Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started?
A: After college, I worked at a few different jobs as a graphic designer, and then I decided to try working for myself. I have worked as a freelance graphic designer for about 3 years now and love it. I have had the pleasure of working for many different clients, from bands to corporate chains, and I like that I have been able to develop a different style for each one. I recently got my Masters in 3d modeling though and will be working on feature films, so I am really excited to start that.
Q: What was your first big break that started your career?
A: I was researching t-shirt competition sites as one possible way to get started for myself. I quickly became intrigued with designing to win a competition, so I had to learn how to design for apparel, which was very different from web and corporate design. After a some trial and error I won one, and got a shirt printed and paid for the design. After that I was hooked on a whole new way of designing, and have been incorporating it into my job ever since.
Q: When you aren't designing T-Shirts, what are you up to?
A: I have other ongoing jobs for clients that I keep doing. But now that I finished school for 3d modeling I will be moving to that full time, so I will eventually be ending those. I am going to try and continue shirt designs though, I have so much fun doing them and it is a huge part of my life too.
Q: Who are some of your influences?
A: I always loved Jimiyo's designs, and I also really like WinterArtwork and Zerobriant's stuff. I also just learn a lot from the online communities on shirt sites, and love seeing new and interesting designs. I am always impressed by all the talented artists out there.
Q: What is your favorite snack food?
A: Well I love hot wings, but thank god I can't snack on those all the time...
Q: Do you design full time or do you have a day job?
A: I design full time. Plus what's nice with t-shirt design is that it's an ongoing job that I work on whenever I want. I will soon be moving on to CG work though, so while I am super excited for that, I will no doubt miss designing and the freedom I have had doing it.
Q: Can you tell us how you bring your ideas to reality? Do you sketch things out first or go right to the computer?
A: I used to sketch first and then go to computer, but now I do everything on the machine. I have a tablet, which has made everything possible, and I would literally die without it now. If you don't use a tablet, it can be intimidating to learn how to use one, but it is 100% worth it.
Q: If there was a Zombie Apocalypse, what would your weapon of choice be and why?
A: Well, after watching Walking Dead, I would have to say a crossbow. Daryl is a surgeon with that thing, and it basically has endless ammo when you reuse the arrows.
Q: Do you have any wisdom you've learned along the way you'd like to share with other aspiring artists?
A: Learning from others and being able to compare your work with theirs is essential. Find some favorite artists and start trying to think about what makes their work so good, and try to apply that to your art. Also, don't be afraid of what other people tell you. The internet can be a rough place, and if you can't take criticism or critiques, or even compliments for that matter, you won't get very far.
Q: What is the work you are most proud of and why?
A: Well I would probably have to say the Harry Potter Quidditch shirts I made. Those really set me off to doing pop-culture designs, and opened up a lot of doors for me as far as designing and marketing go.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: I just wanna say thank you to anybody that ever bought and supported my designs. I really always want you guys to find something in my work you enjoy, and the fact that you would even wear it on you means a lot to me. Take care everyone!
If you want to follow spacemonkeydr, please stop by his online store for all of his amazing designs you can still buy today!
