sending 'em out with print drops I put out into the world. Besides single die-cuts as freebies - sticker packs are always a great seller for my online shops!
StickerApp: Rad! What are your goals for the future?
Dan: I wanna get Spanky into the homes of as many people as possible! Cartoon show, toys, games. The whole shabang!!!
Lovely to chat with you today, Dan! To keep up with 5uperfreak, head over to his Instagram, @5uperfreak, or his website.
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