Today we’d like to introduce you to Tubs Zilla.
Tubs, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I come from a family full of artists. So, I was constantly surrounded by art. From the murals and graffiti on the streets to my father and mothers artwork at home. I knew that I had a strong connection to art even at a very young age. Watching my father paint and seeing the murals in pilsen really awakened the passion that was inside of me. I knew that I wanted to express myself through art. I started painting graffiti at a young age, the rush the culture really grabbed me and still influences my work to this day. From graffiti and my mother teaching my calligraphy at a young age, started my love and obsession with lettering. It has just been a constant learning experience. I am constantly trying to learn new techniques. I feel never a master always a student is something that I strongly stand by.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would not say a smooth road. It does take alot of sacrifice, time and money to produce something you love. But without those mistakes and hard times you would never learn the necessary lessons to take you to the next level.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Tubs Calligraffiti Art story. Tell us more about the business.
I am known as a calligraffiti artist. I blend the traditional forms of calligraphy and typography with the energy of graffiti.
I don’t know if I have just one thing that I am most proud of. But to name a few would be the Mexican calligraphy flag that I painted in Pilsen definitely means a lot to me. Also, traveling to Palestine and painting on the Gaza strip was an amazing experience. Also very proud that a few of my pieces had made it into homes of artist that I truly admire.
I don’t know if I can stand here and pinpoint the exact things that make me stand apart from others. I just try to stay true to my self and stay humble on this journey.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
It will just continue to grow. It is inevitable, I just hope that I keep its roots strong. That it keeps that history of “real” alive within itself.
Contact Info:
- Email: tubsonechicago@gmail.com
- Instagram: @tubsz_illa
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