DXTR Interview!
We’ve got a big one lined up today - nothing less than an interview with DXTR, one of the biggest and most respected names in illustration and street art. He’s someone whose work straddles the divide between straight-up muralism and gallery-grade illustrative pieces, some of which have made their way into big-ticket marketing campaigns. His work is marked by a classic cartoon style, with his own special twist of detail and deconstruction. He’s also part of one of the most prominent street art crews out there - the legendary and somewhat mythical The Weird Crew. with whom he collaborates on a range of different projects. Fanboys and fangirls, slap your high fives together for DXTR! Who are you? Hi! I am DXTR, freelance illustrator and artist from Germany. Where do you live? Currently I am living in Dusseldorf. Did you plan to become an artist, and did you study to become an illustrator? I started out doing graffiti at the age of 16. I really liked painting at night but I also focused on sketches and character-based stuff since the beginning. It was fun but there was no real plan to become an “artist”. Later on I realised that this was exactly what I wanted to do in life, so I moved to Dusseldorf to study Communication Design at the University of Applied Science and finished my diploma a few years ago. Favourite graphic novel? “No Man’s Land” by Blexbolex. Favourite movie? ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’. Describe yourself - likes/ dislikes. For me the taste of happiness is a mixture of ice cold beer and the kiss of a girl. Also nothing beats a day in the sun painting a wall with my friends. I like people that have the ability to preserve their inner child. I dislike profit-driven ignorance and arrogance, broccoli and any kind of seafood. What inspires you? Everything around me inspires, nature, books, films, comics, friends and of course loads of great artists out there. And let’s not forget to mention my crew members and partners of THE WEIRD COLLECTIVE. How would you describe your design style? BOLD! I mostly try to be positive with my art and make people smile and think. There’s a lot of myth, irony and provocation included but the most important ingredient is the fun that I am having while I’m doing it. I create scenarios influenced by hip hop’s 80’s and 90’s, Robert Crumb, Ren and Stimpy and Fritz the Cat.
Name some of your favourite designers and illustrators. Peachbeach, Nychos, Low Bros, Herr von Bias, Frau Isa, Rookie and Cone of The Weird. Super talented guys and inspiring friends. We always push each other to the next level. WEB: http://www.flickr.com/photos/
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Rex was a valued mebmer of our Advance family and we miss him dearly. We feel pain, sadness and a sense of emptiness for our tragic loss yet find some comfort knowing the tremendous impact Rex made on so many people’s lives and in so many profound ways. Rex’s leadership, character and willingness to help others in such an unselfish manner disguised him and made him special. His talents went well beyond the great impacts he made to our business to the many people’s lives he touched in a very real and meaningful way. He was also always there to help, provide support and advice, and was a loving and caring husband, father, family mebmer and friend to us all. Life is fragile and precious and through Rex we must cope with the fact that Life is not measured in time but instead by the impacts you make and have upon others. Rex made a permanent and meaningful impact on all of us and we will always remember Rex and the person he was. We also think dearly about Rex’s 2 beautiful children and lovely wife that were at the heart of his life and we pray for them. Rex’s children will carry his wonderful presence and traits which will destine them for great things ahead and all of our positive thoughts and energy go towards Shirins full recovery. My deepest condolences go to Rex’s family and friends and I consider it a privilege to have known Rex…Mike