NARCO

Let me just say upfront, I do not in any way endorse violence, racial stereotypes, or drug use. The following project is a series of commissioned apparel designs inspired by Mexican narco cinema. If you're offended or confused, just watch the previous link and you'll understand. They're B-movies that share a lot in common with American grindhouse, which means silly over the top with sex, drugs, and violence.

This was a very... difficult project to work on. I think at several points I even considered turning it down because I wasn't sure if it was ethical. "What the hell am I doing?! I'm drawing decapitated cartel victims..." was something that came out of my mouth at some point. And for the love of god, never google image search "drug cartel" with the safe search off. I've seen things I wish I could unsee while researching this project.

But for all the difficulty I faced getting started, I took it as a challenge. What started as morbid sketches that no sane person would ever want to buy or wear, slowly became fun comic book villain-esque character studies. So I put on my Tarantino hat, and just had fun with it. Best not to over think these things right? Bad guys kick ass!

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

When I was asked to participate in "The American Dream" group show at D-Structure (opening tonight), I was happy to take on this challenging theme. Most people see the American dream as the promise of potential economic prosperity; a rags-to-riches success story in the making. But as my vocation might suggest, I'm not particularly interested in wealth. So what about "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?" I think this iconic declaration comes much closer to capturing the true American dream, the simple freedom to pursue our own personal beliefs, kinks, indulgences, and obsessions. This important freedom to fly in the face of conventional wisdom, religious opinion, and social restraint is what I think America is all about, so that's how I chose to depict it.

The Pursuit of Happiness

acrylic and coffee on wood panel

ART THAT FEEDS

Just finished this poster design for Conscious Alliance, a non-profit organization that collaborates with musicians and artists to help impoverished communities through food donations. I was very happy to be able to do a few charity pieces this year, and would like to encourage everyone else out there to donate a bit of your time, money, or expertise this holiday season. Our current recession has left charitable donations largely down, and many more people in need than ever before. Think about it.

As for the art, I'm super happy with the results. I've been meaning to incorporate more type into my artwork, and I think concert posters is a good avenue for me to explore in the future. But for now, back to the grindstone!

HAIR STUDIES

Just keeping my hand warm, drawing some hair from reference, catching up on MMA podcasts. Why, what do you do on a Wednesday night? ..... Oh. That is much cooler.

GIRLY PIECE

Did you ever know that I'm really sensitive? Well it's true. I often read poetry while weeping uncontrollably, and I watch movies like Bride Wars by candle light. Yeah, I'm always doing stuff like that.

Really, I've just been looking at a lot of photography lately, and wanted to do a finished piece using some fashion inspired imagery. Damn you Shannon and your Top Model marathons.

GIRLY PROMO

Just wrapped this drawing up, I'm pretty happy with it. Time for some polish...

FASHION ILLUSTRATION

Here's something I wrapped up recently, it's a logo/illustration for a startup clothing company. I'll link to them as soon as they get their new site up.

SKETCH#015

Another one from the sushi place.

SKETCH#006

I'm starting on a logo tonight for a startup clothing company, so I'm drawing out of Shannon's magazines to get in the fashion mindset. Anyone have any recommendations for some horrible booty house music? That might help too.