Awesome Socks Club’s February 2026 Artist: Paul Kisling

ASC’s February Artist is a friend to all small creatures and a fan of all kinds of armor–a winning combo.

This month at Awesome Socks Club, is excited to spotlight Paul Kisling (he/him/they) as February’s exoskeletal insect sock designer. Paul self-describes as “a large hairy man who, until recently, wandered the rice fields of rural Gunma. He was found by his family and sent back to Kansas City where he draws silly bugs locked in glorious combat. He also draws Protectre in his spare time.” We couldn’t have said it better if we tried. 

An Interview With Awesome Socks Club's January Artist

In a sentence, how would you describe your work? 

What if Shonen Manga was sad.

Do you have any favorite themes you enjoy working with? 

I believe in the design philosophy of 'Grounded Fantasy'. As long as the designer follows their own set of rules consistently, then no matter how whimsical the experience, the viewer's immersion will only grow. 

What mediums do you like to work in? 

Almost exclusively Procreate.

If you were an environmental storytelling skeleton, how do you think you'd be found? 

I want my remains to be as unremarkable as possible—just a footnote in the scenery—but the loot found on me would be so cryptically described, so drenched in mystery, that the community would spiral into crafting wild, elaborate theories. The hype would get so intense, they'd have no choice but to canonize my legacy by turning me into a boss in the sequel.

Do you have a dream project you'd like to work on someday? 

I am working on a game project in my spare time. Inspired by old Nintendo 64 games, but as I remember them, and not strictly a loyal graphical representation. My dream is that I finish it. Progress will be on my Instagram as I make it. 

What drew you to the imagery of February’s design? 

I love insects in general and the footage one finds of bugs tumbling off of leaves in the rain have always made me giggle. The idea of insects locked in combat as they tumble through the void scratches the fantasy itch for me. 

Can you talk a little about your design process? Where do you draw your inspiration from, and how do you workshop your design from draft to final? 

My love of ancient armor and weaponry often finds its way into whatever I draw. As for the bugs, I am trying to expose my young daughter to all sorts of creatures in hopes she will grow up to love them as I do, so they've been on my mind quite a bit as of late! I drafted out several tumbling beetles threatening each other with various implements, but these three brought me the most joy. 

Do you have a favorite feature of the sock design? 

I'm a big fan of the wave pattern in the background. I'm really happy with how it came together. 

Ankle or crew socks for preference? 

I prefer ankle socks myself, but I recommend crew socks for my design cause there's more of the design to enjoy!

You can get a pair of Paul's socks or undies designs by joining the Awesome Socks or Undies club in February 2026!