D.J. Javier Interview

We’ve just released a new Lonesome Rose T-Shirt Club featuring artwork from D.J. Javier, grab one before they’re gone! Check out this quick interview with the artist behind the latest design, conducted by LSD art director Drew Ryan.

Some of your illustrations feel like they were carved out of a block of linoleum or wood—lots of big bold stripes and thick lines. Do you have a background in printmaking?
The last time I did printmaking was in maybe 11 years ago in high school which is pretty funny. I think the boldness of printmaking is definitely an inspiration for my work, but nowadays I really just love using a brush and a nice opaque black paint to finish off all my paintings.

What got you into graphic design? What was your first paid gig?
I never really even knew what graphic design was until end of high school. I was always doing some sort of art or creative pursuit since I was young, but didn’t realize I could make a living off of it. It wasn’t until I was given a pirated version of adobe suite CS6 in high school, where I started to teach myself how to use the programs. My first paid gigs ended up being graphic tees for a few local, small clothing companies here in Santa Barbara. The payment was probably 50 bucks and some free gear, but at the time, I was amazed at the fact that I could get paid for making this stuff!

Do you use an iPad/stylus for illustration?
The iPad is a staple for my creative work. Whether it be design work, planning out murals, concepting paintings, etc. From sketching out ideas too fully refining graphics, I use it all the time. I was such a pencil and paper purist for the longest time, but once I tried out the iPad I was super hooked. My MacBook and iPad go with me wherever I go haha!

Did you grow up in California?
Yes grew up in California, here in Santa Barbara. Growing up in southern California definitely played a huge role in what I’m inspired by. I feel like alot of my personal and client work are all direct and indirect influences from all of the countercultures of California, whether it be rap music, surfing, graffiti, punk, etc.

What's the scoop with Canto Vision? What's the main motivation behind it?
Canto Vision is a side project between myself and a close friend of mine. We both grew up in a neighborhood called “El Encanto Heights, hence the name, Canto. It truly is a passion project, something we do on the side completely for fun, and to make stuff that reflects the city that raised us and we love dearly. It’s an ongoing and ever-changing project, but will always be rooted in the youthful mindset of growing up here in Santa Barbara. On top of that, we donate a portion of our quarterly revenue to a different Santa Barbara based non-profit or community group as well, so every tee / hat / hoodie goes back into supporting our city in one way or another.

How do you feel about Santa Barbara's street signs? That typeface is unhinged, it might be the only American city that uses its own special typeface for public wayfinding…
Its a love / hate haha. There are little quirks I love about Santa Barbara like that, and other things that reflect the charm of the city. But on the other hand, the city is not the biggest fan of public art, which has been a bit of an uphill battle for me wanting to do more public work around the city. All that to say, I love Santa Barbara and plan on not going anywhere, but would love to paint a big wall somewhere if I could!

In 2022, do you feel like skate/surf culture is still counterculture?
I think so! It has been monetized though by big brands and companies who can see the dollar signs within the culture. But at the end of the day, even with sports and culture growing rapidly, there are still moments and pockets of people doing cool things and going against the grain. And even within those specific cultures, theres waves of BIPOC who are doing alot of awesome and really cool work to diversify the space. As a POC who surfs, the surf community definitely has a very long way to go when it comes to being an inclusive community for many reasons, but am super excited to know and see alot of people who are redefining the space.

You can only have 5 art supplies for the rest of your life, what do you choose?
EASY! 1. Princeton catalyst round brush. 2. Princeton catalyst filbert brush. 3. Nova Color Carbon Black Paint 4. Plastic end cap from a mailing tube to hold my paint in. 5. Little water dropper for my paint. I can paint for days with that combo.

Shoutout to:
The Homie cody Hudson for bringing me on to join the lonesome rose t-shirt club! Very excited and honored to be featured alongside a growing list of really talented folks.