Teefury

Tell us about this design:
I was a big Alf fan but a bigger afro fan. It just seemed like a perfect blend.

Tell us about yourself:
I am a creative working out of Minneapolis. I am self employed and love to make things.

What's a day in the life of Phil like?
I wake up early and make scrambled eggs and drink coffee with my wife. Then I sit in front of the TV and draw for a good 2 hours. With the rest of the day I am either doing work for clients, promoting or finishing designs in the computer. My office is really my instant messenger and I always have friends willing to give me their input. After a long day I usually walk my dog and that is where all my ideas hit me. I usually walk with a pen and paper because you never know when inspiration will strike.

What other interests do have (besides painting)?
I enjoy anything that involved creative thinking and problem solving. Outside of creative work I love to disconnect and go hiking or get outside.

Why are you an artist?
I am an artist because I decided when I was 5 to be one.

Do you own alot of shirts? If so, what's your favorite?
I own a ton of shirts. My favorite is a design by ANdy Gonsalves called Peace. It is such a simple concept. I love it so much but I hate that I didn't think of it :)

What was your first printed commercial piece of artwork?
My first commercial print was a design I did for Threadless' 10th Anniversary contest. It was a photo of hand painted peanuts made to look like Charlie Brown and the Gang. It was a really big deal and still one of my favorite pieces I have designed.

What's your art process like, from initial sketch to finished product?
My process is different just about every time I design. I really try and let the concept drive the execution. Some are better inked outside the computer while others make more sense to pencil draw. I love that moment when you have a great idea, but I love that moment you figure out the most incredible way to execute that thought, even more so.

What would the you of now, tell the you of 10 years ago?
Don't worry things will work out. Don't doubt your ability to create just because you don't feel you have the same abilities as others.

What advice would you offer to aspiring designers?
Do something everyday that makes you a better creative. And for God sake stay off ffffound, flickr, comm arts and all those other sites where all the best in the world put there art. That will only make you feel inadequate. Look for inspiration outside of the creative community. If you don't your work might win awards but it won't change the world.

MAC or PC?
I got respect for the PC but man MAC does everything so right.

Any shout outs?
Shout out to all my design buddies who inspire me to create everyday. They know who they are because I tell them everyday that I couldn't do this without them.