Motohiro NEZU is an Illustrator / Graphic Designer. Born in Kawasaki, Japan and moved to Los Angeles when he was 21 years old. He studied graphic design and worked for several design studios in LA. Now, he's back in Japan and focus on illustration.

Hi Motohiro, today you selected for MoW 6 of your artworks inspired by music. Can you tell MoW why you chose those music artists ? What was the music behind the artworks ? What inspired you to create them ?

I think a skull is representing immortality. They are physically dead but their philosophy, thinking, and mind are still living and lives forever. Like, RUN-DMC said "Walk this way", Bob Marley said "One Love" their words, their message are still living and lives forever. I believe.

Why is music important to you and your art?

I think music is emotion and creates emotion. Like, when I need to be chill, I listen to music and it makes me chill. When I feel down, music motivates me, stuff like that. So, music emotionally helps me.

If you had to choose between the artworks presented today, which of your artwork would be your favorite ? And why ?

My favorite would be RUN-DMC one. I love hip-hop especially 80's and 90's, because of their vibe, attitude, and energy. they built hip-hop culture from scratch, that's very intense.

Can you tell MoW more about the techniques you used. How old is your technique? How did it start?

Me and my friends started a clothing brand called Nonfiction 3 years ago. Actualy, I started drawing for t-shirts and, I just wanted to make some black and white illustration, then I just picked and started drawing a bunch of skulls. That's how I started.

Do you have plans on creating new artworks insipired by music ?

Not sure for now. But I will draw something about music theme someday, definitely.

Do you listen to music when you’re working ? If so, what kind of music ?

Sometimes, yes. I usually like to have silence while I am working. But sometimes I need to be refreshed, then I listen to hip hop.

- What is the song you liked the most lately? The album ? What was the last gig you went to ?

It is not really recent music but I listen to the Death Row's records a lot, lately. Such as Dr. Dre "Chronic", Snoop Doggy Dogg "Doggystyle" and 2pac "All Eyes On Me"

Watch The Rise & Fall Of Death Row Records (Documentary)