Artist of the Month: Hopper Posted July 29, 2009 This month we spotlight the work of yet another solid, longtime contributor to Tribal, Hopper. In addition to his artwork, Hopper is the lead designer for all Tribal USA's cut and sew products and also owns and operates his own clothing line, Serye Design. click here to visit the Serye Design website Hopper Hopper Tribal: Where do you call home? Hopper: San Diego California... Go Chargers!! Tribal: How long have you been with Tribal designing pieces for them? Hopper:I've been working with Tribal since 2000 so about 9 1/2 years. I actually started out here as a warehouse guy pulling orders and and basically over time worked my way up the ladder into more of a management position along side Brisk of course. I've done a few t-shirt graphics here and there but not too many, my thing is cut and sew here at Tribal. Custom headwear, denim, fleece tops bottoms etc. and I've been doing this for Tribal for about the past 5 years or so. Hopper Hopper Tribal: How would you describe your style? Hopper:I'd say as far as my personal art goes it is pretty colorful and wacky... That's how I paint all my pieces, letters and razor sharp pieces are very important to me so I am constantly on the grind trying keep the letter styles on point... Now for cut & sew design it is important for me to have a good eye and an open mind. You need to really pay attention to the game and know at the same time it's "not" about you and your particular style it's about the consumer who is buying the product, so I really try to cater to the market chop it up and make it hot at the same time. Tribal: Who are some of your influences? Hopper:For Graffiti, RISK WCA, POWER WCA, ZODAK ONE (West Coast O.G's) and I can't leave out the O.G. street bombers of my time that really showed me the way of crushing KON, FOOIE and my man CESO... And last but not least BATES A.I.O. one of the kings of style hands down. Now for cut and sew, Big Naghman from the N.Y.... He is official with his cut sew for sure, and I have really payed attention to his ways and style of designing and learned everything I know from him. Tribal: Music? Hopper Hopper Hopper:I like all types of music.... 90's hip hop, rock whatever it's all good.... Tribal: What do you like to do when your not at Tribal? Hopper:Watch movies with the fam, drink beer..... paint as much as I can... bbq.... and drink more beer. Tribal: Anyone you want to thank? Hopper:Yeah, actually.... Bobby and Carl, I have told them many times already but they have really changed my life for the better and got me on the right path and I'm am always grateful to them... And my main man Brisk for being a solid and true dude. Stay up and stay true, ~ Hopper Hopper Please click here to return to the tribalgear.com home page.