Munk One’s (Juxtapoz #96) ghoulish imagery can almost be frightening in both its subject matter and stunning detail. This marks Munk as our next featured artist as part of our 15th Anniversary Art Auction.

Zacky V: Being so respected in the art community, what do you feel is the most important way to maintain credibility?

Munk One: You know, I just do what I do, the best I can and hope that someone out there will get something out of it. I think people pick up on the fact that what I do is done with passion and I spend time developing my ideas to put something out that’s special. My art is very personal to me, and I do think people pick up on that. I like how Jay-Z put it, “Treat each job like it’s your last, but try and stay humble like it’s your first day on the job.”


A lot of artists are very reluctant to listen to other people’s ideas when creating graphic designs. You seem to have a clear vision but are very willing to listen to people’s ideas and expand on them. Do you think this has helped in your success?

Listening to a band’s ideas is challenging. More than likely it’s coming from multiple people in the band, which can be an issue in itself. Learning to listen is a skill I’ve picked up over the years. It’s important to me because if I can get an idea of what they’re looking for nailed down right away then I’m able to really expand on the vision that I have in my mind and take that to the fullest without going astray and handing them something out of left field. Since my art is personal, if I’m given the freedom to do anything I want sometimes it’s just too much. I have issues that show through just like everyone else. I think my clients see how much of myself I put into each design.


What advice do you have for young aspiring artists?

To me there’s nothing better than a life drawing course to really build skills. The body’s difficult to draw, but it’s so important to have those skills. I know computers can do so much nowadays, but I can tell if a person has the ability to sketch something out and pull off a concept when looking at their designs. You don’t have to spend all your money on school if you don’t have the means. I took a couple classes in community college. I also advise to learn about the business side of things. I’d say half of my workday revolves around business and not actual creative time, speaking to clients, emails, and really having an aim and a direction. I try and focus on specific goals and put other things to the side, even though they may pay better. Learn legal terminology and how to protect your artwork. Write contracts and keep them up to date. Maintain a portfolio.

--Excerpt from January 2009, issue #96. Interview by Zacky V of Avenged Sevenfold.

You can also buy the Munk One x Juxtapoz t-shirt of the same design at our webstore here.
 

Check out www.juxtapoz.com/auction to stay current on all participating Auction artists.