Thomas Reitmayer (AUT)

Thomas Reitmayer (AUT)

As you can see on the picture he sent me for the blog, Thomas is definitly not the kind of guy you want to mess with ;) I am kidding, this is not because he is austrian like....let's say Governor Arnold, that you have to fear him, at least hidden behind your computer. He is not only a brilliant poster maker, but also has done tons of records cover we may talk about one of those days !!!

Hello, of course as every Crewk interview, first question: what are we listening to when we come to visit you?

Today my musical diet consisted of Red City Radio, Miles Davis, Raekwon and Judge so far.

Can you tell us more about yourself, who are you, where are you from, what do you do?

My name is Thomas Reitmayer. I am, for lack of a better term, a "visual artist" living in Wien, Austria. I run Create & Destroy Press,co-own a record store and skateshop called Yummy, and try to be a good person.

When did you start drawing?

I have been always doodling bascially. However, I couldn't draw or paint to save my life... it's just bits and pieces on random scraps of paper that I scan and use and manipulate.

Did you follow any course or did you improve by drawing in the margins of your schoolbooks?

I never went to any art or design school, it's all self taught. Punk rock and skateboarding made me do it!

Today are you living from your art, or do you do something else for a living ?

Art and design jobs are the major part, yes. But I'll do whatever helps pay the rent.

Are you collaborating with magazines/fanzines, regularly?

I used to publish my own magazine GLW/DRK, but I don't collaborate regularly with anyone, though - just whatever pops up.

Where does your influence come from? Is there any artists/graphists you particularly like, what are your influences?

My influences include (but are not limited to) coffee, books, 50s advertisements, 60s jazz covers, 70s porn, 80s hardcore, and 90s gangsta rap.

What are the principal steps in your work?

It always starts with the music and the lyrics! Based on that, I develop my ideas, choose the lettering and try to come up with a design that fits the mood and atmosphere.

Do you do everything by hand or on computer?

It really depends. I have never done a completely computerized piece of art, though. I always make sure there are some "organic" elements to it, a human factor.

How long does it take you to do a poster?

I can't really give you a clear answer... sometimes it's just a few hours, sometimes it takes weeks. As a rule of thumb, I always try to take a short break from the design process to determine whether or not it's all finished.

You have a very distinctive style, are you doing only what you feel like or if tomorrow somebody asks you an oil painting with horses running out of water with a sunset backdrop, is it a problem or are you up for it?

It totally depends on the project... I am always open for suggestions or a general direction. However, the horse/water/sunset thing is not my style. I would question the sanity of a client approaching me with that concept.

For which band have you already worked for?

To name a few: Neurosis, dälek/iconAclass, Blacklist Royals, Jeff Rowe, Bridge and Tunnel, Young Livers, The Saddest Landscape, Funeral Diner, Off Minor, Mieze Medusa & Tenderboy, Sometree... the list goes on and on.

For which band would you love to work?

Basically likeminded individuals and forward thinking artists with a similar work ethic and the general mindset of pushing themselves and pushing barriers. But my ultimate goal would be to do something for Bruce Springsteen. Or Tom Waits.

Do you choose the artists yourself?

When it comes to gig posters, yes. This is a not a "job" or a "career option", so I have the luxury of being picky. I tend to believe that I must be into a band's music and especially mindset to create a good piece of work.

What is the most difficult part in designing a poster?

Typography. Bad lettering can kill the best design!




Do you think you are part of a "Graphic Scene", if so who else ?

Uhm, I am not sure if there actually IS a "graphic scene" at all. But to answer your question, no. I don't consider myself a part of any scene really.

A bit of self-promotion, take advantage of it, it's free, where can we see your work , on the web or in real life?

My website is http://www.createanddestroypress.com/, and yes, I KNOW... it needs to be updated! You can always drop by at the Yummy store (http://www.yummy.at/) for a chat or to buy zines and prints.

The best praise you received lately?

"I love you, Thomas!"

What can we wish you for the future?

Good things I hope!