Feature Artist - the Killamari

It would be Lauren YS, for sure.  I've been following her work for a long time and I'm always on the lookout for one of her murals whenever I travel.  I just really dig the characters and imagery she uses in her work.  I don't know what you got to eat or drink to think of the stuff she does, but I never get bored of seeing her art.

2. Did your childhood environment have any influence on your creative?

Yes, it did.  I grew up around a lot of gang graffiti.  Where I grew up there was a big rivalry between the Latin gangs and the Asian gangs.  They left their marks all around town so you wouldn't step onto the wrong street.  My cousin and I walked back to his house after school every day, and along the way, we'd always see fresh pieces go up.  We also always stopped at this one bodega next to an antique shop, where they had comics for real cheap.  The owners were Vietnamese and always hooked us up with comics and cigarettes cause we're half Vietnamese I found an issue there, of Spider-Man - Maximum Carnage - part 12 of 14.  The first comic I ever bought with my own money and the cover inspired me to get into inking and drawing.  

3. Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?

Make sure that the reason you create, is for yourself.  If you love to make art, or play music, or whatever, keep doing it because you love it.  The second you start to treat it like work, it's going to feel like a job, and with that comes stress, and doubt, and all kinds of mess that can cause you to lose your way.  Even if you do it for a living, you have to make sure you're creating for yourself first.  As far as trying to get into the industry or be a professional: be prolific and create non-stop.  You never know who's looking, and eventually, you're going to meet the right person or be seen by the right audience, that will be hungry to see more of your work.  Experiment and try new things to stay fresh.  You might surprise yourself by stepping outside of your comfort zone.  Also, don't compare yourself to other artists.  I think that's the number one mistake I see new artists make, and they discourage themselves from moving forward too early in the game.  

4. What does “being creative” mean to you?

I think creativity can be as simple as just having an idea.  But "being" creative is taking those ideas and translating them into mediums that can be shared with others.  It could be a digital illustration, a piece of music, a mural, or even a badass plate of food.  I think it's about creating something from nothing, or taking something that's there, and shaping it into something different because your brain just had to get it out somehow. 

5. On a lighter note what Muppet character best fits your personality? And why?

Kermit was my favorite as a kid because I was really into reptiles and amphibians growing up.  But I'd have to go with Rizzo the Rat.  He's mad chill, and dude likes to eat.  Also, I was born in the year