Get Vectorfunked
Matt W. Moore is an artist, designer and Illustrator from Portland, Maine. You may recognize his signature style from the countless projects he’s produced over the years for clients such as Burton, Mountain Dew, Nike and Google. We had the opportunity to talk with him about his style, influences, action sports and what’s next on his list of big things to do for 2010.


Matt W. Moore / Artist : Designer : Illustrator

MWM Graphics
http://mwmgraphics.com
http://mwmgraphics.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/mwm_graphics
http://glyphcue.com

Matt W. Moore is the founder of MWM Graphics, a Design and Illustration studio based in Portland, Maine. Matt works across disciplines, from colorful digital illustrations in his signature “Vectorfunk” style, to freeform watercolor paintings, and massive aerosol murals. MWM exhibits his artwork in galleries all around the world, and collaborates with clients in all sectors. Matt is also Co-Founder & Designer for Glyph Cue Clothing.


 
To start things off for those that might not know who you are, what’s your background and how did you get started in the design world?
I’ve always known design and art were my path in life. After high school I traveled for a few years and then attended college classes at RISD, SCAD, and MECA. My schooling was well rounded in Traditional Art and Illustration, Graphic Design and New Media, and I even took some classes in Marketing and Copy Writing. After college I worked as a Designer/Art Director at VIA, and then moved to Vermont to work for Burton Syndicate (Burton’s in-house Creative Department). Two years ago I took the plunge into running MWM Graphics full time, but I’ve been freelancing all along since I was a teen.


 
Do you have a creative method or process?
I am very process oriented. Each project requires a new perspective and approach, but there are a few underlying principles that remain constant regardless of the desired end result. I strive to be original, unique, progressive, and always deliver the appropriate visual solution. Sometimes a project requires more of an artistic flare, while other times a thoughtful and simple graphic approach is best. I am a strong believer in “Practice Makes Perfect.” and “Range Is Conducive To Growth.”


 
You got to work with K2 to design a limited edition Astar snowboard, how did this come about and what was the overall concept for this project?
About 2 years ago Cory at K2 hit me up to design a line of 4 graphics that celebrated the 4 seasons. We went for a cohesive nature inspired series, lots of trees, icicles, zig-zag flow, constellations, mountains, and other abstracted environments. Each design had a different color palette, but they remained super cohesive as a series. In the end, some things changed and only one of the graphics made it into the 2010 Line. I have my fingers crossed that the other 3 will be actualized next year. Everyone who has seen the tech-pack is hyped on them!


 
What are your proudest achievements as a designer?
Tough question. I guess for me it is more about the sum of the parts than any single project. Each project informs the next, and I’m always thinking a few moves ahead. 2010 and 2011 will be epic. Every time I board an airplane on my way to an exhibition, lecture, or client meeting I get a huge smile thinking back to when it was all just a dream.


 
Who are your biggest influences?
I get asked this a lot, and it is tough to give a answer that doesn’t have huge gaps in it. I’m tuned into a lot of different stuff, past and present. The people who I find most inspirational are the ones who were and are truly ahead of their time. The creative people who need no introduction, and don’t need to sign their work. Folks who own their signature style. The Visionaries and Innovators.


 
How is your workspace looking?
Have you ever seen Beautiful Mind? You know that scene when he’s in his room with all sorts of random stuff taped and glued to the walls with strings connecting one thing to the next… Yeah, that’s what my studio looks like. Haha.


 
Can you talk us through a typical day?
Wake. Coffee. Emails. More Coffee. More Emails. Lunch. Long bike ride around The Bay (or gym session in the Winter). Client Projects all afternoon (and often evening). Dinner and chill time with my girl. Latenight Studio (Personal Work, Art, Painting, Etc.) Deep Sleep. Repeat.


 
What’s next on your list of things to do?
Off to Paris on Thursday for a month preparing for my Solo-Exhibition at SINCE.upian. Hyped for this! A whole lot more stuff I can’t speak on right now, but tune into the MWM NEWS BLOG : http://mwmgraphics.blogspot.com and I’ll keep you updated as all MWM stuff happen and new product collabos drop.


 
Any plans to work on other snowboarding or action sport projects in the future?
Yes. For sure. I have lists upon lists of ideas for Skate/Snow/Surf. I absolutely love working in this sector. It is my playground as an Artist/Designer/Illustrator. Get at me!


 
Any last words or shout outs?
Big UP to my family, friends, supporters, collaborators, and wonderful girlfriend Rhi. I’ve never been so excited for the future as I am now. Daps to The KDU, ROJO Global, PSFK, FormatMag, WUT Graffiti Crew, and everyone else I hang and work with. 2010 will be fresh!
 
Thanks Matt!
 
Interview: Stefan Dukaczewski
Image source: Matt W. Moore