Tilteed

Artist Interview: Inner-Monster

Curator’s Statement:

Inner-Monster has a way with creating characters that transcend our human world. To me, these beings don’t exist in a fictional world. Instead, I picture them belonging to an alternate reality that we can’t access, some place where the line between 2D and 3D get very blurry. This ability for Inner-Monster’s illustrations to push the boundaries of my mind is something that I love. Maybe you’ll feel the same way too!

Welcome back to Tilteed, Alex! What have you been up to since you were here with Dream Bot?

Well I have been pretty lazy on some personal matters, but I’ve really been trying to find some new clients that would be interested in my designs. Clothing companies, bands and other people into funky designs. I am really looking forward to meeting new people and developing long lasting business relationships. If you know anyone interested in working with me, I would love to hear from you!

Can you tell us what’s going on in this design?

I always had a fascination for tag teams. Most of my favorite movies have two main characters. I sometimes feel that the presence of two characters reinforces their personalities. Even if they are pretty much the same, standing side by side, it gives them the opportunity to be more noticeable. The odd couple is also a reference to a great album by Gnarls Barkley. I love his sound.

Several of your designs feature architectural elements. Is there a famous building that is your favorite?

I always love to incorporate real elements of life in my imaginative worlds. It’s somehow a way for me to crystallize reality and imagination. Putting those characters in a historical scene kind of brings a different approach to the way I create. I believe mixed media is a way of introducing ideas within art and reality.

Do you have any role models in the t-shirt design world?

There are lots of them. I wouldn’t start naming them because I’m pretty sure I would forget some and I don’t want that, but what I can say is that I admire those who have stuck with their art since the beginning. It’s easy to twist our ways of working in order to facilitate our entry in the shirt business.  I have seen many popular designs stem from an idea that has been overdone. I like to see people keeping their signature even if that means selling less shirts. Basically, I prefer true artists that don’t make any kind of concessions.

What albums have you been listening to lately?

  - Blakroc:  A sick project with the black keys and lots of rap featuring. This stuff blows my mind. I listen to it all the time!

  - The Tallest Man on Earth:  It’s like Dylan in 2010

  - Timber Timbre: Simply sweet

Anything that makes me happy!

What’s one invention that you wish existed?

I’m still waiting for my private rocket backpack. I’m saving money for it! Believe me, it’s coming.

Any final thoughts?

I’m always happy to hear from you, so please feel free to write me something, as I always like to chat. Thanks again for this opportunity!