Bad Boy Papi
Photo via Christian Gonzalez
Christian Gonzalez
Los Angeles-based creative director and designer. When we first came across Christian’s feed, we were immediately drawn toward the heavy nostalgia incorporated in his work. And with collaborations ranging from Sporty & Rich to Childish Gambino, it’s no wonder that Christian’s evocative style has earned the attention of big artists and creatives.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. Moved to Florida when I was 9 years old and am currently residing in Los Angeles, CA.
What got you into graphic design - specifically with merchandise?
…I've always been surrounded by color palettes and illustrations.
My mother was a graphic designer growing up so I've always been surrounded by color palettes and illustrations. It definitely played an important part into why I use the colors I use and layouts. Merchandising is something that just fell on my lap. I was only creating mental health awareness & climate change advocate posters when the opportunity of doing a collaboration with Sporty & Rich came about.
You've done work for Childish Gambino, Red Bull, and Sporty & Rich - talk a little bit about your creative process/experience working with some of these notable names.
It was an amazing yet learning experience for me! It taught me that working with notable names is more about having a collaborative approach more than anything else. How to blend both identities to create a unique piece. All the clients listed in the question were incredibly welcoming and a treat to work with.
When working on a project, what's your process from start to finish? Is it a mix of tangible and digital processes?
First, I try to figure out where the client's head is at regarding expectation. Though my process has a lot analog approaches to it, sometimes that's not what the client is looking for. Once that is figured out, I move on to type treatment and layout. Then colors and finalizing.
Childish Gambino, Coachella 2019 - Artwork by: Christian Gonzalez
Sporty & Rich - Artwork by: Christian Gonzalez
Liz Beecroft: Air Max Day - Artwork by: Christian Gonzalez
We love the playfulness of typography in your work, how do you go about choosing and manipulating type for a project?
Imperfection is key.
Kanashii - Artwork by: Christian Gonzalez
I'm glad you love it! When it comes to my personal work, I create what I'm feeling. The type treatment manipulation is a result of what I feel the verbiage could be doing at the time. It always comes out imperfect and I love it. Imperfection is key.
Where do you get ideas for the textures and effects used in your work?
It varies. Sometimes is from movies I've seen and I try to recreate it. Other times comes from things I see while walking and try to bring that effect to life. My inspiration when it comes to texture comes from 1980s Japanese print ads. What they were able to create back in those days is amazing.
What is your favorite project you've done thus far?
Childish Gambino's Coachella piece.
Some of your designs provoke a nostalgic feel like old record sleeves - is this where you draw inspiration? If so, how do you go about achieving this?
That's definitely been my goal. To have my work feel nostalgic and evoking.
I love looking at record sleeves. The way they look after aging in someone's collection for years is beautiful. It's a big inspiration of mine and making my designs feel like that requires a 50% digital 50% analog approach.
Talk about some of your personal work or passions.
A huge obsession of mine lately is chain stitching by hand. My best mate Matthew and I starting a clothing brand called "Mauvais Garçon." We repurpose a lot of old vintage garments and embroider / screen print them.
What is your favorite typeface?
GT America forever!
Mauvais Garçon sweatshirt - Artwork by: Christian Gonzalez
Name 3 songs you're listening to at the moment.
I'll name 3 albums I've been listening to instead!
SOSUPERSAM - Artwork by: Christian Gonzalez
Personal work - Artwork by: Christian Gonzalez
What's the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Lay in bed for 15 minutes and meditate.
What’s the best piece of advice anyone has given you?
Not to rush growth and to create for myself. Also, to spread love and kindness to one another!
Self Destructive - Artwork by: Christian Gonzalez