I featured IMAKETHINGS work awhile back and he was nice enough to answer some questions for me. Even though he doesn’t eat cereal he still seems like a dope dude. Check out the interview after the jump.

Favorite cereal?

I don’t really eat cereal. I prefer a croissant.

What sparked your interest in art?

I have no idea. I’ve just always drawn and messed around making things, but I think it was skateboard graphics and video games that made me want to pick up a pen and draw most when I was growing up.

What are some of your favorite sources of inspiration for your art?

Nearly all of my ideas are inspired by the natural world. I’m fascinated by the beauty and grotesqueness of nature and all it’s patterns, shapes, it’s simplicity and complexity. Subsequently I spend as much time out of doors as possible, in the woods learning about different plants and trees and their uses, or along the coast exploring.

How do you approach a piece? Do you do a lot of sketches and know exactly what you want it to look like when it‘s finished? Or do you take a looser approach?

It depends on the project at hand, but generally I’ll always sketch out a bunch of ideas before I turn to the computer. I always have a sketchbook with me in which I scribble new characters and this serves as a great sourcebook when starting a new piece.

You have shown your work in art galleries all over the world. What has it been showing in different countries? How did you come about showing in places like Tokyo and Portland?

It’s been great showing work in other countries and always super exciting. Most of my exhibitions abroad have come about by simply being invited to take part in group shows. The Tokyo one was arranged by me and some friends when I lived there a few years ago and was a lot of fun.

What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?

Just being able to make a living from drawing, that’s a pretty big deal for me. As far as projects go, working on skateboard graphics for Foundation has been a big accomplishment as it’s been top of my list of things to do since I started out.

Who do you want to collaborate with the most?

Anyone and everyone.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists/illustrators?

Keep drawing and creating things all the time, try not to worry too much about what other people are doing and stick to your own style.

When you’re not doodling, what are you up too?

If I’m not at my desk drawing, you’ll probably find me outside somewhere, hopefully surfing or skateboarding or wandering around the woods, but my sketchbook will always be with me in case the urge to doodle becomes too strong.

What’s in store for the future?

Lots more beasts and creatures.

Posted in Interviews by Corey Thompson