Mister Cartoon
L.A. tattoo and graffiti-style artist Mister Cartoon has moved from outlaw tagger to the corporate big time (and thats big as in billboard). The graphic designer has lent his style and coveted street cred to a variety of products including Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, T-Mobiles Sidekick and Nikes limited-edition Air Force 1 shoes. Here hes at work in his warehouse studio on the billboard -- commissioned by Universal Studios to publicize the latest entry in its street-racing movie franchise Fast & Furious. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Spray paint is Mister Cartoons medium of choice for the billboard, destined for the Sunset Strip. Its definitely a rush seeing your art on a billboard, Cartoon said. Working with design agencies, designing concept cars its a long way from my dad telling me to get a real job. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
The sketch Mister Cartoon submitted comes to life in his warehouse studio, just outside skid row. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
The mural turned billboard is distinctly L.A., depicting muscle cars, a femme fatale, a Mexican Dia de Los Muertos skeleton and the movies name emblazoned in gothic gangster font. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
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Cartoon kept his lowrider-driving image intact for the unveiling, arriving in his customized64 Chevy Impala and bouncing on hydraulic springs before reporters and photographers assembled for the event. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
