Dirty Greaser

Couldn't sleep, so I drew this.

Nu Montreal Elektrek x Nu School

Here's some teasers of a project I worked on with Danny Demers from Nu School.

We really wanted a clean classic look with solid colors that truly represented Montreal in all it's glory. Overall it was great working with Nu School and I'll definitely keep him in mind for Elektrek's future projects.

Tee will be launched at 12 a.m. Eastern time, pick one up!

Montreal Bulldog

Did this after looking at some 123 Klan, definitely wanted to make something similar to their style just for the fun of it. It's fun working with clean lines and simple colors!

Something Fun

Been working hard on the Chris Giannini project, trying to illustrate his character in different styles, here's one of many.

Nova Doodles

Some more fun related drawings

Decision Made

So it's decided, I'm taking a year off from Illustration and Design to follow through with some big projects. I've been working on some neat stuff over the past couple of months and they've led to some great opportunities which is a bit overwhelming but all the more exciting.

If I feel things start to slow down I'll definitely come back to finish up the rest of I&D. Till then I'll be finishing up my core courses this semester, at least this way I can reduce my course load for next year and yet still be attached to school without all the hours put in for homework which will give me more time to work on bigger projects with clients. Took me a long time to decide, I must admit it's been tough, I really value school and what it offers but as of right now this may be the best decision, and if it doesn't work out school will always be there. It's better to take a year off then fail attempting at both, I don't like to do things half ass, and with both being so demanding I knew I had to choose. Most people say stick with school, least it's a safety net, thats true, I absolutely believe in that, but others say that opportunities like this don't always come till you're least expecting it. Anyways I wont know till I try, and I rather try then kick myself knowing that I let such an opportunity slip by. So far my teachers support and encourage this decision, which is uplifting as a student. I feel like they believe in me, and I really appreciate that.

Of course this also means more time to invest in my studio for my clothing line and print shop. My goal this year is to get my line in retail, so far I've collaborated with some fantastic people here in Montreal and feel it's picked up, I also did get some offers for shop but want to make sure the line is solid before entering. What's great is that people are starting to recognize the name, and I've done a lot of promotional work over the past 2 years for events, charities, projects, etc so it's nice to see it's catching on. Highlight of the year for Elektrek was that the Art Director from Sid Lee bought 2 shirts from my store (and many other big names here in the Montreal region) also for the first time I sold out on 2 particular designs in a matter of a 2 weeks. I was absolutely stoked, and loved knowing that people were wearing my art and sharing the news about where to get some exclusive streetwear.

Anyways I contemplated my decisions and realized I wanted to use all my energy focusing on something I'm extremely passionate about. Over the years I worked hard to meet the right contacts and get involved with the right people for specific projects, I actually busted my ass trying to meet deadlines for clients and school and along the way I picked up some haters for whatever success I grabbed up, but I made that success happen all on my own and all while being in school. So haters can keep on hating haha I think I'll make that on a shirt. Anyways I believe for the sake of my health, and age that I should focus on what I'm passionate about, and see how far I can go. Like I said if it doesn't work out I can always go back. The only peeve I had about school was that yeah it teaches you different types of techniques, programs, and deadlines (which I liked) but what it can't teach you is making solid business decisions, having passion and determination in what you do, establishing a good connection with your client, and everything else that's thrown your way when dealing with a client/job itself. They can't teach you how to be successful on your own, you have to want and believe in it for yourself in order to make a name for yourself especially in the Illustration and Design field.

I'm proud to say that no one taught me how to run a studio, screen print for my shop or how to manage freelance jobs and establishing meetings with clients to discuss a job. Everything was self taught and I made it happen for myself, of course there were many trial and errors but that's how I learned, and those lessons stuck with me a hell of a lot more then what I learned at school. As of now all I can wish for is the best, and see how far I can push myself as an artist and entrepreneur. If it doesn't work then I'd like to say "see you soon" to the graduates of 2013 haha!

P.S. Best of luck to all my fellow talented friends graduating I&D in 2012! Keep in touch!

Montreal's New Super Hero

Something I did for fun, was inspired by the big flashing sign of "Super Sex" club on St.Catherines, Montreal.