Smutlife Magazine: Issue 01 Interview
Age:
barely legal
When did you get involved with graphic design?
I crash landed my first design gig 3 years ago.
Schooling or self taught when it comes to your trade?
Self taught (for better of for worse). I'm looking into schools, but still uncertain as to whether it's worth the money for me to go.
What programs are you using to crank out all your projects?
I'm loyal to "Instant Porn Box Creator 1.1.2", and even though it's still in beta form, it works wonders :)
It seems to me that you’ve found this refreshing new approach to the projects
you’ve been granted. Does the graff world and urban street art play any role
with this?
Possibly. I’m into graffiti and street art, so it must influence me.
Which of your influences do you relate to best?
I'm not sure. There's so much stuff out there that I like and I try to avoid becoming stagnant in one style, so it I can't say anyone in particular.
Do you have a partner on the design side or are you strictly solo?
One man army over here at Camp Alaska! I outsource some technical stuff, like HTML programming and DVD authoring. In the future, I'd like to hire other people for specific jobs, like if I have an idea for an illustrated layout, but don't have the time to do it myself. I think that'd be fun to be able to work with others in that setting.
How did you land your first graphic design job in the adult industry?
Eon McKai hit me up. VCA was looking for a DVD menu designer. I threw together this quick portfolio with flyers, CD covers, websites, etc. which was 99% fake. All the work was mine and original, just no one hired me to do those jobs. I got the job, which enabled me to teach myself other programs, and was given the creative freedom to really explore. I produced a bunch of crap there, but I was really trying to push my boundries and discovered what worked and what didn't.
Seems like everyone is jumping on this alternative approach wagon, or at least
they’re trying. Unfortunately, we both know that at the end of the day, talent,
skill and creativity prevail over all the rest. In your book, who do you feel
really coined the whole shift towards a more alternative, edgy, abstract fashion
in the industry?
Jumping on the alt. bandwagon? I guess I'm unaware of this happening in the XXX world. As for the start of it all, I'm told that it all began on the internet with Raverporn.net back in the mid/late 90's. As for this style in the XXX video industry, I think Eon McKai deserves some credit for bringing it to the forefront. Now if you mean packaging/art wise, I have no idea. I don't pay attention to porn packaging – I just do my own thing.
Back in the 70’s, Hipgnosis made this huge impact on album cover design, which
forced artists to rethink their approach to how they were doing things. I see a
similar thing happening with your contributions due to your style within the
adult film industry. Do you think you are subconsciously putting your own stamp
on dvd packaging in the adult entertainment biz?
I am consciously putting my own stamp on packaging in this industry. While I'd like to push the boundaries even further, convincing my clients to let go and shoot for the sky is another story. I empathize with their desire to make money, and therefore understand that my clients want certain elements on their packaging that are recognizable and familiar to the lowest common denominator. Where we usually differ is in my belief that the risky are remembered; they are noticed and noted. While being aggressively progressive certainly won't yield the highest profits, the attention received from pushing the envelope will eventually earn you your bread and butter.
When will you be making your directorial debut?
Don't know, but if I ever do direct a movie, I can assure you it won't be a pornographic one. While I enjoy the politics and taboo nature revolving around pornography, and certainly support the expression of sexuality in the public arena, I have no interest in creating a pornographic movie.
I’m definitely someone that will spend money on a dvd just for the simple fact
that it has great cover work. I’m a huge visual stimulation fan. Of late, I’ve
been refining my searches for certain indy features such as one’s created by Eon
and Jack the Zipper. However, I find it very difficult to locate an adult video
store right here in NYC that will carry such titles. I don’t want to resort to
the online purchase. That takes the fun out going to a store to buy such a
movie. My only thought on this is that titles such as Stuntgirl, Art School
Sluts and Squealer, seem to get lost in the mix because of the over saturation of
“garbage” product available. (This is more of a thought that I just went off
on…… If you want to continue with it, feel free).
Yeah, that seems possible. Personally, I think alt.porn shouldn't worry about being in those shops. Sure, get a couple of discs in there, but I think the focus should be on alternative distribution, like selling the DVDs at record stores, clubs, via record labels, etc. Young people who are likely to be into alt.porn whom otherwise have no interest in "old people" porn, aren't going to be going into "Le Sexxx Shoppe" and other similarly seedy video shops. Bring the movies to them, don't try and make them come to you.
In the overall scope of things, where would you like to see yourself in 10yrs?
I'd like to be living and working in Europe, probably Berlin. I'd also like to start clothing line and be working within the realm of youth culture (music, magazines, video, etc).
Do you think that this new genre of porn is bridging a gap in a sense, or at
least making it more acceptable in today’s society?
I sure hope so. Let's help avoid future generations from being so up-tight, ashamed, and embarrassed about sex.
Things you like? (Outside of work world)
- Underground music: I'm an avid music enthusiast and searching out new underground acts is almost a second full-time job. I'm constantly going to performances, reading reviews, and drooling over limited edition packaging.
- All things Japanese: There's something fantastic about contemporary Japanese pop culture. Everything from cartoon characters (anime and otherwise), videogames, films, music, and even down to the hot green tea vending machines on the street is just so amazing. It’s like another world.
- Criterion Collection Video Packaging and Art: these guys are on it. full on creative packaging that stands alone. These guys are going down in history.
- Vice magazine: what can I say, I won't ever wear socks with sandals again.
- 80’s arcade games
- Graffiti
- Contemporary High Art
- Satan: I've got a soft spot in my heart for this lil' red guy
When are you the happiest?
When I'm designing something where I feel like I'm progressing in my form, watching live musical performances, and when I'm just hanging out with friends and loved ones.
