DVNT // STAYBOLD INTERVIEW
Staybold is an Australian based graphic artist. His grungey illustration characteristics and taste for heavy music formed the perfect environment for his notable art style to develop. Today you will find his artwork linked to bands such as; the Ammity Affliction, Rise Against, Bring Me The Horizon and Architects.
Staybold took a moment with us to share a glimpse of his life behind the scenes.
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Milan Chagoury. I am a designer at Stay Bold. I design mainly logos and merchandise.
What is your worst habit?
I suck at replying to emails. That red bubble on my email icon logo has 4 figures in it.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
I am a sucker for those Mini Babybell cheeses.
What word best describes you?
LOUD
What is your favourite book/magazine?
I used to love T- World magazine and Vice magazine. I also love most of Bukowskis books.
Who is your favourite band/musical artist?
Candlemass and/or Merciful Fate.
Who is your favourite visual artist?
Aussie Sam Octigan. Love everything that guy does.
What is your favourite movie?
Barfly or Suspiria.
I went to the last Australian warped tour. I managed to get an AAA pass. I used that pass at the hotel all the bands were staying at and managed to convince the reception that I was in a band and I hadn’t been allocated a room. They ended up getting me my own room hahah.
What are three things that people do not know about you?
I was once in a hardcore band. I come up with my best ideas in the shower or cleaning the house. I am also completing a diploma in mental health.
What is your favourite book/magazine?
Book: Goosebumps, Magazine: Wizard (back in the day).
Do you have a secret skill/party trick?
I can randomly disappear from parties and social gatherings without anyone noticing.
What is your biggest regret?
Turning down a 6 month internship with GUCCI after they copied a design I did.
When you are not creating illustrations, what do you do to relax?
I like to go to the beach or have some beers with mates. I also like to spend time with my girlfriend and bulldog.
What was your first job?
Working on a hemming machine in my dads clothing factory.
When did you realise you had a flair for your current skill?
I will let you know when that happens.
What has been your biggest break/accomplishment, to date?
Probably working with Blink 182 or Pearl Jam.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
K.I.S.S - Keep it simple stupid!
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I get to see designs in random places around the world.
If you had not pursued your current career, what do you think you would be doing?
I would be a journalist. I was doing a bachelor of Journalism when I discovered Photoshop.
What does a typical day involve?
Coffee, Morning Exercise, Start Drawing, maybe smoke a joint, Draw more, Send emails, Take my dog for a walk. Have dinner with my girlfriend. Watch some Netflix and pass out.
What is your favourite medium to work with?
My Wacom Mobile Studio Pro.
Where do you draw most of your inspiration for your art?
Usually a bands song lyrics.
'What program do you use.'
What is your most important artist tool? Is there something you can’t live without in your studio?
My iMac and Wacom tablet.
What are you excited for in the future?
I'm excited about going on holiday to Japan and I’m excited to get another bulldog pup.
Who has been your favourite client to work with?
The ones who pay invoices on time.
What has been your best project to work on?
I think the best was probably the 6 years I have been working with The Amity Affliction. I have had basically free reign on a lot of projects and they have turned out pretty cool.
How does your work comment on current social or political issues?
It doesn’t. I did some anti trump stuff with a project I have been running called Death Dealers co. but as far as that I don’t bring politics into my work.
What aspect of your art, do you think causes it to stand out?
Maybe the boldness of the designs? The fact they stand out on T-shirts.
If you could give on piece of advice to someone possibly wanting to do what you do, what would that be?
Don’t do ittt! Hahaha. I would probably say to just keep pushing yourself and not to take criticism too harshly.
What moves you most in life, either to inspire or upset you?
The crippling fear of failure snatching at my feet.
What is the role of the artist in society? Why do you think your art is important?
If the EARTH didn’t have art in it would be just EH. hahah basically that. Art pushes the boundaries of imagination. If we didn’t have things like art and music the world would be a very bland place.
Do you have any hidden messages or undertones in your work?
My Designs basically tell the story of a guy who likes drawing skulls.
When did you first hear about DVNT?
I saw a DVNT sticker on a mirror in a barbershop called Barebones in Brisbane.
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