toner Tuffy Tuffington (Lil Tuffy) is a Designer, Artist and Printmaker based in San Francisco.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Most of my work is for bands so I try to focus on particular songs or specific lyrics when creating concert posters or album covers. For my personal work, I try to incorporate humor, or at least some sort of playfulness in the work. I like visual puns and creating things that make people smile.
Which is the reletioship and influence beetween your cultural backgorund (country, studies, etc.) and your artworks?
Hmm. I don’t really know how to answer that. I don’t consciously think about that when designing. In the past, I’ve tried to avoid political and nationalistic themes in my work. But the current climate in America has inspired me to become more politically active. But I still try to incorporate humor into that work: for example, a non-violent protest/stunt I organized to have people leave their dog’s poop in a field where an alt-right rally was to be held the next day.
What are you much focused in?
Almost everything I do is connected to music.
Have you encountered any difficulties when you first started your art/freelance career?
I think the most important hurdle to get over is having the confidence to commit to your art instead of it being a hobbie you do after your “real job”. I walked away from a comfortable job and a great salary because, ultimately, I was unhappy. After I left full-time work, I started bartending to support myself but that allowed me to focus more on my actual work.
Over these years, what is the most important thing you have learnt from your profession?
Be nice. It’s amazing what kind of effect even the smallest of gestures can have. I had small bands crash at my house 20 years ago and they still remember that. I ran into another dude backstage at a festival and we were talking and then he just blurted out, “Wait, you’re that guy that gave me beers 10 years ago!”
Do you think that a creative job is just creativity or it’s discipline too?
Creativity will only get you so far. You can have the best ideas and talent but if you can’t hit deadlines, pay your bills or keep your word then what good are you?
Are you currently work on new projects?
Spring is busy for me — this week, I’m working on posters for Judas Priest and Fleet Foxes as well as series of art prints inspired by wine. Then I’m off to Barcelona and Porto to exhibit my posters!
Artist Website > liltuffy.bigcartel.com
Instagram > @lil_tuffy
