How did you get into art?

My dad is an artist so when I was a kid he would always be doing different crafts with me, whether it be clay, sewing, drawing, etc. I've always loved to create.

What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
I attended SUNY New Paltz and received a BFA in Printmaking. Before college I didn't even know what printmaking was, but instantly fell in love with it after taking one class and continued from there.

What’s your prefer use of medium?
I'm all over the place with different mediums, but usually pen and ink for sketching out ideas and then translating that into either a silkscreen or woodcut print. I also use Photoshop to clean up layers and make transparencies for printing. I enjoy printing on paper and wood, though lately I've dabbled in painting murals and pin design, too. Most people are probably familiar with my wood transfer prints more than anything, though.

Do you have an Artist name? How did you get your Artist name?
I don't have an "artist name" but this year I created the "brand" name Parlor Trick Prints. My college thesis focused on print media and animation combined. I researched vintage forms of animations and optical illusions found in toys and books, since they were things I have always found interesting as a kid. I thought Parlor Trick fit in nicely with some of the subject matter I draw and I would like to push my prints in an animated direction again soon. 

Who inspires you?
Obviously my dad has made a big impact on my work, but other artists include Escher, Dali, Tim Burton. I also love vintage poster art and pulp art as well. 

What is your goal when you make art?
To make myself happy creating it and to make it accessible and affordable for others to enjoy it as well.

What's your go to song right now?
"Drunk on the Moon" by Tom Waits

What is your dream as a artist?
To make a comfortable living doing what I enjoy, and seeing people enjoy what I do.

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become an artist?
Self-motivation is absolute key. There are no rules in creating artwork and no one is going to tell you what to do, so you have to make and follow those rules yourself.

Where can people find you? 
You can find me on instagram @parlortrickprints

on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parlortrickprints/?ref=bookmarks

my website: parlortrickprints.com

or around Staten Island.