Bored in Wisconsin
Well, it's a new month and a new year. What better way to bring it in with an ode to Wisconsin! The Rose Bowl and Beer. That's the way it's done!
Bored in the Basement proudly presents Jeff R. as January’s featured artist. We are grateful to Jeff, as he has played a very important role in helping Bored in the Basement develop as a company. After much anticipation, here is Jeff’s interview:
BitB: Tell us about your background, most importantly your art background and your love for the state of Wisconsin.
Jeff: I grew up coloring and drawing a lot. When I was younger, I wanted to be a “commercial artist”. That job evolved into a Graphic Designer in the real world. I studied Graphic Design in college. I have never regretted my decision to pursue art as a career.
Wisconsin…I have lived in several major areas of Wisconsin. I have also lived in Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa. I have never felt more at home and more friendship than in Wisconsin…how can you not love this place?!?
BitB: When did you decide art was something you wanted to pursue, or more appropriately when did you start in the trade?
Jeff: I won a coloring contest at the local Super America when I was in 2nd grade. I won a $20 gift certificate. That was my first payoff from my art skills.
BitB: Very interesting! Where do you get most of your inspiration?
Jeff: Pop culture. I continue to be amazed with the things people find amazing. Andy Warhol has been a huge inspiration to me since I first saw his work in 3rd grade.
BitB: How about other inspirations such as music, photography, monkeys with coconuts, etc.?
Jeff: I am heavy into music, but visual art and music go hand-in-hand, in my opinion. Movies like 2001, Fight Club and others which make you think, inspire me.
BitB: How would you describe your style?
Jeff: An aftershock of the Warhol Effect on the globalization of techno America…2.0.
BitB: I understand that you went to school at UW-Whitewater. Did you plan on going to school for graphic design?
Jeff: It was always the plan. Although making the transition to web design only came on in my final semester, as web design was just merging as an offshoot of Graphic Design. I designed my first web page in Netscape Composer.
BitB: Pick an animal-which one would you like to be and why?
Jeff: A badger…that is the correct answer, right?
BitB: We are featuring many Wisconsin themed designs for your featured month. What is your inspiration behind these designs-a love for Wisconsin or to help promote your site, or both?
Jeff: Both, but my site promotes Wisconsin, it is a cyclical thing.
BitB: Tell us about your site, AsSeenInWisconsin.com.
Jeff: The site is dedicated to hyper-local news and sightings in Wisconsin. The idea of the site came from a neighbor who had “fixed” their broken basketball rim by replacing it with a five gallon bucket. I thought this is what many of my fellow Wisconsinites see everyday. This is something others can relate to. From this, As Seen In Wisconsin was born.
BitB: Given the chance to be a super hero or a folk hero, which would you choose?
Jeff: Super hero…like Batman.
BitB: Aside from your work with the As Seen In Wisconsin crew, you also do web design and site creation. Tell us about some of your other projects.
Jeff: I have worked on branding and identity for major national organizations and websites which help people get their businesses jump-started.
BitB: You have had a very important part in the creation of BitB. Without your knowledge and skill, BitB would have not had a functioning site until this past November. Do you plan on sticking around and being a continued support and help through design, art submission, and general tom-foolery?
Jeff: Definitely. I really respect what the BitB guys are doing. They are super cool and fun to hang out with. Hoping I’ll be adopted into the family sometime soon!... as long as they stop trying to stab me...
BitB: This is Wisconsin, so you obviously need to answer a drinking question. You have been selected to go on an all expense paid drinking binge for three days with three people-a historical figure, an artist, a writer, and one free choice. Who are your drinking buddies and what are you going to do?
Jeff: Andy Warhol, Stephen King, and Walt Disney. We will crush a cup and discuss the internet, guilty pleasure movies, and takeout.
BitB: How do you bridge between the business side of designing and your artistic side?
Jeff: It is really about realizing who you are working for. You have to remain true to yourself, but also realize you are working for a client. At some point, you need to bend. If it is work what is coming directly from me and straight to the masses, then everything is fair game.
BitB: Favorite curse word?
Jeff: Farve.
BitB: What have you stolen/learned from another artist lately?
Jeff: Copy>Paste behind>Stroke
We hope everyone enjoys the new year and the new designs,
as always,
Love,
Tom and Ant
