Welcome to Tilteed! We’re stoked to finally feature a print of yours. For those among us who are less familiar with your work, however, please introduce yourself.

I am jazzed to have a shirt printed here at tilteed - especially this shirt, very exciting. For introductions my name is Joe Carr, I am 33 year old family man who loves the smell of fresh cut timber. My illustration work is mainly done in traditional mediums - ink on paper.

When I think of ISABOA work, I think of old-school sci-fi (this design among others) and mythological imagery (tees like Icarus) first and foremost. What do you feel makes these topics so fertile for inspiration?

I think most everyone can relate to the sense of wonder and the fantastic that comes along with classic science fiction, mythology, fables and just general good story telling. When I look through old painted sci-fi pulp covers or posters it makes me feel like a kid. I try to set aside being rational or avoiding silly endeavors and remember what it was like as a child to read a story or watch a movie and imagine myself battling medusa or flying through the galaxy in a rocket ship. I respect this, and try and convey that respect into my illustration. It also helps that I get great enjoyment out of drawing robots and spaceships.

Is there any back-story that you’ve imagined for this scene?

For me and my illustrations I often build worlds in which they exist, intentionally or not. I also like to key in on specific cinematic points. Another dramatic moon scene is just that, an apex to the drama unfolding. The crisp astronaut, out of his element and alien on this barren moon, meets more than expected when this gargantuan inhabitant greets him in dramatic form raising from the moon’s surface. At that moment the astronaut clings to his blaster frozen and deliberating on the intentions of the giant stranger. What happens next is anyone’s guess…

So, I inevitably have to ask: what’s it really like living in Alaska?

Alaska is pretty hard to define or describe to someone who does not or has not lived here. It is in my opinion the greatest place on earth, to live, to play, to raise a family. It is so full of life, challenges and beauty. I have lived elsewhere in the states for short periods and only appreciated Alaska more.

You’re sometimes referred to as a bit of an elder statesman, when it comes to art. What are some nuggets of advice you’ve picked up that you believe would help budding artists?

Ha, well I am not so sure about being an elder statesman… I am still learning new stuff and developing my work all the time. I have never really felt like I am at the level I want to be artistically, don’t know if I ever will.

But I have done some things long enough to have some advise for new folks:

First, don’t be afraid to fail or do something wrong. This hinders growth. I see new artists regularly come up with excuses involving “style” to justify poor execution when met with criticism. Seek critical eyes wherever you can and take value in the feedback you get. Also, do not be afraid to put work out there in the public that is not perfect, you have to start somewhere and building up a portfolio that no-one ever sees will hinder you in the long run. Do not settle on a specific method or medium if it does not suit you but when you find something you love make it your goal to master it. Always play to your strengths. Mental and artistic efforts exercise your abilities and develop your individual expression.

Above all keep it fun.

Do you have a website, flickr, or other such ways for us to keep track of your art?

I do have a website: http://www.antiquatedpress.com and a facebook page for antiquated press.

Any final words for the fans?

I just want to thank tilteed and you Adder for the curation of this shirt. I am excited that this was printed on the orange!