teethlikescrewdrivers - Chew the Pencil

StickUp Supply: Thank you for joining us today! Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your work as teethlikescrewdrivers? What led you to create your iconic pencil designs?

teethlikescrewdrivers: Thanks for having me! I’m teethlikescrewdrivers, and my work revolves around this pencil character you’ve probably seen around. It started with a simple concept—a pencil as a symbol of creativity but also something raw and gritty. I liked the idea of taking something as basic and essential as a pencil and turning it into a character that feels both nostalgic and edgy. It kind of reflects my style—simple, but with depth and a roughness that mirrors street art and urban decay.

StickUp Supply: What’s the creative process like for you when you design new pieces using the pencil character? Do you have a specific theme or idea in mind, or do you let it evolve naturally?

teethlikescrewdrivers: It’s a mix. Sometimes I’ll have a clear vision of where I want the character to go—like adding a certain attitude or playing with expressions. Other times, I just let the lines take over and see where they lead. The pencil character has a lot of room for variation, whether it’s the texture, the wear and tear, or how it interacts with its environment. I usually sketch it out first, but I don’t over-polish—I like keeping the roughness intact to give it that raw edge.

StickUp Supply: Your work has a distinct gritty, urban feel. Where do you draw inspiration for this style, and how does that influence the pencil character’s development?

teethlikescrewdrivers: A lot of my inspiration comes from graffiti, street art, and the natural decay you see in cities. There’s something beautiful about things that are worn down but still standing. I try to capture that in my work—the idea that the pencil, this tool for creation, can also wear down, break, or get scuffed but still has character. I also draw from everyday urban life — grime, chipped paint, broken windows — that sort of thing. It all comes together in the way I design the pencil, making it feel alive but also worn by experience.

StickUp Supply: What materials do you work with to bring your designs to life? How do you ensure that the rough, raw quality of your art stays intact, even when printed as stickers?

teethlikescrewdrivers: I mainly work with vinyl for stickers because it holds up well against wear and tear—just like the character itself. It’s important to me that the final product keeps that rugged, imperfect feel, whether it’s the texture or the raw lines I draw. I experiment with different finishes too—sometimes matte, sometimes glossy—depending on the vibe I want to give off. The durability of vinyl works well with the character because it represents something that’s been through a lot but still sticks around.

StickUp Supply: How do you balance the visual appeal of your designs with ensuring that they stay true to your themes of wear and resilience?

teethlikescrewdrivers: It’s about keeping the imperfections visible. When you over-polish something, it can lose that authentic feel. I always think about how the pencil would look in a real-world setting—scuffed, chipped, but still kicking. So, I focus on making sure the design is visually strong, but it never looks too perfect. The balance comes in the little details—like rough edges or worn-down textures—that make it feel alive and connected to that urban aesthetic.

StickUp Supply: What’s next for you and the pencil character? Any upcoming projects or designs that you’re excited about?

teethlikescrewdrivers: I’m working on expanding the character into more environments—think beyond the city streets and into more surreal, decayed worlds. I’m also experimenting with collaborations to see how the character interacts with other artists' styles. I’ve got some new sticker packs in the works, and I’m excited to see how people react to where the pencil goes next.

StickUp Supply: Where can people check out your work and stay updated with your latest projects?

teethlikescrewdrivers: You can find me on Instagram @teethlikescrewdrivers and on my website, where I post new designs and updates on upcoming projects. I’m always down to connect with people and see how they vibe with the pencil!