Sinbat on Art, Angst, and the Aesthetic of Horror

The illustrator and merch designer opens up about her influences—from southern gothic sounds to psychological terror and emotional survival.

Written by Screaming Eye Press

Sinbat isn’t your average artist. Raised in the Southeast, inspired by underground music and psychological horror, she’s building a brand from raw emotion and DIY grit.

From horror films to heavy music and digital illustration, Sinbat draws inspiration from the fringes of pop culture. We talk with the artist about her creative process, inspirations, and what’s next for her growing body of work.

Where were you from?

Originally I grew up in Jacksonville Florida, I later relocated with my family to Spartanburg SC and I now reside in Greer SC with my Partner.

What was the first thing you remember reading?

I can’t recall the very first thing I ever read, however the very first series I became obsessed with was “ The Kingdom Of The Wicked” , “ The Kingdom Of The Cursed” and “The Kingdom Of The Feared” . By Kerri Maniscalco! The series is set in a dark, atmospheric version of historical Sicily, it’s a dark romantic fantasy dealing with a young witch and the deadly sin Wrath. Highly recommend it!

What inspired you to be an artist?

I’ve been drawing for many years, and throughout that time, I’ve encountered a wide range of life experiences that have deeply shaped my artistic journey. What truly inspired me to become an artist is the combination of hardship and resilience I’ve faced over the years. Art became my outlet, a way to express emotions and stories that couldn’t be easily seen or understood by others. It allowed me to communicate in a subtle yet powerful way, making it an essential part of how I process and share my personal journey.

What musicians/artists/writers/ inspire you?

Many musicians inspire my artwork, including my partner’s band, A Separate Piece, SlingBlade, Poison The Well, and Ethel Cain. What these artists have in common is their deeply personal lyrics, often reflecting experiences that resonate with my own. You can hear the anguish and angst in the way they present their music, and that emotional intensity strongly influences my creative process. Much of my art is rooted in my connection to and admiration for growing musicians. Much of my artistic inspiration is also drawn from horror films such as, No Country For Old Men, Seeding, Hold Your Breath, Etc.

What other forms of art are you involved in?

My primary focus is on digital and traditional art, but I am currently exploring other mediums to expand my artistic practice.

What long term goals do you have?

My long-term goal as an artist is to continue growing my business. I currently work as a merchandise artist for A Separate Piece, and in the near future, I hope to collaborate with more emerging musicians, writers, and fellow artists. Additionally, I aim to expand my own brand by selling prints, stickers, posters, and other original products.

Do you think your environment has a lot to do with your Art?

I strongly believe that my environment plays a significant role in shaping my art, not only my physical surroundings, but also my mental and spiritual states influence the themes and direction of my work.

What techniques do you like to use? Equipment? Brush? Or Pen?

I don’t rely on any fixed techniques instead, I work instinctively, allowing ideas to develop naturally as I create. However, I do make a point to study anatomy relevant to my subjects to bring accuracy and structure to my work.

For digital art, I primarily use IbisPaint with a stylus and iPad. When working traditionally, I use a Pentel pencil made in Japan and prefer sketchbooks from Master’s Touch. For inking, I rely on the Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen set, and when creating colored pieces, I typically use a standard set of alcohol-based markers.

What do you think pop culture will be like in ten years?

Interestingly, I’m not very in tune with current pop culture trends, so it’s difficult for me to predict what pop culture might look like in the future. However, I believe it will continue to evolve with technology and reflect the changing values and concerns of society.

What was the oddest thing you’ve ever been asked to draw as an Artist?

I don’t believe I’ve ever been asked to draw anything I would consider unusual, especially since much of my current work explores themes that are already considered taboo. At this point, there’s very little that I would find too odd or outside my creative comfort zone.

What is it about the Horror genre that you like?

The psychological impact of horror on both myself and others has always fascinated me. Despite its unsettling nature, I find a unique sense of comfort and intrigue in the genre.

What projects are working on now?