DUDEBOX

Meet the Artist: Travis Price

What’s a day in your life like?
I get up at 5am and go for a 12k walk which really clears my head and gets me ready for the day. After the walk I go to the local skatepark with my son Ozzie and skateboard for about an hour and a half and then back home to start work for the day. I work by myself from my home studio so there’s normally a movie being played to keep me company. If I've been working on the same project for a few days straight I'll do some random sketches over lunch...just helps keep me going. I knock off at 5:30pm to help sort out the kids. Once the kids are in bed I sit up with my wife watching TV and sketching in my journal. Then it all starts again! 

How did you start out in your design career?
Like many I started as a graphic designer. For about ten years I work for a few design agencies in web and print. Illustrating was something I did as fun outside of daily work. In 2007 I was picked out of obscurity to speak at a design conference here in Australia regarding my illustration work....not long after I decided to become a freelance illustrator.....and I've never been happier!!!

What would you describe your style as?
Haha that's a hard one… vectory? I really don't know how to describe it as I do a few different styles. But one common element is it all starts as vector.

What's the best thing about being an artist?
Creating and doing work that you love for people who appreciate it!

What's the worst thing about being an artist?
Hmm... cash flow and paying taxes... it's always lingering in the shadows stalking you!

Cute character or big ass monster, which is your favourite to start creating?
Big ass monster! I like the idea of roughed goons, anti heros who just do what they do! Broken teeth and lazy eyes! 

If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be & why?
Woah that's hard one… plus I can be a control freak at times. It's going to be two; Nathan Jurevicius. I think we could create a crazy crazy kids book together. The other is Jared Nickerson (J3 Concepts) I love his work and I think our styles would really compliment each other.

You have done a lot of commercial work for all sorts of worldwide brands. If you had to pick a favourite piece of work which one would it be? 
I really enjoy the tshirt work and have just completed some new designs for 1Two clothing, Blindside Skateboarding and Mambo which I'm really excited about. I guess I have to say the first mambo job I did of the unstitched bunny. It was a dream come true to work for them and a defining moment that made me think...maybe I'm good enough! 

Any words of advice for aspiring artists?
Create the type of work you want to do in your spare time. Create a blog or a Behance profile and start publishing it. The dream job opportunity won't come knocking if you haven't got the ‘folio.

What is your ultimate goal?
I guess, like most, the ultimate goal is to make a living off your own artwork and products like prints and Mister Mista merchandise. But I do love doing work for clients.

What music do you work best to?
I must admit I have a very eclectic taste. It's all about the mood I'm in or sometimes the client I'm doing work for. Blink 182, Bob Dylan, Ice Cube, Wilco, Ween, Weezer 

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?
I'd be running a streetwear shop and writing articles for T-world magazine.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not creating art?
I enjoy messing with my kids minds, like… Did you know slugs live in belly buttons?!

Describe yourself in 5 words?
Friendly, contradictive and light hearted.

Which actor would you like to play you in a film story of your life?
That's easy Jason Schwartzman!

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
Ignorance, life must be pretty easy if you don't care about anything!

Where do you live and what do you love about your hometown?
I live in a place called Ballarat in Australia. It's a regional city (large town really 96,097). I love the open space, surrounding farmland and there's no traffic jams.

Do you have any phobias?
Needles, blood tests and Vampires. Anything to do with blood and veins! Don't trust people who don't eat garlic!

If you were told today was your last day, what would you do?
Drop a TV off a really high building.

What do you like?
Drawing, Skateboarding and Family.

What do you hate?
Opinionated people... it's all spin people - they want you to feel insecure!

What’s your favourite food?
Anything in a wrap, kebab, tortilla etc.

Where’s the best place you have travelled to?  
Tasmania, It's the most southern state of Australia and it's beautiful!