Can you share a little bit about the piece and how you conceived of it:
At the time I was thinking of a cool pattern in the vein of M.C. Escher. I thought I’d try to sketch out people interlocking which looked more like a mob of people fighting. That inspired the brawl scene. I wanted it to be more aggressive way – and what’s more aggressive than a bar fight? I needed to limit the color palette to keep the illustration from becoming too busy. It took a while to get everyone connecting with somebody. I wanted each person to be dishing out some blows to somebody but to also be receiving some as well and that took some time to get down.
Are you a skater? If so, can you share a memorable skate experience with us?
I use to skate just about every day but lately its been when I have a bit of free time. Nothing great – some small ollies, half-pipes but no really height. Just goofing off and getting around. A few months ago, I was finishing up a skate lesson with my kids when I jumped the curb onto the side walk and the front wheels landed in a small hole. I was totally thrown off my off the board. In the morning my forearm looked bigger than Popeye’s and I found out in the ER that I fractured my elbow. I was out of commission for about a month – couldn’t right, draw, feed myself or wipe my @ss. Now my kids need some convincing that it’s safe for them to get back on. But falling, busting your butt and breaking a few bones – it’s all part of the fun.
If you were to describe your work to someone who’s never seen it, what would you say?
I would say a bold graphic comic book style influenced by 80’s pop-culture and classic horror. I like to work with ink and brushes and get a bit messy with the art a la Bill Sienkiewicz (though my digital work tends to be very clean).
Could you share an image of one of your latest sketches?
You can see a whole sketchbook of sketches
What things in your workspace inspire you?
Here’s my “work space”:“http://www.flickr.com/photos/razcity/2240766270/sizes/l/in/set-72157600237157963/” and all the all the design and art books, comics, magazines, toy and music that inspire me.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received in response to your work?
This might sound a bit Hallmark-y… I’ve done some t-shirt designs for my kids’ school for the past few years. When my kids overhear somebody complimenting a shirt they blurt out, with immense pride in their voice, “My Daddy did it!” To me that’s the best thing, for my kids to be proud of what I do.
What are you really into right now?
Music-wise I just recently got into Playing for Change. Art-wise I’m really into Paul Pope and Reuben Rude.
What would be on your quintessential mixtape?
Do I need to fill up the whole tape/cd/memory card? I’ll just give you bands specific songs requires too much thinking. Some Blues Brothers, Ramones, Mano Negra and Manu Chao, Balzac, Los Mono, Babasonicos, RHCP, Ben Harper, Sly and the Family Stone, Cuarteto de Nos,Fabulosos Cadillacs, Iggy Pop, G. Love, Matisyahu, Toots and the Maytals, Fishbone, Los Tetas, Plastilina Mosh, Planet Hemp, the Coup, Blackalicious, Misfits, Clash, Black Flag, New York Dolls, Nick Cave. I think that’s enough to fill a mixtape. Just send it over when you’re done making it.
What websites do you check out regularly?
I’ve got my art group that hangs out at Styl.us, I get a lot of inspiration and feedback from them. Also flickr, coroflot, behance, virb, myspace, facebook, emptees and teefury.
What’s the first picture you can remember drawing as a child?
This big revolutionary war scene where the Brits are fighting the US soldiers. Lots of gun fire, cannons and people dying. Think I was in Kindergarden at that time.
If you had to change careers, what would be next?
Let’s see… I could be a comic book artist, concept artist, storyboardist, muralist, tattoo artist, video game artist or maybe an actor – that seems pretty easy to do.
Are there any upcoming shows or projects you’d like to share?
I’m working on a children’s book called “Monsters on Parade” and trying to get a web comic together. I’m also trying to finish my Zombieman comic and start Cabron Pistolero.
What’s your motto?
Motto? Do I need one? How about a theme song? Wait a jingle. Screw motto’s, I’m going to get me a jingle.
Ramsey Sibaja
