Tell us about this piece.
Well, the “Dead…Yuppie” skate deck is inspired in my vision of corporate lifestyle. I think as a designer and illustrator, we don’t need to wear an elegant suit or tie to be successful. One of the greatest things of being a designer is that you can be your own boss and work out of your bedroom.
Are you a skater?
Yes, I’m a proud skater. I never will forget the first skate video I watched. It was “Welcome to Hell” from Toy Machine Skateboards and I learned some basic skate tricks with it. I always will remember the bail segments from this video: there is a broken neck, a broken arm and crushed nuts… That never feels good.
Would you share three things in your workspace that inspire you?
A picture with my brothers when we were kids, a skateboard, and my bed.
What’s the art scene like where you live?
The art scene in Medellin is good and you can find a variety of styles, concepts and techniques. But I think we need more spaces for good art in Medellin because when there is an exhibit you will always find the same artist with the same works. I personally admire young talented local artists and designers who deserve more recognition for their work, but I know they will have their glorious moments if they keep going strong with perseverance.
What would be on your quintessential mixtape?
Wow, that’s an awesome question. My quintessential mixtape would have bands from different genres like: The Ramones, Ignite, Ambitions, Ismael Rivera, Hector Lavoe, Nach Scratch, Yury Ai, Gorilla Biscuits, Matisyahu, Sublime, Long Beach Dub Allstars, Bad Brains, The Seed, The Roots, Strife, Grito, Comeback Kid, Chromeo, The Gaia Corporation.
What websites do you check out regularly?
Masif, Invisible Creature,
Kitsune Noir.
Alex Trochut,
Emil Kozak, Behance, Morning Breath,
Siggi Egerston, Thrasher Magazine,
The Berrics.
What are your vices/guilty pleasures?
Fruit juices with lots of sugar!
What’s the first picture you can remember drawing as a child?
The first picture I remember from my childhood was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in their van which I made in first grade. The Ninja Turtles had guns and they weren’t inside their car because Splinter was in there and they didn’t want to be with an ugly rat.
If you had to change careers, what would be next?
A basketball player, pro skater (Is not so bad to dream), jazz or blues drummer, Kung Fu fighter, B-boy or maybe a boss- I don’t know what kind of boss but a millionaire one.
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
I’m part of a collaboration for the Belio Magazine 10th Anniversary issue. All of us contributors will be part of a show that will be touring Europe. It will be at the Apetit Gallery in Bilbao, Spain until August 17th; at Neurotitan and Box32 in Berlin from September 11th to October 3rd; at Miscelanea and Ras in Barcelona from November 5th to November 22nd; and at Espacio 8 in Madrid from December 3rd to December 22nd.
What’s your motto?
“Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” – Calvin Coolidge.
