12 Questions with: Jimiyo

12 questions with Jimiyo, http://www.jimiyo.com

Next in our series of interviews is Jimiyo. We wanted to know what made him tick, so we asked him a few questions. He was also nice enough to give a few video links showing the transformation from sketch to computer image and if you’re like me, you’ll be fascinated too. Now, on with the interview.

PCT: What’s outside your window right now?

Jimiyo: There is the California blue sky above the second floor of my apartment porch. The roofs are tan and scalloped, and I am above the canopy of most of the trees so I feel like Im on top of a forest. There is a hummingbird feeder, from which, tiny warriors fight to take a sip before they go frolicking in mock fights in mid air.

PCT: How did you get started in design and what inspired you to become a designer?

Jimiyo: My first job out of college was in sales. I hated it, so I continued to work on art. One day I quit the sales job, and viola, I landed my first art job where I was a Nascar t-shirt designer, then eventually the Art Director.

I would not have gotten the job unless I had been promoting my art on sites like gfxartist.com and my own portfolio website. The AD that hired me already knew of my abilities, and work ethic.

[Our Lady of Guadalupe]

cameesa_guadaloupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe – $19 + shipping at Cameesa

PCT: Are there any artists (present/historical/on or offline) that you feel had an influence on you?

Jimiyo: Troy White. http://www.twhitedesign.com/

My first contest win was Revelations at designbyhumans.com. http://www.designbyhumans.com/shop/detail/551

I had been communicating with Troy at the time. He recommended I submit to the first ever $5000 contest. Although I didn’t win the first ever prize, I did however win $3500 and it went on to be a Rockstar tee.

I also admire Hydro74. I am uncertain, but I believe that TWhite was Hydro74’s protégé at the time, and they worked closely together so Hydro74’s work was a great inspiration as well. He’s probably one of the biggest inspirations on where I want my career to gravitate.

PCT: What websites do you visit on a regular basis for design inspiration?

Jimiyo: I only use the internet at work. I cancelled it at home about 2 months ago because it seems like a total time suck.

When I did use the internet, I just looked for specific reference images for inspiration.

http://dearcomputer.nl/gir is an awesome tool for rummaging around the internets.

[Rhanga]

jimiyo_rhanga

Rhanga – $25 + shipping at Design by Humans

PCT: Where have we seen your designs(T-sites and stores)? Any memorable experiences?

Jimiyo: I designed some Sturgis tees a few months before I quit my job at the Nascar place in Tennseesee. After I quit, I went on a 30 day solo road trip around the US, and I ended up in South Dakota. I go in to the gas station, and Eureka, there’s my Sturgis tees!

Also on my road trip, in Las Vegas, I went into the Sahara, and some Nascar products I had designed were in the Nascar store.

It’s amazing the path of a product. Designed in Gallatin, Tennessee, outsourced to China, cross the sea in a boat, back to Tennessee, and then out to Las Vegas and other locations across the US.

PCT: Is there a particular methodology or process you have for creating a design? How about a walkthrough?

Jimiyo: I usually draw most of my work using a pencil on paper. I scan the image in, and digitize. Sorry I can’t oblige with a walkthrough, although, you can view some old videos on my youtube channel.

These are old SUCKY designs, but you get the workflow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTlqMBXIjPA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4oHdfzEHxE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAtG7HiVM10

PCT: All of your designs are your babies, but if you were to pick a favorite, which one would it be and why?

Jimiyo: Dead Man’s Chest. http://shirt.woot.com/Friends.aspx?k=4872

I’m kind of proud of all the different textures, and the image is almost wholly from my head (cept the birds).

[Fight the Good Fight]

jimyo_Fight-the-Good-Fight

Fight the Good Fight – $24 + shipping at Design by Humans

PCT: What do you like to do when you’re not designing?

Jimiyo: Say what? I’ve been enjoying hiking recently, but that’s only since about 3 weeks ago.

PCT: Any tips or advice for aspiring designers?

Jimiyo: It’s a number game. Make more designs, eventually you won’t be so sucky.

You don’t have to be able to draw worth diddly to be a great designer. Designing does not mean illustration, and frankly, consumers have a tendency to like design, more than illustrations if that makes any sense.

They like designs that have immediate impact. Unless you are a famous/popular artist, even a really high end illustration will get beat out by a conceptual bold graphic design, or designery eyecandy.

If you want to be an illustrator, it’s best to look outside of the apparel market if you don’t want to have your creativity unappreciated or stifled.

[Searching for Qumran]

jimiyo_Searching-for-Qumran

Searching for Qumran – $14.95 + shipping at Artcotic

PCT: We have a time machine and are going to set it to 5 years from now. What can we expect to see from you when we get there? Where do you see your design career in 5 years?

Jimiyo: I’d like to be famous. I watch Hydro74 and Missmonster bust their hump to promote their artist identity, and I want to follow in their footsteps. I’m currently taking a break from it, although being Art Director at designbyhumans.com and teefury.com helps to gain visibility, I’d like to get back to my roots and really amp my art creation in the future.

By famous, I dont mean, people loving me, idolizing me. I mean, people appreciate my art enough to pay me good money, so that I can use that money to continue my efforts without working for someone else.

Im excited about what reality might exist 5 years in the future. You never know. I plan and work for the best, and in hindsight, the world seems to bless and reward me with more than I could have ever imagined.

PCT: Any current projects you want to plug?

Jimiyo: No current projects, but when I do have projects I can share, I twitter often. http://twitter.com/jimiyo

[Revelations 2:2008]

jimiyo_Revelations-2-2008

Revelations 2:2008 – $19 + shipping at Design By Humans

PCT: How about a quick PopCultureTees doodle?

Jimiyo: Ill try to send one if I have time, but right now, I can’t promise or make one. Totally slammed this week.

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