The mildly-creepy, cartoon-like minimalist artwork of Bay Area-based artist, Ryan De La Hoz is sort of like mad libs for the mind: basic shapes and patterns are put together mostly through cut paper and ink on paper in ways that resemble aspects of the real world but leave much for your mind to fill in the blanks.

Recurring motifs like skeleton hands and witch hats are fun to try to make mental sense of as you discover them popping up in multiple works in strange contexts. Patterned portals to seemingly other dimensions and broken ladders must surely have a deeper meaning right? Or perhaps that’s precisely what Ryan intended… in any case, as a skilled emerging artist with a fun and fresh approach, he is definitely an up-and-comer to keep an eye on.

Ryan has also been creating his own made to order affordable graphic tees, sweatshirts and more as a one man brand called “Cool Try” which features his artwork and designs that capture his sense of humor in a fashionable, artistic way. Several of my favorites are below but be sure to check out the rest of his street wear designs here.

He also has a great Tumblr where he curates amusing finds and gives some insight into his creative process and into the playful mind behind his awesome artwork. In many ways, Ryan is the quintessential emerging artist: by embracing social media, creating cool, affordable street wear and artwork that clearly required skill to make yet doesn’t take itself too seriously, his work and perspective is a breath of fresh air and a lot of fun.

Check out more of Ryan’s artwork on his website and his graphic tees here.