Episode description

Mister Cartoon is a tattooist, graffiti artist, muralist, painter, designer, animator and most importantly a legendary artist from Los Angeles whose work stretches over four decades. His work can be seen on the arms of famous rappers, at local basketball games, on the soles of one's feet and more. Born Mark Machado, the Los Angeles native grew up in his father’s print shop where he was exposed to car culture, soul music and graffiti. 

His work has had an impenetrable mark through multiple generations, defining the rich Chicano and lowrider culture of Los Angeles. He's been a professional since high school, claiming success prior the existence of the internet, cellphone and social media. For Mister Cartoon, gigs relied on the word of mouth and the close-knit community of Los Angeles that he grew up in. 

While street art and streetwear were popular in the East Coast, artists like Mister Cartoon help place the West Coast on everyone's radar. His tattooing immortalized the popularity of fine-line tattoo and his murals made the Old English font emblematic of Los Angeles. He's had numerous sneaker and clothing collaborations, being one of the forerunners of artists chosen for a Nike collab. In this episode, he breaks down his expansive career, shares immeasurable words of advice and discusses his future plans within animation.

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For more info: https://hypebeast.com/2020/2/mister-cartoon-interview-business-of-hype-jeffstaple-episode-65-tattoo-graffiti-sneakers-artist

Mister Cartoon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misterctoons/

Mister Cartoon's website: http://www.mistercartoon.com/