If you have a look at the labels of Florida brewery Tripping Animals, the formula is simple. Their logo is a heavy-lidded eyeball… Each label features a cartoon animal who appears to be, well, euphoric. Absurdly simplistic or concisely genius? Perhaps… Unless Alexis Ziritt is the one behind the label.
At face value, I’m sure you will understand why I saw the labels produced by Tripping Animals Brewing and simply HAD to reach out and discover what was at the core of their beer-slinging soul.
One Moment, Please…
I’d be selling my interview abilities short if I failed to mention that the aforementioned formula has resulted in the shortest interview post ever published on thirstybastards.com. I decided to use this space to talk about something near and dear to my heart before unleashing, what I’m sure you’ll agree, is a world-shattering exchange between inquisitor and subject.
I had the great pleasure of performing the co-host role for the Nerdy Legion Podcast with Nick Wetmore this month. The second episode, of the four I participated in, was devoted nearly entirely to discussing the whys and wherefores of this humble little website.
If you have a moment, I’d be honored if you would give it a listen. Nick Wetmore is an outstanding interviewer in his own right and spectacularly entertaining.
We now return you to our regularly scheduled label artist interview. Enjoy!
Interview Continues…
According to co-owner Ignacio Montenegro, “We are very lucky to count with two super talented designers in our team. David Leon who is based in Caracas, Venezuela he runs all the core image of the brand and in-house is Alexis Ziritt who is a comic artist, he helps us with beer menu and also have done a couple of collabs with us.”
“We couldn’t be more lucky to work and partner with the mega-talented Alexis and David. These innovative and imaginative Venezuelans make Tripping Animals even Tripper! They make my work even easier because we have an awesome collaborative relationship between the three of us.”
You might remember Ziritt’s amazing label from Chicago’s own, now-defunct Arcade Brewing’s Winter Slayer.
Thirsty Bastards: My favorite label you’ve done is Interstellar Haze? Can you tell me the story behind its conception?
Alexis Ziritt: Jack Jackman, head brewer for Tripping Animals, and I are really into Doom/Stoner Metal. The idea was to bring some of that music genre cover art to the label. Sincerely I just wanted to do something cool as fuck.
TB: What is your favorite label you’ve done so far for Tripping Animals Brewery and why?
AZ: Interstellar Haze and Vortex of Darkness. Both by me.
TB: How did you get started making labels for Tripping Animals Brewery?
AZ: I’m the best artist in Doral, Fl.
TB: Okay. We’ll keep an eye out on the Doral scene and hold you to that. Where are you from and where did you learn to be an artist?
AZ: I’m from Venezuela and taught myself how to draw when I was a kid.
TB: That’s cool. Self taught… Can you tell me a bit about your process? Are you all digital? Traditional? Mix of both?
AZ: I use Bristol paper, brush pens and India ink. Coloring is done digitally on the computer with Photoshop.
TB: What other art do you make?
AZ: I had done art for Metallica, Mastodon, Star Wars, Patagonia, ESPN, Cartoon Network… I also make Comic Books.
TB: How can your fans find you and your work? Can they buy your art?
AZ: Also check my comics in Amazon: SPACE RIDERS and TARANTULA
