by Jake Tobin Garrett, ocw's Managing Editor

Jeff Denomme is making it big in the Vancouver art scene and it’s easy to see why when you take a look at his catchy and unique Haunted Zoo collection. He works in graphic design, drawing, and painting, and his art can be found on everything from t-shirts to skateboard decks. We featured a piece by him in our Spring 2008 issue and have caught up with him for a few questions.

Q: What sort of things get your creative juices flowing?
A: Life, and waking up in the morning. For the most part I think and act a tad different then most. I enjoy it though.

Q: Favourite animal and why?
A: Porcupines, 'cause they're picky.

Q: Can you explain a bit about the concept behind "Haunted Zoo"?
A: The concept behind Haunted Zoo is to create iconic characters that have just the right amount of cuteness and scariness to make you fall in love with them. I see a lot of clothing lines and brands putting so much clutter on their products these days. I like simplicity and white space. Less is more. My art defiantly sticks out in a crowd and thats exactly how I want it to be. I never want to be the same as someone else. I also put my characters on other products.

Q: How do you see Vancouver as a venue for young graphic artists?
A: I can't speak for everyone, but I've only been here for a year and a half and I’m having a great experience in the art world. I love Vancouver and I feel this city has accepted me and my art with open arms. Thank you Vancouver.

Q: What sort of mediums do you work in, and what is your favorite medium?
A: For painting I use acrylic and wood cutouts. I also do graphic design so a computer is a necessary tool. Pencil and paper is my favorite, just because the pencil slides on paper so well, but a finished painting product is defiantly the most rewarding.

Q: Do you have any art related horror stories to share?
A: Ya a bunch. One time I spilt a whole 3 liters of stay clear paint on my carpet. The clean-up was horrible and it costs $80 for 3 liters. My carpet now has a crusty mohawk.

Q: Who are some other artists in Vancouver that inspire you?
A: There are a bunch of artists that I really enjoy but Dave Barnes and Peter Ricq are ones that come to mind at the moment.

Q: How has your experience transforming some of your art into a clothing line been?
A: Actually, I had a clothing line (Fathom Clothing) before I started doing art. Having a clothing line, doing art and graphic design has really helped me out. If we're talking about Haunted Zoo, then putting my new style of characters on shirts has gone amazingly well.

Check out Jeff’s website at www.hauntedzoo.com to see some of his rad art and clothing!