A talk with Indonesian punk rock cartoonist the_vigilante88 on DIY culture, 80s–90s cartoon aesthetics, underground art, and designing process.
First of all, thanks for taking the time to do this. How are you? Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hey, I'm The Vigilante88 (not my real name). I'm always well, healthy, and still living in my room drawing every day. I'm just a punk rock dad who failed art school 20 years ago and started a career as a freelance artist.
How did you start drawing?
I've loved drawing since I was kid . I've been scribbling on walls and drawing random characters from comics, TV cartoons, etc. But I started to get serious about drawing when I was in high school and went on to art school, but failed. I didn't graduate because I rarely attended and didn't follow the rules.
I’ve been following you for a long time, but during my research I couldn’t find much information about your work outside of Instagram. As far as I know, you’re very productive and mostly work on album covers, flyers, and merch designs for bands. I also came across two comic book cover designs you’ve done. What have you been working on lately?
Yes, I'm not very active outside of Instagram. I rarely post my work on other websites. Most of my clients come from email and Instagram over the past 10 years. And some local clients here usually come to my studio to order artwork for their bands or brands. I'm planning to create a book/zine containing my work. And maybe an exhibition if that's possible (because I'm still working on several projects, so this is still a plan).
In the digital age, there’s a constant pressure on artists to showcase their lives. You seem to prefer letting your work speak for itself. Is this a conscious choice to stay in the background, or simply a natural result of focusing on your work?
Maybe it's because of my habits. I rarely show who I am in public, even some of my friends and extended family don't know I'm an artist. Yes, this is me, an artist who doesn't consider himself an artist. I'm not saying this is natural, I'm just limiting myself from the real world. And I like being behind the scenes. :)
How do you personally define your work, and what kind of techniques do you usually prefer?
I really like drawing cartoons. 80s and 90s cartoons. I really like that style, thick line art, strong shadows, characteristic ink strokes. I don't know, that's just what I have in mind. Before the digital era, I always drew with pencils, comic pens, brushes, and Chinese ink, on large paper. Punk rock bands album covers, posters, flyers, cartoons, European and American comics were very influential in my drawing style, I couldn't get away from that technique. I really liked it.
What motivates you to keep producing? I know you draw a lot of inspiration from music, skate culture, cinema, and comics, but I’m curious how this process works on your side.
I live in a small town in Indonesia, and entered the punk and skateboard scene since I was a teenager. It all started from there. I was inspired by them (my friends at the time). I started drawing for their gig flyers, their posters, and some of their album covers then, without realizing it I made this my job.
Among all the work you’ve done so far, is there a piece that you feel most connected to, or one that made you think “this is me”? Why does it stand out for you?
If you see some of my works that say 'fuck the world', that's my work that shows this is me. I can't choose one. Because I love my works. Very dramatic, isn't it?
Is there a music album and a comic book you’ve been listening to or reading a lot lately — something you’d like to recommend to us?
Yeah, I don't really follow new bands, but there are some bands that are always on my playlist when drawing. All albums by Municipal Waste, Vitamin X, Reproach, Spazz, etc. for comic book I'm currently re-reading Punk Rock Jesus comic, yeah I really like the art style.
Thanks a lot for your time and for taking part. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I just want to say thank you, I'm glad you let me be part of this interview or zine. Not many people contact me for an interview. I'm proud to be a part of this.
