Heading into our second year of the Artist Series, we're about to kick off another event with Erick Montes. With art inspired by the hand-painted signs he grew up seeing in Guatemala City and with all art proceeds from the night going to Raices, we're excited to get this party started.
Founder of OK Studio, Creative Director at HEYDAY and an independent graphic designer, he's a busy guy. We were lucky enough to not only snag him for the Artist Series Party, but to sneak a Q&A in before the big night...
YOU STARTED DRAWING EARLY IN LIFE - WAS THERE SOMEONE OR SOMETHING SPECIFIC THAT GOT YOU STARTED?
I don't recall a specific moment that got me started, but I do remember loving to draw pretty early on. It kept me entertained more than most things. My parents definitely kept it going. I feel incredibly lucky to have had their support and encouragement as a kid.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNG ERICK IF YOU COULD TALK TO HIM TODAY?
I've always been a high-stress/anxiety type person. I'd definitely go back and tell young Erick to chill the eff out, that things will work out, and if they don't it's totally fine because most things are trivial anyway. Now if future Erick can come tell me the same thing, that'd be pretty swell.
WHAT'S THE BIGGEST WAY YOUR ART/CREATIVE PROCESS HAS EVOLVED IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS?
As a designer I've learned to collaborate more closely with my clients to find a solution. I try as much as possible to ignore trends and styles, and to create something for the overall problem and not for myself. I find the process and the outcome to be much more rewarding that way.
WHAT'S A MEDIUM THAT YOU HOPE TO WORK WITH/IN SOMEDAY?
I'm not sure if it's a medium or not, but I've always wanted to learn to be a good mechanic.
WHAT'S SOMETHING YOU DO TO GET BACK ON TRACK AND STAY MOTIVATED?
Spending time with my kids will 100% make me feel refreshed and motivated afterwards. Perspective and whatnot.
IF YOU DIDN'T LIVE IN AUSTIN, WHERE WOULD YOU WANT TO BE?
Mexico City or Barcelona. Grit, diversity, good food, diversity and diversity. That's all I need.
PRETEND YOU HAVE ONE DAY OFF - NO TEXTS, NO EMAILS, NO WORK TO DO - HOW DO YOU SPEND IT?
Outside reading and sipping on ranch waters between naps.
Come out for a night of screen-printing, drink-toasting,
prize-winning fun and meet Erick Montes.
If you've ever been to a HELM party, you know that means
art, drinks, friends, music, prizes and just one heck of
a get-together of the local Austin community.
Want to win one of the three prizes up for grabs?
Just RSVP HERE and you're entered to win.
