Recently we released the second beer in our Shades of Haze Series where we hired local artists from the neighborhoods where our tasting rooms are located to create the artwork for the cans in the series. North Park After Dark Hazy IPA turned out absolutely delicious and the can artwork is epic. We wanted to share with you a little more about the artist, Chris Serrano, aka Cheezo, so we sat down and asked him a few questions.
1. Tell us a little bit about how you got your start as an artist.
I started drawing and painting as a kid like most kids. It turned into a career after receiving a degree at the Art Institute for Graphic Design in 2012. I had 9-5 graphic jobs that progressively got better and better, and when I got home from them I would make logos and graphics for people that liked my work from discovering my work on IG. Now I’m in the best position, I can’t imagine getting better.
2. Tell us about the style of art that you create.
The style that I enjoy doing the most is mostly illustrative, using creatures and funky settings to fill the canvas. I love monsters, sharp teeth, crazy eyes, bright colors. Lowbrow art.
3. What or who has been your biggest influence, artistically?
Ed Roth, Rat Fink, Garbage Pail Kids, Madballs, that’s the art that inspires me. There are also people that I’ve met along the way that helped me with my skills. People that I worked with and worked for, Shout out to Raul, Daeo, Dam Sanchez, Mike Becker. Those people believed in me and helped me a lot.
4. Tell us about the North Park art scene.
The art scene in North Park is super supportive. Everyone is always down to boost people up, promote, and support. Love it.
5. Can you explain how you came up with the piece that you created for the Thorn beer can?
I just had fun with it and filled it with my version of North Park. It’s not always the cleanest, always tempted to go grab a beer with friends and avoid working, but my characters are always smiling, and always a good vibe.
6. Where can people find your artwork available?
My art is everywhere. I’ve done merch and products for a bunch of different businesses. Everyone once in a while I sell personal art you can find me promoting on my IG (@CHEEEZO) but for the most part I focus on making cool work for businesses that I choose and enjoy working with.
Find North Park After Dark Hazy IPA at any Thorn tasting room and throughout San Diego!