From Eggs to Ink: The Artistic Journey of Diner Ghoul
- Taylor Duff
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Written By Taylor Duff
Diner Ghoul, also known as RJ Carpenter on Instagram, is a Portland-based artist who combines horror themes with diner motifs, particularly eggs. They share their creative journey, tattooing challenges, and the importance of community in their work.
The Origins of the Name "Diner Ghoul"
I had the pleasure of speaking with Diner Ghoul and asked about the origins of their name. They explained it started as a temporary choice, but it quickly became something they couldn't part with. "So originally it was a temporary name. I just wanted something spooky and kind of goofy, yeah, because I am not the type of person to take things too seriously. So, I wanted something that was both happy and safe, combined with something a little spooky and creepy. So what's happier than breakfast combined with something that looks like a character or person, like a Ghoul? Yeah, yeah. It just kind of has stuck. It's grown on me over time, and now I can't imagine anything else."
Diner Ghoul's art fuses the comfort of diner food with unsettling horror elements. "I've always been a huge horror fan," they explain. "One of the things that makes successful horror media—whether that's comics, movies, or whatever—is taking something that makes people comfortable and distorting it. You take something intimate, sweet, soft, and magical, then turn it into something creepy or scary. Eggs, as a classic breakfast item, are heartwarming and sweet. Distorting that is creepy, but yellow and white look great together."
Navigating the Challenges of Tattooing
As Diner Ghoul delves into tattooing, they acknowledge the financial challenges of this career. "Finances are the toughest part of being a working artist," they say. "Tattooing requires an initial investment, which can be daunting if you are uncertain about long-term success. However, passion drives you to improve in the craft." To start, Diner Ghoul bought an inexpensive tattoo machine from Amazon, allowing exploration without full commitment. "I took another job to invest in tattooing, aiming to expand Diner Ghoul and build an audience for financial stability to pursue tattooing more seriously."
Looking ahead, Diner Ghoul envisions a future where they open their tattoo studio. "Tattooing can be intimate, you know, you're touching people's bodies. I think having a space where I can bring other artists in—artists who may not have opportunities outside of my studio—is the long-term goal." They hope to create a space where other artists can curate their clients and work in an environment that feels comfortable and supportive.
One of the obstacles Diner Ghoul anticipates with tattooing is integrating bright, saturated colors. "Bright, saturated colors can be tough, especially with skin undertones. For example, if someone has blue undertones in their skin, you'd want to use more of an orangish-yellow than a true yellow to avoid the color mixing with blue and turning green over time." They also reflect on the long-term challenges of tattoos. "Your skin ages and changes, and tattoos grow with you, which raises questions about color longevity and the need for touch-ups."
Diner Ghoul's Creative Process
When developing a piece, Diner Ghoul starts with a collage, drawing inspiration from various online sources, such as Pinterest and Instagram. "I'll Photoshop those references together, then sketch over the top, layering in flat colors and refining it until the composition feels right," they explain. Transitioning to digital media has allowed them to experiment more freely. "I used to only work in black and gray. I felt intimidated by color, but once I got an iPad, digital media felt less permanent. It allowed me to experiment with color in a way I hadn't been able to with physical media."
While Diner Ghoul's art began primarily as a fun exploration of color and humor, it has recently evolved. "My art has become more serious, with a lot of anger in it. Eggs, which were once just a humorous motif, now represent something more political. With the rising cost of food, eggs have become a symbol of inaccessibility, which has shifted the tone of my work." Despite this, the intention behind their art remains consistent. "I want to create strong reactions—whether it's happiness, sadness, or disgust. The loudness of the colors and the intensity of the line work are meant to provoke a gut reaction."
The Power of Social Media and Community
Diner Ghoul's presence on social media has been a double-edged sword. While they initially found success through platforms like Twitch, they also faced the realities of the time commitment required. "Twitch was a big time commitment, and it can be tough to build a fan base there. But I've had more success, emotionally, from engaging with people in person through art markets." They've found that meeting people face-to-face at these markets has been more fulfilling than any digital presence could offer.
One standout moment in Diner Ghoul's career came from a personal commission for a couple. The client wanted a t-shirt design featuring a humorous story about their husband getting hit by a bike in Amsterdam—an incident they were repeatedly warned about before the trip. Diner Ghoul embraced the quirky nature of the request, saying, "The thing that will always get me hooked on a project is a story. If you can attach a story to an illustration, I'm in."
Evolving as an Artist
Diner Ghoul's work continues to evolve, and the community is at the center of that vision. While tattooing remains a long-term goal, their commitment to supporting other artists and fostering meaningful relationships is equally important. "I've always wanted a deeper connection with artists in my community, but I was too scared to pursue it," they share. "Now I'm using my platform to give back, providing high-quality prints, hosting sessions with other artists, and helping others elevate their craft."
For Diner Ghoul, the future is about more than personal success—it's about creating a space where artists can collaborate, thrive, and support one another. The intersection of art, tattoos, and community will continue to shape their work in the years to come, driving their creative evolution and pushing them to innovate and empower others.
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