Q: What is your full name and do you have any nicknames that you go by as an artist?

A: I go by TFail which originated from an era of music making.


Q: How old are you and are you currently, planning to, or have attended art school?

A: I am 25 and attended a school with the word ‘Art’ in its name but did not go there for any fine art classes. I actually majored in Graphic Design and received my Bachelors of Science in 2006. Although I definitely wish I went to an art school for art.

Q: Where were you raised and does this play a role in your artwork?

A: I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I definitely acquired a certain life style growing up out here that you don’t find too common in other cities around the US. In this sense LA has maybe had an influence on my content… maybe the lack of censorship sometimes… or the ability to go out at any hour of the night and get inspired because there’s always something going on. I don’t know. I honestly get sick of LA and love leaving it just to torture myself and come crawling back.

Q: Who and what inspires your art? Besides the usual answer such as family and life?

A: I’m a big Art Nouveau fan, Mucha, Victor Horta, Gaudi. Jan Tschichold is another favorite. And even some of todays artist like Audrey Kawasaki and John Baizley are influences who also happen to have an Art Nouveau vibe resonating in their work. I also get inspired from the lack of sleep, nature, marijuana, the interweb, and anyones art that is better than mine that I actually appreciate.

Q: What is the first thing that pops in your head when you wake up in the morning?

A: What am I suppose to be doing today? What do I want to do today?

Q: When was the first time you remember drawing something as a child, and, what was it?

A: I drew a vampire once and taped on a yellow napkin for his cape.

Q: How would you describe your art?

A: If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all? Heh. That’s like asking a band how they would describe their music and of course “I can’t think of anyone to compare it to”. I think my art is cute? Which is gross. Most the time it’s simple. I’m a “less is more” fan. I don’t like really busy things unless it’s really clean and balanced.

Q: When you encounter an artistic slump; how do you come out of it?

A: I cry until it hurts and then I write a song about it and hope it comes back soon.

Q: If you would send out a message in a bottle for the next generation of artists to read, what would it say?

A: Consult Amazon.com before buying anything at an art store. Chances are you can buy it online for way less.

Q: What art tools can you not live without and why?

A: Ball point pens are my reason for living. Once you draw something there’s no turning back and I think thats a good habit to have when it comes to art. Don’t fuck it up cuz you can’t ease it! I love being strict with myself.

Q: What non-art items can’t you live without?

A: Music.

Q: How personal do you get in your artwork?

A: Not at all? The fact that my art is made by me is as personal as it gets I think.

Q: What is your biggest motivation as an artist? This is different from inspiration, what I’m asking is what makes you pick up that brush, pencil, pen ect…?

A: My personal goal to not suck at life. Never melt in front of the TV. Never be lazy and boring. Always create. Draw, draw, draw.

Q: What is your favorite movie and book?

A: I just read The Road. It was good and I’m sure much better than the movie… as all books are. Its hard for me to find books that grab my attention. I don’t like reading fiction. I figure if I’m going to sit around and read something I want it to be factual. As for movies… there’s a few… everything from comedy to anime.

Q: What are you listening to on your iPod right now, and does music play a role in your art?

A: I don’t own an ipod. I do own a shuffle though that someone got me for xmas. I don’t know if music does anything except for maybe block out the background noises. I go through phases where I’ll find something I like and play it over and over again until I get sick of it. A few years ago I found myself listening to anything that wasn’t sung in english because I would find myself getting distracted by lyrics… Sigur Ros was a favorite. But I suppose the current set list on repeat is First Aid Kit.

Q: How do you feel when you are working on an art piece in terms of feelings, emotions?

A: It always varies. The way I’m feeling in the moment usually determines the style of my work. This doesn’t work out if I’m trying to go for a specific style or look. If I want to drawing something clean in pen while I’m upset I usually can’t because my head is too cluttered and I can’t keep my hands steady enough. Luckily this doesn’t happen often.

Q: Besides your art; are there any hobbies that you like to indulge in?

Hiking, exploring, photography, photoshopping, book binding, music making, people watching.

Q: Is social media (blogs, myspace, facebook) and the internet in your words good for the art world. And for you as an artist?

A: Sure. Social networking is always beneficial when trying to get your name out. Or just want to show off your work.

Q: There is an big issue with people posting art and photographs on social networking sites (including tumblr ) without giving credit to the artist. What are you thoughts on this and has it ever happened to you?

A: Yes, and its pretty lame. But you can’t get mad at stupid.

Q: Where could people be able to find your art?

A: tfailmakesart.com

Q: Any advice to give to other artists out there?

A: Keep trying? And if you suck at it who cares? Do it for yourself… or find something you’re better at if you do care what other people think.

Q: Is there anything else you’ll like to say?

A:  Nope.