If you've roamed the halls here at Fandango, you're probably familiar with artist Tracy Tubera. He's the dude behind some of our most nerdtastic original artwork, like these Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy pieces, as well as Godzilla, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ghostbusters.
And yes, they're all nerdy in their own colorful ways, and that probably best describes Tubera himself -- a colorful, movie-loving nerd who brings some serious passion to the artwork he creates. A monster Back to the Future and Karate Kid fan, Tubera told us it was actually the anime Akira that first inspired him. "Akira was one of the first anime I ever watched growing up. The animation and visuals blew my mind. As a developing artist it truly opened my mind up to other styles of art, animation and movies in general."
We asked Tubera to select a few of his favorite pieces and share the inspiration behind them for this month's Artist Spotlight. Then, get to know the man behind the art a little more in a round of speed-friending below.
Tracy Tubera's Five Favorite Pieces (and the stories behind them)
Future Boy and Air Wolf
Tubera: Both these Illustrations were inspired by my INSANE obsession with Michael J. Fox/Back to the Future II (basically the whole trilogy) and my love for sneakers. These illustrations show off the Nike Air Mags, the futuristic (not so futuristic, since we are in 2015) kicks Marty wore in the future. Future Boy pays homage to the shoes and his whole outfit from Part Two along with Doc Brown’s metallic shades for extra style.
Air Wolf is again an homage to MJF in BTTF2 but mashed up with another one of my favorite MJF film’s, Teen Wolf. There are quite a few references to Teen Wolf in Scott Howard’s cool outfit.
KB V G.O.D.
Tubera: This piece was inspired by my love for a pair of sneakers and Bruce Lee. The shoes themselves are the Kobe Bryant V’s (5’s) nicknamed the “Bruce Lees.” The color of the shoes paid homage to the famous yellow-and-black jumpsuit Bruce wore in his classic film Game of Death. Bruce Lee was one of my favorite action stars growing up. He transcended movies and was a pop icon.
Karate Masters
Tubera: This series of illustrations was inspired by one of the greatest movie franchises ever created! The Karate Kid movies (1-3). Movies showing that anyone can overcome any odds if they chose the right path and stay true to themselves. Even if you are from the Valley. Haha! Each illustration showcases a main character from each movie along with one of their famous quotes in the background.
Jordan Sith Infrareds
Tubera: Again another ode to one of my favorite childhood movies and sneakers! This pair of Jordan 6 shoes always had an Evil Empire feel to them, so I Illustrated what my favorite Star Wars character would look like wearing them.
Avengers: AoU
Tubera: I LOVE SUPERHERO MOVIES!!! I am a complete comic book nerd, so with so many comic book movies coming out, I could not be any happier. Marvel Studios keeps pumping out hit after hit, and to me Avengers: Age of Ultron was another one. Seeing all my favorite superheroes up on the big screen together still makes me smile from ear to ear. C’mon, that scene in AoU where all the Avengers are rushing those HYDRA soldiers in the forest in slo-mo was so rad!
Speed-friending with Tracy Tubera
Let's get to know Tubera a little better with a round of speed-friending, shall we...
1. First movie you watched in a theater?
Popeye starring Robin Williams. I was 10, and I watched it at PJ Pizzazz (a family restaurant owned by Sega) with my family. I remember seeing it and saying Popeye really does exist, and then years later seeing what Robin Williams looked normally, without the Popeye makeup, and saying, “That's not the same guy! He doesn’t have any muscles!"
2. Last movie that made you laugh until you cried?
Bridesmaids. I love “potty” humor.
3. Batman or Superman?
Batman, all day every day!
4. What'd you dress up as last Halloween?
Batman all day every day! I don’t need a holiday excuse to wear a bat suit!
5. What's the most amount of times you've ever watched one movie, and which movie is it?
A billion and counting. Back to the Future II… actually the whole trilogy. If any of the trilogy comes on TV, I will literally stop whatever I’m doing to watch it. Never show me BTTF while I’m driving.
6. Favorite midnight snack?
Ice cream
7. Darth Maul or Darth Vader?
Darth Vader all day every day!
8. If you could live for a day as any movie character, who would it be?
Marty McFly. So I could travel through time and ride a hoverboard!
9. Popcorn or Twizzlers
Twizzlers all day every day!
10. What upcoming movie are you most excited to go see?
Batman v Superman. Two of the greatest superheroes/pop icons in one movie together… finally! My 10-year-old self is happy for me.
For more from Tracy Tubera, make sure you follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and stay tuned for more of his original artwork right here at Fandango
MORE: We asked 20 of our favorite artists to create movie posters for their favorite movies. Here's what happened next.
