Interview: Dan Radcliffe AKA spacemonkeydr

Published by David O'Donnell in Interview Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links
0We’re obviously a big fan of Dan Radcliff (whom you’ll likely know as spacemonkeydr) featuring many of his designs in our Breaking Bad, Dexter, and Game of Thrones lists. His designs really nail the essence of the show or film they’re inspired by, and he happens to focus on shows we love. But, enough about how great we think he is, let’s hear from the man himself, here’s our interview with Dan!
How would you introduce yourself and your art to people who may not familiar with you?
I would say that I’m a pop-culture fanatic that tries my best to make cool shirts for the things I enjoy, and for other fans as well.
How did you get started designing t-shirts?
I started by entering shirt design contests on different sites around the internet. I really tried to learn what made a good t-shirt design, and after a while I finally got some stuff printed, and I’ve been doing it ever since.
What inspires your work?
I’ve gone through a lot of different phases, and I’m always changing up my style. At the moment it is definitely influenced by all the shows, movies, and other pop-culture things I enjoy. I also get very inspired by other artists, and enjoy seeing how the ones I like progress and change themselves.
Can you give us any insight into your creative process?
It’s funny, but most of the time the idea just hits me outta the blue. Once I refine the idea and decide it will be something that can work on a shirt, and that really captures whatever I’m going for, I start designing it digitally. Sometimes that part is the longest part, and sometimes it’s the quickest, it just depends on the design.
Which is your favorite design of your own?
That’s a tough question, but if I had to pick one I’d have to say “Dark Lord Happy Hour.” I just had so much fun making it, but it was also really challenging to nail it down to something that would work on a shirt.
Which has been your most successful design to-date?
Definitely the Harry Potter Quidditch series of shirts. I think they have a simplicity that works well for apparel, and they strike a chord with the fans. Being a huge Harry Potter fan myself, I was glad that my designs were so popular and could supply fans with something they would really enjoy wearing.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
I really enjoy Megan Lara’s work, you can tell she has a great style and amount of talent, and that a lot of work goes into all of her designs. WinterArtwork is another one of my favorites. His style is very unique yet simple, and it takes a lot of skill to simplify things so much but have them still look great. I always enjoy Jimiyo’s stuff too, it’s pretty epic and continually pushes the envelope of what t-shirt art can be.
What are some of your interests outside of art?
I love 3d modeling and am lucky to work in the entertainment industry and be able to be a part of some really cool stuff. I plan on getting my own 3d printer soon, and hopefully can figure out a way to merge my love of pop-culture with my 3d modeling. It will be interesting to see what I can come up with when you can make virtually anything in real life that you can make in the computer now…
What are your vices?
I can definitely be fickle with projects. I have so much unfinished artwork that just needs a little time and love to call done. Staying focused and finishing something til the end is what I need to work on 🙂
Hypothetical dinner party, you and any two people, dead or alive, who do you choose?
Salvador Dali and Jimi Hendrix, no qualms about it.
Are you currently working on anything we should keep an eye out for?
I have a lot of Game of Thrones designs on the backburner, as well as some Breaking Bad ones. When I will finish them is another matter entirely, but hopefully I can get a few of them out.
Thanks Dan, can’t wait to see those new Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad designs!
Make sure you checkout all of Dan’s awesome designs at his RedBubble store here.