JUSTIN LAGUFF

@jlaguff

How did you get started doing art? I’ve always been doing doing art. I’ve been doing it ever since I was a kid. It wasn’t until a couple years ago that I started taking it seriously. Everything snowballed from just getting my work out there, where people can see it, and talking with and supporting other artists.

What tools do you use? I’ve kept it simple using ink pens and Photoshop to colour.

How would you describe your style? I’ve heard others describe it billowy and abstract, that the colours are defining signifiers. Those are good ways to put it. It is hard to describe myself, my style is very much akin to who I am as person, like handwriting. I just see the influences and its history.

What does your desk/workspace/studio look like? My workplace is usually my desk at home that has my PC, scanner, and a light-table among other things. It’s a mess. In public, I like to carry a couple of sketchbooks and maybe one or two different types of pens. I prefer to work this way, I don’t like being tied down to a singular workspace.

Who is your favourite artist, living or dead, and why? William S Burroughs is pretty great. Bit of an odd duck, I do think he has some interesting ideas, and I love how abstract his ideas get. Cartooning-wise, I love everyone that comes out of the Toronto scene, namely Kyle, Deforge, and Mickey Z to name a few.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever made? Dunno yet.

What makes someone an artist? The decision to imitate for expression makes an artist.