thread's not dead - doITlab

“Viva Mexico”
by Maxx242
Maxx 242
I’m Maxx242, I’m 35 years old, and I’ve been designing professionally for about
13 years. How did I get to where I’m at today? That’s a long story, but I’ll break
it down to several words: family, friends, sacrifice, commitment, drive, dedication,
and will. Oh, and Redbull. I would say meeting Risk One was one of my
breakthrough moments, but there were a lot of moments that got me here.
My Inspirations
My Mom really inspired me, but as far as artists go, Jeff Soto, OG Abel, Regino
Gonzales, Armando Huerta, Francisco Rivera, Aurthor Adams, Dave Stevens,
McFarlane, Campbell, Turner, Keith, John Connell, Jason Gallo, Mr. Cartoon,
Mear One, Slick, Craola, Frazetta, Jim Phillips, Mike Giant, VCJ, Coop, Ryden,
Giger, Dali, this list gets long, but those are some main ones there.
THREAD’S NOT DEAD • Jeff Finley
My Strategy to Stand Out
I don’t really have a strategy, I feel like I’ve been very fortunate in what I do and
when I did it. I draw what I like and what I grew up with I guess. With that said
I feel that refining your art, marketing, and promotions, and the right relationships
will help you stand out as an artist. I’ve been lacking in promotion, I need
to work on it. However, promoting yourself is very important. Having a good
website is key; a home base to drive people to. Other than that, really work on
refining your art. Promotional items and the right relationships are important.
Do what you love, always.
Trends
There have been a lot of trends over the last 10 years, don’t even know where
to start. I’ve seen the fall of the skate industry to it rising again, and then falling
again. Moto, retro, choppers, Dover clip art, get money, skulls (but those
are always in), MMA, licensed products, tattoo art, street wear, shoes, denim,
sunglasses, west coast, east coast, etc.
My Secret to Success
Success all depends on what your definition of the word is. Be true and committed
and everything else will fall into place. My faith, my family, and my commitment
I believe have given me my success.
Be Dedicated and Committed
In the end I have to say that the key is dedication and commitment, there are
weeks that in five days I’ll get about ten hours of sleep. I try really hard not to
let a lot of distraction come along. I don’t drink or smoke, I don’t go out a lot. If
I’m not at my desk drawing or in front of my computer, I’m spending time with
my family. Do what you love, and do it a lot. Always look for artistic growth, we
all having growing to do.
Case Studies & Interviews 115