EM:  Occupation and Position
I am a Graphic Artist.  I run a lifestyle brand called ‘ONLY NY’, I founded in November 2006.  I handle pretty much everything including the Creative Direction.

I also do on a good amount of freelance design – it’s a lot to manage, but I definitely enjoy it.  I feel fortunate to be able to do what I do.

EM:  What neighborhood do you closely identify with?  What makes your community so unique?
That would be the Upper West Side (of Manhattan).  I grew up here..  Went to public school (elementary, middle, & highschool) all on the Upper West.  It’s always been like my backyard.  I spent a lot of time exploring/skateboarding/hanging out on the streets, I actually still do.

The Upper West Side is a funny place, it has a lot of character.  There’s a lot of families, lots of students, all kinds of people.  There’s definitely a sense of community for the people who have lived here  awhile.  It’s kind of funny I still want to live here because there aren’t many people doing the same thing as me here.  But something about living in BK or downtown with thousands of other designers/artists turns me off.  I feel like it’s over saturated.

EM:  What’s the greatest item that you found at your local garage/estate sale?
There aren’t many garage sales in the city…But if thrift shops count, I treasure all the plaid /flannel over shirts I have picked up over the years.

EM: If you could interview one unsung hero, who would it be? Why?

EM: What’s your favorite youtube video.
This is my favorite youtube vid by far for many reasons.

Zephyr, Revolt, & Min1 (West Side Tunnels) Circa 1983


EM:  Where are your favorite local spots to eat?
Ollies Noodle Shop, The Heights, Fairway Steakhouse..

EM:  What songs are at the top of your playlist at this very moment?
‘Procession’ – New Order
‘Tibet’ – For Against
’100 million’ – Sunny Day Real Estate
‘See what you can be’ – Nazz
‘Me & My Crew’ – Mobb Deep
‘Waterfall’ – Golden Birthday
‘New Violence’ – White Williams
‘Porpoise Song’ – The Monkees
‘Read it in books’ – Echo & The Bunnymen
‘Son of a neckbone’ – The Beastie Boys

EM:  What are some artists in the past and contemporary that have influenced you as an artist?
Keiko Narahashi (My Mom), Milton Glazer, Keith Haring, John James Audobon, The Beastie Boys, Zephyr, Revs, Espo (Steve Powers) , Reas (Todd James), Kaws, Grotesk, Parra.

EM:  What is your philosophy behind the artistic process?
Having a vision, having a concept, experimenting with execution.

EM:  What are the main mediums that you use for creating your art?
Ball point pen, Pencil, Scanner, iMac, Illustrator, Photoshop, Pilot Silver, Rustoleum, Digital Camera.

EM:  What new projects you are building on right now?
I have taken on the role as creative director for this sneaker brand soon to launch.
I have been working closely with them developing the brand image.  I’m doing the
linesheets, t-shirts, stickers, website, etc., so it’s a lot.  The brand has a unique concept/image behind it so it’s exciting, but unfortunately I can’t say much until it launches.

I am constantly working on ONLY NY, and it is steadily growing and gaining exposure.  It’s been my passion/dream to build this brand and lot of doors have been opening because of it.  Right now I am working on a big site relaunch.  It’s a pretty big investment but I am looking at it like a 5 year plan.  I want to expand on two major things;  the news/blog section and our ecommerce.  Unfortunately the majority of retail apparel stores are doing really bad, so I am focusing on building our direct sales so that we can continue doing what we do.

I want to thank all my friends and family who support what I do – & BIG thanks to anyone who has supported ONLY NY!

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ONLY NY – http://www.onlynylives.com
MICAH STUDIO – http://www.micahstudio.org