BD would like to welcome Justin McTeer into the BD Artist Spotlight hall of fame. He shares his story, talents, and love of fishing with us.
BD:Where do you live?
Justin:I grew up and currently live in Whittier, CA.
BD:What mediums do you work in and what is your favorite?
Justin:I’ve used many different mediums over the years but for the past 6 years, I have primarily used acrylic ink, India ink, and ink pens. They are similar to watercolors in application but do not re-wet after it dries. All of my artwork of fish has been done using these mediums. I find it to be my favorite medium other than tattooing.
1990 (age 10 ) aboard the Royal Polaris with Brian Kiyohara (American Angler Captain)
BD:What are your other hobbies, and are they related to your artwork?
Justin:The obvious hobby would be fishing. I grew up fishing the coast of Southern California with my dad on sportfishing boats. It definitely relates to my artwork since the majority of my artwork is themed around fish whether it be fresh or saltwater species. The majority of fishing I do these days is with my two children ages 4 and 5. What I do for a living I can also call a hobby which is tattooing. It’s definitely something I enjoy just like creating artwork on paper.
Justin:This past year I have also been a cohost on the Cast and Crank Podcast which is a SoCal based fishing podcast. It’s always awesome to talk fishing, hear other’s take on fishing, their stories, and gain some knowledge. As of lately, it’s been hard for me to find the time to be on as a cohost but my buddy Nick has been busy cranking out the episodes. He has also started a YouTube channel where he fishes with guests. The podcast has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of rad people in the fishing community which has been awesome.
BD:How did you get started and what was the evolution of your style?
Justin:I have been drawing ever since I can remember. I took art lessons through my childhood (thanks to the supportiveness of my art by my family) and all the elective art classes I could in high school. From there I continued my education with an emphasis on art at Cal State Fullerton. At that time, I also began tattooing. I think my style evolved from taking bits and pieces from my education in art, tattooing, and influences I looked up to in the art world such as the whole “low brow” art scene. The medium I currently use is definitely adopted from tattooing and the mediums used to produce flash. Stylistically I feel it’s a combination of all my influences.
BD:What goals do you have for your artwork, what does the future hold?
Justin:My artwork has always been something I have done for my own enjoyment when it comes to painting. Over the past 5 years or so I have focused on painting fish and have begun to build a greater number of fish-themed paintings. My goal and hopefully the future holds, greater exposure of my artwork reaching a larger audience.
BD:Is there a message or theme behind your artwork?
Justin:Do what you enjoy. I paint what interests me. Something I would like to promote, if not through my artwork, just in general is to be responsible and respectful as a part of the fishing community. I recently created a new logo for CCA California which is an organization I think we should all support.
BD:What or who inspires you?
Justin:Fishing is a definite inspiration. I’d have to say my biggest inspiration is my children and spending time with them. They are definitely the motivation behind everything I do these days.
BD:What has been the hardest project, or what is the hardest aspect of your art?
Justin:Finding time has been the most difficult aspect these days.
BD:What brings you the most satisfaction or sense of accomplishment?
Justin:Finding the time to actually paint is always a challenge so when I complete a painting and see the finished product it definitely gives me a sense of accomplishment. Hearing a positive reaction from others on a new painting is always an added bonus.
Thanks to Justin for sharing his story. You can follow him on Instagram to see more or contact him via the info below.
- Instagram: ninj1980 (DM for prints, stickers, and originals)
- visit Swimbait’s Plus to purchase Justin’s art
- Email: [email protected]
- Trigger Happy Tattoo 704 E, Whittier Blvd, La Habra CA 90631 (562) 691-8925 www.thtink.com
- Instagram(podcast): castandcrankpodcast
