The Familiar Strangers

Matheus Lopes is a talented illustrator based in Brazil. He is well known for his colorful and vibrant palette in his illustrations. In this interview, Matheus shares about how his culture influences his work and his views towards the major tee design contests.

TFS: The Familiar Strangers
M: Matheus Lopes

TFS: You have such vibrant color combinations in your works and it reminds me of other Brazilian designers such as Guilherme Marconi and Rubens LP. Do you think the cultures from your country have any impacts on your color palette and how do you usually come up with your color palette for your designs?

M: I have never thought of it like that, but now that you mention it, I think it really makes sense! Brasil is very, very colorful and people are cheerful and happy, and bright designs reflect that in the way. I choose my pallet depending on the concept of each project, but I do tend to use more vibrant colors.

TFS: You have numerous printed designs over at Threadless and Design By Humans. How do you manage such a feat when both contests’s voting crowds have such different taste?

M: I was only able to win both competitions when I understood how each public functions. It was necessary being part of both communities and watch the daily routine of each site.  I believe that basically the DBH’s public likes more experimental and artistic works, and threadless’s is into more fun and conceptual. I believe my style can attend both sides, so that’s why I am able to win at both competitions.

TFS: Do you have anything you don’t like about the current trend in tee design?

M: What DBH is doing lately is apparently the new trend: big designs, lots of colors, nice look, but with some week concepts sometimes. That worries me a little bit. I see t-shirts as an expression form, therefore I believe strong concepts can communicate better.

TFS: Your works have appeared in so many different mediums. Do you think there is any difference being an illustrator and a tee designer?

M: No doubt about it. Although I also illustrate  t-shirts, it is different being a designer. The designer needs to be fully aware of things that wouldn’t necessarily be important in an illustration, such as fashion, the print process and the public. Designers create products, and not art, and therefore their work has to be idealized to be bought. ( the world today doesn’t offer much choice when it comes to that  :p)

TFS: Takehiko Inoue is one of your favorite artists. That’s pretty awesome. I’ve been reading his basketball themed manga Slam Dunk since I was a kid. Do you feel his artworks have any impacts on yours?

M: To me, Takehiko is a genius and I will never be close to doing what he does. I have tried using his influence in my work before, but I was really frustrated (nobody draws like him). Another of my favorite artists is Ashley Wood, and although my work assembles to his sometimes, I also think his work is untouchable.

TFS: You’re a (very young) 21 year old designer. What do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

M: My goal is to be reach untill I am 25, as absurd as that sounds.  :P

Actually I try not to project myself so much into the future like that. Now I have plans to open my own business (I can’t work for other people), and maybe in about 10 years I will leave design aside a little bit, so I can dedicate to having a rock band (it’s a dream of mine) \m/

TFS: Any major projects you’re working on other than winning every possible tee design contest out there?

M: I am working in two projects right now. The first one I can’t comment on it. The other is an online poster store with artworks of newcomer designs, with cheap prices and cool theme contests.