Today we’d like to introduce you to John Mata.
John, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born and raised in a small town in west, Texas. I graduated from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (Odessa, Texas) with a degree in Fine Arts with a focus on Graphic Design. I finally landed my big break with an internship at Fossil, at 28! Ha! I was the oldest intern by a mile, but I was happy to have the chance to work there after applying several times and not getting hired. After Fossil, I was fortune to land a job at Panini America located in Irving, Texas. There I started as a designer and am now an Art Director. I spend my days designing sports trading cards for the NFL, NBA and MLBPA. At night, I freelance as an illustrator and have been lucky enough to work for some clients like Adidas, Intercom, Pepsi, HBO and Herb Lester.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I try and incorporate as much texture and hand drawn elements as I can, in my work. I love how much depth it can add to a piece that was once flat and boring. I mainly use the computer to create my work but often make screen prints, that I print at home. The beauty of printing my own work is I can add to it on fly and change its direction. I hope my art inspires other designers just starting out to take risks with their work.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
My advice is not to care what college you get accepted to. Just remember everyone’s timeline is different. I got my big break at 28 which is way past most. As difficult as it is, try not to compare your story to someone else’s. Talent is talent and if you work hard; it’s amazing how many good opportunities come your way.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m all over social media I post new work to Instagram often.
My work there is https://www.instagram.com/eightzerocreative/. My personal website, where there are more detailed images is https://eight-zero.com and I sell my prints at http://www.sovereignclub.co
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eight-zero.com
- Email: johnmata@eight-zero.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightzerocreative/
- Facebook: @johnmata.eightzerocreative
- Twitter: @Eight_Zero
Image Credit:
Pepsi
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