I found Justin’s website via a retweet on Twitter a while back. I was immediately struck by his powerful images he creates under the name Plastic Monument. He’s got that uncanny ability to pair modern aesthetic with retro flair. And he pulls it off phenomenally!
Check out his website ///here///
Tell us a little about yourself and what steps you took to get here:
I am a designer (print/web) and illustrator based out of both Los Angeles, Ca. and Nashville, Tn.
I’ve been involved with art since I was a kid. I started taking oil painting classes when I was 6 years old and learned how to illustrate at a young age. My Grandpa was an illustrator for Howard Hughes and translated blueprints into conceptual illustrations; i.e., planes flying off into the sunset, etc. He would consistently encourage my artistic developments and gave all sorts of art equipment from the 40′s and 50′s.
I toured the west coast twice right after high school in an indie blast-metal band called Genosha. The only way we could recoup the expenses of touring was through screen printing our own merch. Music really brought life to my passion for art that I thought I had lost. I saw the two live seamlessly and was even able to make a little extra money on the side with it.
I decided I didn’t want to work full-time in retail and or tour as a musician so I buckled down and went to design school in Pasadena, Ca. I was hired as a web designer after my first year in school. Although I went to several schools for design over the course of 6 years and feel very educated (at least in design), I never finished my degree.
How did you land the CMT logo-design job?
I’ve worked with CMT/ MTV Networks in the past and I was fortunate enough to be able to work with them again considering the level of talent they usually pull from. They have some ridiculously talented staff designers at CMT like Matt Lehman (invisibleassociates.com) and Brad Davis (actionherodesign.com).
What’s your go-to source of inspiration outside of art or music?
I love sci-fi books… almost exclusively Issac Asimov. Anything as technical as a good sci-fi book requires investing time into the styles which is why I stick with Asimov. Probably take me another 1-2 years to get used to another author. At the end of the day, I find that books somehow explore deeper and more imaginative things than movies, music and other media are either too restricted by time and or by format to do.
What’s your personal favorite piece of work you’ve created?
Probably my Path or possibly Arcology poster.
What blogs or magazines do you turn to for creative inspiration.
ffffound.com, designworklife.com, sci-fi-o-rama.com, abduzeedo.com,
What ‘s your all-time favorite piece of art or design. (*not created by you)
Robert Peak’s 1984 Olympic stamp collection.
What’s your current creative obsession.
At the moment, I would say making music.
Thanks for your time Justin. Lookin’ forward to seeing your CMT logo!
-Aaron Scamihorn-