When did you decide to get into art?
I was a music major at a community college but wasn't interested in theory so I switched to art and I was much happier. I took art classes until I knew I was serious about a career in art and then transferred to Otis College of Art and Design in L. A.. Graduated from Otis with a BFA in illustration in 2001.

So were you into art as a child?
Yes, I was always drawing and doodling on things. I really liked the skate and surf culture artists like Rick Griffin and Jim Phillips. I was always using paint pens on the grip tape of my skateboard. I was very athletic. Aside from surfing and skateboarding I played baseball, soccer, and basketball. My dream was to become a pro baseball player but at age 12 I was diagnosed with bone cancer in my leg and pretty much had to give up on sports. That's when I took up music. It's strange when you think about it. One gift was taken from me and another presented itself. So I gravitated towards art and music and here I am.

That's an incredibly positive attitude to take towards bone cancer.
Did you find going to art college beneficial?
Otis College was a great experience. However, it's all a blur while your attending. Then you graduate and your thinking "Did I benefit by going here?". Then you realize all the contacts you made. Your fellow classmates know your talent and will hire you for projects as well as the faculty. On a negative side when I first started to attend I was hoping to be surrounded by serious art students who were very competitive and motivated. That wasn't the case. I teach there now and it hasn't changed. It varies from each graduating class. Sometimes you'll get a very talented group. And other times it's maybe only a few individuals. It's  a shame because it's so expensive to attend these schools like Otis College, Art Center, School of Visual Arts, RISD, etc.

Do you have a take on why these kids don't get their asses into gear?
I think this is the "I'll do what I want" generation.  Don't get me wrong. I have some great students that work very hard and want to learn. But they have this perception of art school having no boundaries when they first come in. The reality is there's some structure the students must follow and they don't like that. Maybe the Fine Art majors have little or no structure but not the commercial artists majoring in illustration, graphic design, digital media, etc.  It's also worth pointing out the maturity level is lower at Otis College because they take students right out of high school where as other art schools for the most part do not. So this may only be happening at Otis for all I know.
Do the few that work hard make up for the majority that don't, as a tutor?
Absolutely. I have about a dozen or so former students that are very successful. It very rewarding.

What exactly do teach them?   Technique, colour theory etc.?
And do you find it a useful curriculum for the students to prepare them for the real world?
I try to teach them creative concepts, compositions, and a little color theory but I don't teach introduction painting classes. A fellow instructor who I had when I went to Otis has those classes. I do a few oil painting demos which sometimes stirs up a little interest but they have a short attention span. It was that way when I was a student as well.  I think the assignments and the crits of their finished work are most useful for them. Preparing them for the real world kind of comes with whatever class I teach. I'm kind of a motor mouth when it comes to art or anything else I'm passionate about. Some of the student find this offensive.

Before I move on to your work specifically - any tips for aspiring artists? 
Draw or paint something every day. It sounds easy but it's not. Do that and you will be amazed how much you progress.

How would you describe what you paint?
I paint mostly characters based on real people I've met or read about. Playing in a punk band for 10 years had a great influence on my work. You meet and witness many unique people and situations.

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