Tocayo is an Encinitas based artist and graphic designer that spends the majority of his free time in the Pacific Ocean. He’s worked with some of the top action sports companies and exhibited in more art shows during 2010 than some artists exhibited in during the last decade.

We had a chance to interview Tocayo for the WLC profiles section. Enjoy.

Where did the name Tocayo originate from?

Well, Tocayo is equivalent to what the Americans call “namesake.” Basically, in Spanish speaking cultures, any 2 males that are either friends or family and have the same name just call each other Tocayo. I share my dad’s name so we’ve always called each other Tocayo. So it just makes sense for that to be my artist name.

What city do you currently call home?

Encinitas is the place where I reside. Basically the awesomest city ever.

We know that you surf, how long have you been surfing?

I have been shred sledding since 94. I started late in life, but my skateboarding background help me learn real fast and is responsible for my spastic surfing steez.

How long have you been an artist?

Well, I have been drawing my whole life, and prior to knowing what a graphic designer was, I was doing just that. I was illustrating stuff for flyers, t-shirts, and other random things. But I didn’t start doing either “professionally” up until about 7 years ago for design, and about 4 years ago for art.

Mac versus PC?

Mac all the way! PC’s are a joke. It’s basically like throwing money away. Every site you visit, regardless of it’s content will give you pop-ups or a virus. It’s ridiculous!

Tablet versus pencil and paper?

Pencil an paper. It always starts there.

Can you walk us through your creative process?

It’s all about research, music, and random thoughts based on interactions with people. Then I write a description of my ideas, and then…I don’t do anything about it for about a year or so. Hahaha. It’s not always like that, but if I ever have to change my name it will definitely have to be along the lines of “el gran procrastinator.”

You have done a lot of design work for brands in the action sports industry. What was your favorite project and brand you worked with?

I’d have to say the skateboard project I did for Mystery was my favorite. Mainly because I grew up skateboarding, now I had the chance to work with one of my favorite pro riders, Jamie Thomas, and also design something that is going to bring enjoyment to folks all over the world. The subject matter was up my alley too. It was a mariachi series, inspired by the mural work I did at the El Camino restaurants.

Are you working on any personal projects right now? If so, what are they?

I’m trying to finish up a series of new paintings for a gallery in Cardiff called Green Flash. The show is on the 12th of February. This one is going to be a good one, they put together an all-star cast. Some of my favorite artists are involved.

As for the paintings, one of them is a crowd of hipster zombies, the design version of this one, colored up in photoshop has been up on my facebook and blog. Then for the other ones, I want to touch on the low brow art scene from back in the days and do some surf inspired hot rod creatures. The kind Rat Fink, Mouse and many others used to do.

What designers and artists inspire you?

There are way to many to name. Plus I don’t want to name some and not mention others, so I’m going with the cliche “there is no I in team” type answer. Seriously, I appreciate all kinds of art, whether it’s from paintings to spoken word. It’s all about the message that is being portrayed.

What Pandora station is a must while creating?

The XX for sure, a must! The Black Angels one is also pretty awesome.

Do you have any advice for future artists that want to make a career out of their art?

Yeah, go to school, get a job, and then do art. Hahaha, I’m just saying, it’s pretty tough if you go into it just to get fame and loot. You need to do it because it’s fun, and because you’re going to meet some amazing people along the way.

Any big plans for 2011?

I keep planning to have a Cuba themed show, hopefully it will happen this year. My last one was a cultural eye opener for many. Not too many people know about the culture and music of Cuba, so they came to the show and I basically broke it down for them. I think it’s time for round two, now that my style has matured a little bit.

Is there anything else about you that you would like the world to know?

I don’t always drink beer, but when I do…I prefer Dos XX.

Hope you enjoyed our interview with artist, Tocayo. For more info and to see what he is up to, please visit elgrantocayo.blogspot.com. He’s also on facebook, so make sure to stop by and hit the “like” button!