Drawing Outside The Lines: Trxnt
As we go globe trotting from state to state to speak to some of the brightest designers, we come across another talented artist on our "Drawing Outside The Lines" series. In the past we've featured the likes of Papikodone, ArtbyJeremy, DryDurags, and more. As we may have put a special spotlight on what they have done but we keep the momentum moving with notable Pen and Pixel inspired artist, Trxnt.
Coming from the depths of Shreveport, Trxnt picks up a certain southern element that a lot of designers from the area have moved area from and that's embracing the calculated preciseness it takes to breathe life to the "Big Baller" approach that No Limit and Cash Money Records put into their projects. His rebirth of this era in his work has allowed him to spread his wings and work for the likes of Divine Council, Reese, Cruwulf, and more.
We recently had a chance to talk to him about his Baton Rouge upbringing, his favorite artists at this moment, how he loves Pen and Pixel, and more. Read below
How's Your Modern Life?
As of now it's alright i guess, I'm not where I wanna be yet i just gotta keep working and I'll be straight
What are three you need to do when you first wake up I the morning?
Check emails or any dms people have sent me about work, take a shower then smoke.
Coming from the depths of Louisiana, how was your upbringing?
My upbringing was never too bad and never too good, my folks made sure i was straight even when shit got rough. It's real easy to get caught up in the wrong shit down here it's crazy but growing up I just knew how to separate myself from negative shit and just always did me.
Growing up in "The Boot" during your childhood, you were coming up in a transitional phase where the music and culture scene was shifting from New Orleans to Baton Rogue. Give us some insight on how each city is different but played a vital role to LA?
Each city played a role , Shreveport , Baton Rouge and New Orleans all had their shine through the years. Cash money , no limit ,boosie & webbie really influenced a lot of people to start rapping and they'll always have a big impact on Louisiana, a lot of folks grew up on them. you honestly can't go to a party without the Dj playing lil Webbie or bounce music and everyone knowing the words lmao. As far as culture, it's hard to explain . We're all the same but totally different if that makes sense ,kinda like the Dmv area. Our accents and music are really different. Br music is def at the top right now though, theirs talented people everywhere in this state its just so much negativity ,fake shit & fake beef .. it holds a lot of people back feel me?
As you can see in some of your work, you are heavily inspired by Pen and Pixel and being from the South it's hard not to see some of their posters. How have their style carve out the way you design today?
I've always fucked with how pen&pixel had the smallest details in their covers & the themes they had for a specific artist. Back then they didn't have the technology we have now so I can only imagine how much time and work was put in. There's actually a noisy video that came out bout 4 years ago on how they made the covers and I lowkey studied it lol, I just wanted to bring that back but in a different way.
"I feel like being a graphic designer kinda has the same level importance as a producer does , we put in a lot of work but we make it look easy . The artwork is the first thing you see before you listen to a song. I think the better the cover the better chance you have of getting a listen from a random person. Artists gotta learn to pay the producers and designers if you're serious about this music shit. "
Other than Pen and Pixel, who were some other people that inspired your way of designing?
The graphic artists that inspire me are
Hoodxghandi
Steviefranchise
Ewgraphix
Papikodone
Forgivemelvrd
& Fvrris
I fuck with all of them heavy
What are some of your pet peeves of being a graphic designer in today's time?
Smh man my pet peeves gotta be people that want free shit off top , and people that hit me up asking me about prices but disappear after I tell them haha.
Do you feel like it has been an importance placed on the graphic designer when it comes to providing the right image for any artist you work with?
I feel like being a graphic designer kinda has the same level importance as a producer does , we put in a lot of work but we make it look easy . The artwork is the first thing you see before you listen to a song. I think the better the cover the better chance you have of getting a listen from a random person. Artists gotta learn to pay the producers and designers if you're serious about this music shit.
How do you think you set yourself apart from other artists in today's time?
Having different styles of art , coming up with concepts for artists and being able to design streetwear set me apart from others I guess
What are three things you want to accomplish by the end of 2017?
My only focus right now is to get out of Louisiana , and work with more major artists.
How do you want to revolutionize your art?
I really don't know man, I feel like I haven't did anything that important yet to say. I'm still trying to figure shit out
If you can offer any piece of advice that you've learned in your career that you can offer to the next designer, what would it be?
Don't do anything free for randoms...Don't steal other people's art! develop you're own style....Make sure you design something almost everyday whether it's fan art or your own you never know who's watching. Don't be afraid to dm these rappers or clothing brands they might fuck with you , your work speaks for itself.