Think Inside the Box

Dog Ear is working on a creative project of our own these days (more to come in the coming weeks), and the coolest part of it is that we get the chance to chat with some really talented designers, writers, illustrators, and photographers about their craft. 

This week, we had the chance to talk with Max-o-Matic (aka Máximo Tuja),  a collage illustrator based in Barcelona, and someone Dog Ear partner and designer Patrick Kirchner often calls on for his art direction work with the editorial team at Monmouth Magazine.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Max-o-Matic process is his use of rules around his work, often relying on a set of self-imposed limitations to help break creative blocks and force himself out of his comfort zone. 

The image here is part of a series that relies heavily on limitations the artist set for himself, including color, shape, and image selection. Max debuted the series at the International Weird Collage Show in London at Jealous Gallery in February 2018.

You can see the full series of these illustrations here.

Facing your own creative block? Max—a huge music lover—has graciously compiled the Spotify playlist below to help spark your inspiration. Trust us—nothing gets the creative juices flowing quite like air guitaring to power pop tunes.