There’s a peculiar syndrome among artists that parallels the discussions of many a record store clerk. “Oh you like The Bloody Muggily Wumps?” Well you know they got their sound from this Swedish garage band from the seventies, and if you like them, you might like Muppet Rash, they’re out of Athens.” Among artists, “have you heard” becomes “have you seen.” Depending on whose chin is wagging, you might come away with the names of a couple of Argentinian comic artists, a slew of nineteenth century naturalist painters, or someone’s favorite Japanese printmaker.

In no particular order, other than alphabetical, we present to you artists that help power our pencils.