Living in LA gets old sometimes – people are clique-y, you have to drive everywhere, you have to sit in traffic, you have to pay for parking, cops might pull some shit, yadda yadda yadda…I could go on and on. But as soon as I’m away for just a few days, I actually miss it. Fuckn’ a. This is the only place I know.

But LA is also quite the place to be – great weather, lots of job opportunities, art, culture, diversity, mexican food, the sickest graffiti writers and legendary tattoo artists like Bob Roberts.

I hope my illustrations reach this level someday – bold, intricate yet simple.

Source: Soviet Mayan Playing Cards

marker & watercolor

my only knowledge of the guy was that he was mad up at some point, and that my husband met him once when Rub-N-Tug were in LA a few years back; cool dude…and then i started seeing random polaroids on FFFFOUND that i thought were fuckin’ killer, not knowing that they were his work:

great post of his work on Tiny Vices:

http://www.tinyvices.com/blog/2009/07/14/dash/

I think that the single most detrimental barrier in becoming a better artist is the brick wall facade of ego. 

Most artists are raised in an environment surrounded by accolades- at an early age, being praised for their artistic talents. 

Positive reinforcement from your peers, especially at a young age, can lead to the misconstrued belief in ones own genius.

Years of being ‘the best in class’ and winning chunks of brass trophies may definitely stroke the ‘masters’ subconscious.

It’s a high hurdle to jump, but it’s possible with the leap of critical faith. Sincerity, honesty, self criticism and a big ole piece of humble pie are a perfect starting point. Understand first that you’re actually not that good at what you do and you’ll never be as near as good as the greats- and you’re ready for the life long journey as a student of your chosen craft.

 If you step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to acknowledge your weaknesses, are completely critical of your shortcomings, and sincerely internalize your habits (good and bad), you will be amazed by the progression waiting ahead of you. Critically analyze how close your work reveals it’s influence, however narrow or broad, and consistently add new influences into the mix. Fear of change or, even worse, external judgement from fans of your art, will destroy any hopes of real progress. Authenticity comes from fearlessness. Take the leap.

- Shawn Barber

Happy Mother’s Day, you are the reason why we all exist.

it’s funny: a lot of the times you get hella embarrassed being around your own people and of course you spend the first 30 years of your life trying to get away from them but at the same time, when they’re not around…you kinda miss them. you miss the embarrassing shit, the fobbiness of your culture, a relative who chews with their mouth open, or the aunt who is quick to tell you you’re fat. i’m sure you know what i mean.