Artist Profile - Tony Diaz
Born and raised in Ventura, Tony Diaz began creating art at a very young age. While he specializes in painting murals across the U.S. and New Zealand, he is also skilled with pencil and paper, digital design, and printmaking. When Tony isn't painting, he spends his time creating band gig and tour posters for artists like Morgan Wallen, Nathaniel Rateliff, California Honeydrops and more. The second we received Tony’s portfolio and saw his incredible style, we had no doubts that Ripe Mind was the artist we needed to bring the vision to life for the JACKALOPE BLOCK PARTY VENTURA flyer and collaboration.
"Growing up skating every park in Ventura and surfing almost every day, I bled for this culture," Tony shares. "I wanted to convey the duality of surf, skate, and street cultures from the VTA. I loved being broke but feeling rich as long as you had your board with you."
How the connection was born
Recently, we published a contest to find the perfect local artist to create our new JACKALOPE BLOC PARTY VENTURA cover. We received tons of insane artwork by artists from all around the coast, but the industry knowledge of Ripe Mind made the fit hit even harder than anyone else. As the contest winner, Tony knew how to make a creation with a deep dive into the soul of the coastal city, packed with related details and hidden easter eggs.
Massive shoutout to every artist who got involved! We’re inspired by your talent and can’t wait to share more collab opportunities with you.
Exclusive T-Shirt
You can find Tony’s Graphic T-shirt exclusively at the JACKALOPE BLOCK PARTY VENTURA from May 1 to 3. By grabbing one of these limited-edition tees, you're supporting local art and directly fueling the growth of action sports events that showcase our athletes on the international stage.
Q&A with Tony Diaz
How would you define the relationship between your art and action sports culture?
A lot of my artistic inspiration and existence came from action sport culture. I grew up idolizing the art that was on the bottom of skateboards, snowboards, wakeboards. It wasn’t until I started becoming an artist myself, I would draw with paint pens and stencils onto my own and other people’s surfboards, skateboards, snowboards, and wakeboards. I think that art and music are relatable to action sports because everything is solely by you and you alone.
How did you incorporate iconic Ventura landmarks or local elements into your illustration for this event?
In my drawing I included key elements of downtown, where the event is going to be held, even incorporating the pier and iconic two trees.
Looking back at your portfolio, which of your past projects are you the most proud of?
I really am proud of most of my murals in New Zealand. Having the opportunity to travel and do big pieces that so many people see everyday is very special. I also am very thankful for the bands I have worked with creating posters and merch designs.
Who are your biggest artistic influences, and how have they impacted your style over time?
That is a very difficult question. In the world that we live in now there are so many different people creating so many amazing things and I gather a lot of inspiration from graphic novels, poster art and surf/skate culture. But for me James Jean creates work that I think is out of this world with his in depth processes for print making and paintings. I would easily say he is on top for this generation.
Where can our readers find your other projects and follow your work?
Both my instagram and website are great resources to get in contact with me, or just check out some of my projects. My instagram handle is @ripe_mind and my website address is ripeminddesigns.com
What’s your all-time favorite skate spot in Ventura?
Ventura is known for having a lot of small skateparks. But I grew up locally and would always skate at Pacific Skate Park.
Where is your go-to food spot in town?
Corrales have the best burritos after surfing.
Any hidden talents or special skills we should know about (outside of art)?
I like spending time in the kitchen, my family owned Familia Diaz in Santa Paula for 80 years, so I grew up working any position they needed and turned out not too bad of a cook myself.
Join us in Ventura this May 1-3 and check out Tony’s collab shirt at the vendor village!
Tony Diaz
Ripe Mind Designs
707-599-3051
ripeminddesigns@gmail.com
