CMG:The Artist & Designer Behind Chocolate Skateboards
You may have noticed the artwork of Carlito M. Gutierrez on the streets, maybe on a t-shirt or on the bottom of a skateboard. If you skate, there’s no doubt you’re familiar with Carlito's designs, as his work has been reproduced and distributed all over the world by one of the most iconic names in the biz, Chocolate Skateboards.
CMG, Carlos, Carlitos, C, Los, or Losi, as he may be referred to, shared with us about his creative process. He’s also a musician, and talks about how he sustains artistic flow between mediums, and what's been inspiring him lately.
Favorite color at the moment?
Purple.
Describe your happy place.
It has sand, ocean, a guitar and I'm stoned in love.
What influences your art?
My art is me and where I come from. [It's] how I'm feeling at that moment. [It's] an extension of my emotions, and a representation of my community.
I'm working on some watercolor paintings for a skateboard series and also writing and recording songs. I'm always thinking of things to do.
How did you start creating art for Chocolate?
I linked up with them when I was still in high school. I was already into what Rick and Meg were doing around town and I heard they were looking for art for their new company. I reached out to them and showed them some stuff they liked. So I got in with art but quickly started doing things they needed to be done around there. I worked in the warehouse and I also did sales there for a bit. But always tried to contribute artistically. That leads us to where we are now.
You're involved in every part of the creation process from illustrating designs to shooting product shots right? What have you learned from the process?
I am involved in all those things. Pretty much most things here are like this: we all handle our potential ideas starting from the ground up. Sometimes they go. Sometimes they don’t. But the most important part is the process for me. I love learning and figuring out which direction things end up taking.
Were there additional skills you had to learn and how did you learn them?
Oh for sure! I basically learned everything here. Girl Skateboards University. We have a special way of doing things here. Luckily I have such talented people here in The Art Dump to lean on for guidance, past and present. I feel lucky to be surrounded by these awesome creative people here.
Do you ever come across your artwork on the streets? What does that feel like?
I do! I love it. It makes me feel great! It reminds me I’m a part of something bigger than myself. Like I’m on the right track and I’m doing what I am supposed to be doing in the skateboarding world. I wanted to be pro when I was younger but skateboarding needed me for something else!
I imagine that having a job that involves your creativity can be challenging at times. Do you ever get stuck? If so, what do you do to get fresh ideas and creativity flowing again?
Things can get challenging here sometimes, but ultimately I am a creative person and things flow in and out of my brain all day. Again, luckily, I'm surrounded by such creative people and they have shown me the importance of finding inspiration, connecting with others for ideas, taking direction and new perspectives. They definitely give me the freedom to get out of here and find ways to be the best me so we can all have that energy to bring here to create! It’s a great way for me to stay balanced.
Is there an overall message, feeling or theme that you hope your art will evoke? Hope. Humor. Love. I want to show honesty and being vulnerable in my art is important to me.
Who or what have you been inspired by recently?
Lately I've been inspired by quarantine. I've been able to tap into ideas and actually push through to being able to get them done. I knew this time could go either way for me, so I made a conscious effort to stay focused and take advantage of this time. I guess that's the most important piece of the puzzle for me. Time. I always need more time to work on things. I felt like I was given that with quarantine so I made sure I used it.
Why do you create?
I don't know...I love it? I can't stop? I'm lucky? It's who I am? Yes. I really don't think I'd be happy if I was doing anything else.
What are you working towards now?
Man. I'm working on a new catalog for Chocolate. I'm putting out songs all year. Once a month! So far, so good. I just moved to a new place and I'm still settling in, so that's going on right now.
In general, I guess I'd love to keep my life filled with art, music and creativity! I'm always working towards that! That's really the ultimate goal.
You can find Carlito's art in your finer skateboard shops all over the world or on Instagram at @cmglovesyou
Fellow artists/creatives to recommend?
Andy Mueller, Rickk Howard, Chelsea Rose, Dru Collage, Dennis Robicheau, Novi Split, Gordyland, RebelVandal, Ben Petersen. … Oh man, there are so many. But personally these people are all super inspiring, whether it's art or music, these guys have inspired me, helped me, believed in me, and made the idea of doing what you love for a living more than a dream.
