Paper Monster is a dope, DOPE, stencil graffiti artist. He was nice enough to answer some of our questions, so be inspired...

Can you tell us a little something about yourself?

My name is PaperMonster and I am a stencil graffiti artists. My work explores themes of passion, fear, and a whole range of emotions all revolving around women. I have been creating stencils for over five years and each time I cut a stencil I get this rush of excitement knowing that someone out there will see my work and feel inspired by what I am making. My designs all involve a rich mix of layers and textures including collage work that you can explore for hours. I approach my work the same way that I ran into stencil art, in a very natural way exploring and evolving when the time is right.

You have a very unique style, who or what are your sources of inspiration?

My primary sources of inspiration have been urban art and illustration. If you look at the street art world there is this huge sense of chaos and beauty co-existing. We are all pushing the limits of urban art whether it is at the street level or in a gallery. There are no set rules and there is so much to explore. I really admire all genres and types of artists. The amount of talent out in the art world is huge and I am extremely proud to be part of it. When I go into creating a stencil I want to incorporate a long list of skills and create something that is both chaotic and clean. The painting just screams for attention whether you like it or not.

What is your general work flow? from initial conception to actual spray painting etc...

I usually always have this library of ideas in my head full of themes and concepts that I want to make whether it is now or later. I usually begin by drawing out and cutting the stencils, patterns, and any other layers that I may or may not use in the painting. The collage work that goes into the pieces is a direct reflection of what I am exploring in the stencils. I always try to create a story or some level of dialogue going on inside the painting which allows the audience to interact with what I have created. Audience interaction and communication is the most critical part to any of my paintings. I want people to touch and explore my work. You can see this even when I put pieces on the street and there is no collage work. In my Give and Take project I want people to walk up to a spot on the street that they most likely would never go up to and interact with their environment. They can either enjoy and pass by what I have left behind on the street or go a step further and take what I have created and claimed it for themselves. The final steps all involve using my hands instead of a brush to create texture and other effects incorporating the blues and blacks of the painting to give it a real fluid look.

What type of spray paint, pens etc...do you use and why?

I use a really broad range of materials including Belton Molotow spray paint, paint markers, inks, magazines, newspaper, comics, house paint and the list goes on. I think the main thing is to not limit yourself to what materials you use whether they are physical materials or computer tools and programs. Don’t get stuck in “Oh I only use a certain spray paint brand or Photoshop or Oils,” because you can really box yourself in and prevent some real discoveries for yourself. It helps you we well rounded and better prepared for future opportunities or challenges that may come. Don’t be afraid to use things that are uncommon. Don’t follow other people’s rules, make your own and if someone does not like it then they can go and look at something else. Playing around with different materials is fun. Some things work and others don’t at all. Use what you are comfortable with and expand little by little from there.

What can we look forward to seeing from you in the near future?

I have a major amount of work ahead of me. I have my first international solo show taking place in May 2010 in Paris, France titled: “PaperMonster Ate That Little Boy.”  It will be the first time in over two years where I will put a full body of work for one show. This show will demonstrate where I am and where I am going in my art. The new pieces are just going to be breathtaking and I can’t wait to put everything together. The near future is very exciting with several groups shows coming up including the G40 Summit through Art Whino, a group show with DirtyPilot, and I am curating a group show in Los Angeles which will open in August. I have been really fortunate to really come from nothing and make a name for myself. When I first started to paint I had no supplies or resources, and it is the support of people who have purchased my work, provided me with opportunities to show and encouraged me to continue to create that I have been able to make better quality work. I can not thank people enough for how much I appreciate their support. Never forget people that have been by your side since the beginning.

Have any cool resources we can check out for other art, graffiti, stenciling etc....?

In terms of books, there have been several great publications that are great resource for anyone interested in urban art and stencils.

Stencil Nation by Russell Howze

http://www.stencilnation.org/

Street Logos by Tristan Manco

http://www.streetlogos.com/

Graffiti Brasil

http://www.graffitibrasil.com/

Stencil Graffiti

http://www.stencilgraffiti.com/

There are also many movies which you can watch online for free on YouTube such as Infamy http://www.infamythemovie.com/, and Bombit http://bombit-themovie.com/ which are also great sources for inspiration and will motivate almost anyone to want to get out of their chair and a create,

Any advice for young designers and artists?

The best piece of advise I can give is: “Take Your Time.” When you are ready then you are ready. I know that sounds like a cliché but it is absolutely true. If you rush your work it will show in the quality. Everyone wants to have solo shows and amazing success but it does not come over night. Take the time to put in a strong effort and people will admire and respect what you do. That response will spread and more opportunities will open up for your over time. When I first started to paint I wanted everything to happen at the blink of an eye. I would look at other people’s work and say “I can do that, I am motivated, I have talent” but when your time comes you have to be certain you have the skills to blow people away. You can only build your skills and experience through time. Continue to do what you do. Make mistakes and learn from projects that fall through. Don’t get discourage, and you will always be rewarded for the effort you have put in. It may not be today or tomorrow but you will ear success and you will feel great once it happens. Push on through mistakes and learn from your experiences.

A big monkee thanks to Mr Monster! Check out his website to see what he's up to.