Interview by Ross Zietz

Hello there? What's up dude?

Hello. Thanks for having me on the show.

Did you go to school? Where and what for?

I logged half a decade at the university of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In order to get my drawing and painting degree I had to take a computer art class to fill a prerequisite. So one of my last classes as a painting major was an intro to graphic design, and I became infatuated with everything it had to offer so I signed up as a design major as well.


What sparks your creativity? Where do you come up with your best ideas in general?

I think sparks are everywhere. Sparks can come from a conversation, or from something you read, or just sitting around watching the world do its thing. When we were little kids in the classroom we'd stare off into space if we didn't know the answer to a question, and the teacher would say "the answer's not up there." They were so wrong.

Who or what inspires you? Who is your favorite artist?

I'm inspired by so many things: music, science, politics, fashion, european design, art publications, movies... and for sure, my sister and brother-in-law... they work full-time and have twin babies. Suddenly my work load doesn't seem so heavy. I have a few favorite artists: norman rockwell, egon schiele, josef albers, a.m. cassandre, and the chaps at aesthetic apparatus

I love aesthetic apparatus, they are incredible. I also really like Josh Ritter and the shirts you did for him. How did you get that gig?

My friend Steve happens to be old buds with Josh's bass player, Zack. We saw the band play in Chicago, had a few beers with them after the show, and i asked Zack if they needed any tees. Fortunately, they were in need of some
new stuff, so i emailed them some ideas a few days later and we cranked out some shirts. It never hurts to ask a band if they need t-shirts... more than likely they do.


What do you do to get past a creativity dry period?

I usually walk or run through the city for a while, something to get my blood moving around. Pencil sketching like crazy too. And if i can get away from a project, i like to grab a few pints with my friends.

What pushed you to be an artist/designer besides all the money?

Huh? We're getting paid for this? Nice!
For me personally, there's never been any sort of push that i can really put my finger on. I've always wanted to be an artist, and not necessarily thinking of it as a potential career since day one, but i've always just had the urge to constantly make things. Now that urge is starting to pay for my rent.


How and when did you hear about threadless?

I'm not one of those people that claims they heard the popular bands first, but i think i started sniffing around at threadless three years ago. I saw a write-up about you guys in Communication Arts magazine.

Do you think that Threadless helps designers?

Absolutely. Input from your peers is invaluable, and it's a good way for potential clients to snoop around and find some designers with a fresh outlook on design. I've found it to be a great source for getting some solid freelance work.

What did you spend all of the money that you have won from us on? Anything cool and or illegal?

Probably food, drink, more t-shirts, and the way too infectious iTunes music store... it SHOULD be illegal.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Retired.


What do you do if you really have to fart, but you are trapped in an elevator with a bunch of babes?

...Um um um... i'll try hitting on them. That's probably rougher than any fart they're gonna encounter.

Lightening Round... Answer fast... Like lightening... Go...

What is your favorite:

Cheese? Mozzarella
Book? The Alchemist
Movie? I really enjoy everything about Wes Anderson's films
Song? transatlanticism
Word? Effervescently
Color? I like a good, pure blue
Television show? eh, no thanks
Side Order? Deep-fried pickle spears
Super hero? Heroes plural? Ninja Turtles
Monster? Grover. He was a monster, right?
Beer? Oh my goodness! my Guinness!
Farm Animal Sound? Always been a fan of the hen cluck
Threadless shirt? Skunk2 is brilliant, but i missed the wagon for buying one. Is there any chance you can spare one for a fan?
Threadless employee? Craig seems pretty cool, and that dude with the dynamic hair that drinks from gas pumps
Sport? Foosball
James Bond? Goldfinger (Tilly Masterson is insanely attractive)
Smell? Autumn
Website? Newstoday.com is like crack, as is mySpace
Onomatopoeia(can't be a farm animal sound)? Bonk
Mean thing to call somebody? Jerk. That word will never lose it's edge, or hilarity

You have been a wonderful guest. Come back anytime and keep up the awesome. Any last thing you would like to add?

Thanks to the threadless crew for making threadless so freakin' awesome. I'm going to take a nap.


Interview by Ross Zietz

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