MASA
An interview with latest Don’t Panic Poster designer
MASA’s stuff is pretty cool, it makes you wonder if your eyes are functioning properly, in a good way of course. The Venezuelan born artist, illustrator and designer’s graphic style is influenced by a love for all kinds of cultural ephemera, from vintage record covers to movie posters, to stamps, stickers, sneakers and t-shirts, plus toys and logos from the 60s to the 80s.
His work blends a whole range of references from music to folklore, using continuous line drawing to create images of mass-market objects and portraits, as well as logo and bold typography.
MASA's work has a strong emphasis on Latin America and worldwide contemporary street culture, and has appeared in a broad range of media, from retail spaces to animation and print campaigns.
Recent clients include Intelligent Life, The Times, Sony Ericsson, Nike, Volkswagen, Absolut Vodka, Mini Cooper, Nokia, Miramax Films and Tokion Magazine and he recently worked on a series of designs for Rome Snowboards 2012.
Join us as we find out more about MASA and his work in advance of the release of his design for the latest Don’t Panic Poster.
Who is MASA?
A graphic designer from South America creating now from Mexico projects related only to music, fashion, sports and entertainment and who has gone on to work for companies such as Nike, Burton Snowboards, Adidas, Fenchurch, Volkswagen, GQ, Wallpaper Magazine to name a few.
How did you get into art?
At early age, my father encouraged me a lot to draw see books and postal stamps. Also by having natural contact with Record Sleeves, Movie Posters and skateboard – street culture.
What inspires your art work?
Freedom, Music and Dreams…
Who/what would you say are your main influences?
My mother and father, mostly people not necessary in and out the design scene… could be anyone that has a strong will and keeps their beliefs: Hector Lavoe (music), Dean Karnazes (Sports), Johnny Ramone (music), Chuck Close (Painter), Miguel Piñero (Poet), Nedo M.F. (Graphic Designer), Robert S. McNamara (Politician) and many on…
What’s the best part of being an artist?
Create, get paid and do what you love the most.
Are there any hardships that come along with being an artist?
Stick to your beliefs, too much apparent freedom (time – creativity).
Your portfolio is quite impressive, what are your favourite pieces?
The Music related ones, sports apparel – snowboards and the late collage mix media.
Could you talk us through them?
I now start any new project by trying to look further and not to repeat myself… Maybe taking interesting bits (concept – graphics) not fully developed (or approved) from my last project and see where they can be expanded. I do a list of words and references, preproduction research, trying to investigate and mix all that like a domino game.
I do as many or little sketches and test as I feel needed, then filter a selection, then let them incubate a day or more to see them through new eyes and work harder in the ones I believe in. Then experiment and move forward.
Future plans?
Enjoy life, follow more self-initiated projects, and focus on social youth projects, get a new dog, share more time with my friends and finally have my very own studio space in Guadalajara, Mexico to create and have fun.
Any advice for the kids?
Do things like no one else has done before. Try to set less and less rules for yourself. The will to look further, to experiment and discover Find your own voice. Live everyday like it’s the last one.
Keep your eyes on: MASA www.breedlondon.com, www.masa.com.ve
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