World OF: ANTONIO AIELLO
A Q&A With Antonio Aiello, multidisciplinary designer who's created designs for brands like PLEASURES and Scatterbrain, cover art for Micheal Seyer, and personal art that’s been in exhibitions.
Antonio Aiello’s creations have a nostalgic, yet refreshing aesthetic. Inspired by the proportions and attitudes of entities like Homiez, Rocket Power, and Tech Deck Dudes, Aiello works in a wide range of mediums to create designs for brands like PLEASURES and Scatterbrain, cover art for Micheal Seyer, and personal art that’s been placed in art galleries. “I thought by now I would’ve outgrown my fascination with this kind of stuff, but I’m realizing it’s what’s at my core,” he explained. WOE talks to Aiello about his design process, working with popular brands, his influences and much more.
Xavier Spurlock: Your work has a nostalgic feel to me, almost reminiscent of the Homiez style. A feeling that’s been missing for so long. How would you describe what you make?
Antonio Aiello: I definitely loved Homiez growing up. I’ve always been heavily inspired by No Rules, Rocket Power, and Tech Deck Dudes. They all have similar qualities that I really appreciate.
I didn’t even think about Rocket Power, but the influence is so obvious. What similar qualities would you say No Rules, Rocket Power, and Tech Deck Dudes have that resonated with you?
Yeah, that show was so influential for me. Everything from the proportions of the characters and the color palettes, to the music and the title cards. It’s like a cartoon skate video. I think all of these entities capture an attitude that for lack of better words speaks to me.
You do graphic design, sculpture, animation, etc., which is your favorite medium to work in?
I’ve recently been focusing mostly on illustration as of lately. I try to do a little bit of everything but I feel most connected to illustration. It’s definitely the practice I’ve put the most time into.
What sparked your interest in graphic design?
Music, skateboarding, and graffiti are the things I owe it most to. I’ve been lucky enough to have an older brother and cousins that were always showing me what they and their friends were into. The clothes and the bands that they were exposing to me at such a young age really shaped me as an artist and as a person overall.
Can you remember any of the clothes and brands your brother and cousins exposed you to? And how did they play a role both as an artist and as a person?
I definitely believe clothes can say a lot about a person. As silly as it may sound, they can signify to others one’s interests or the community one belongs to and that can be a catalyst to start new friendships. Growing up, I wanted to be a skater so I wanted to dress like one. I was obsessed with brands and was always paying attention to what other people were wearing, something I still do. When I was in third grade my cousin subscribed me to CCS catalogs because I wanted the clothes he had. I was especially drawn to the cartoonish graphic style of brands like World Industries, Blind, Birdhouse, etc. I also like brands like Volcom, …Lost, and Split and am well aware of how much they’ve helped develop my design sensibilities. I think in a way I thought by now I would’ve outgrown my fascination with this kind of stuff, but I’m realizing it’s what’s at my core.
How did you begin designing for brands? What are those initial conversations like?
I was designing merch and album artwork for some of my musician friends as well as for other bands. Around that time I started to get asked to work with some smaller brands but they were few and far between. Those initial conversations were somewhat awkward just because there’s so much that goes into it. Determining your rate, knowing when to be firm and when to negotiate, it’s not that easy, especially when your career is still in its infancy. Things have definitely gotten to be less formal now, I do my best to make working together as pleasant as possible.
You work with brands like Scatterbrain, 8th Wonder and musicians like Micheal Seyer. What do you think it is that connects your work and theirs?
I think brands like Scatterbrain and 8th Wonder have similar influences as myself. They often come to me with an idea which makes working with them easy. As for Michael Seyer, he’s actually my close friend of a long time so I guess we just have that sort of chemistry.
How did working with PLEASURESNOW come about?
I made a graphic for my friend @brvinfreeze’s brand AIR and he’s pretty tight with the owner. They reached out and said they liked what I’d done for him and wanted to work together. They were super cool and easy to work with.
What’s currently inspiring you?
I’m inspired by vintage skate graphics, magazine layouts, old band merch, punk and rave flyers, etc. I’m always taking photos of interesting logos that I’ll see on the road. Sometimes the best inspiration is on the side of a sixteen wheeler.
How has Los Angeles influenced your work?
Well just to clarify I’m from Torrance, which is technically LA county but I’m not really from the city. But Los Angeles as a culture has definitely influenced my work. I think the Southern California vibes are somehow apparent. If not, it definitely screams metropolitan city.
My favorite things that you create are the collectibles. Can you talk to me about creating those?
Thanks, I’m glad you like them. I’ve always been into having collectibles / toys on and around my deskspace so I thought to make a little character that can basically hold down my desk when I’m gone. After I made the first one, I made a few others so they can look like a little crew. Then I thought what else could be funny, so I made an Osiris D3, my favorite shoe as a kid. I haven’t made anything new since lol
Can you take me through your process of taking a design from an idea to a completed project?
I try to think of the most optimal way to convey the idea so that I know it’ll still get across to the viewer. Then I try to figure out how much I can bend the design before I feel like it will break, putting a heavy emphasis on perspective and scale. I’ll usually overwork something only to reel it back in at the very end.
Do you see a difference in making work for yourself versus commissioned stuff?
Honestly not too much, I actually enjoy them similarly. I’m extremely thankful and lucky enough to now be in a position where I’m being commissioned for the kinds of things I would want to make on my own time. I truly enjoy being involved in the projects I take on, and I’ve made connections with so many amazing people in doing so.
How’d it feel seeing your work in an art gallery?
It was kind of surreal. I wasn’t expecting the reactions that my work seemed to get. Opening night was a great time, I was able to meet and hang out with a lot of internet friends. Shout out to @sobstorry and @tlalocstudios for the opportunity and for bringing everyone together.
What’s next for you?
I’ve actually been doing some pretty crazy commissions that I’m extremely excited to share. At some point I hope to take a break so I can focus on selling some products in my online shop, but then I also don’t want to let certain opportunities pass by.
Any of those crazy commissions you want to mention or you’d rather wait?
I’m pretty sure I have to wait lmao.
Are there any specific goals you have for the future?
Not necessarily. There are definitely artists and brands I’d be hyped to work with. I’m hopeful that if I just keep going then good things will come.