Stainboy
Words: Marshall Dickson
Artwork: Stainboy

REAX:  What does a Stainboy poster say about the man who makes them?
Stainboy:  On the surface, they say I'm a violent, crass, lecherous bastard who takes nothing seriously. Obviously, that's not the case. My posters just give away the high-octane version of myself. The images are things we'd all like to do in real life if we could: high-speed car chases, busty gun-wielding vixens, making fun of authority figures. Putting across a sense of humor and attitude while representing the band is the most important thing to me.    

REAX:  From your newly published, and may I say beautifully printed retrospective, I see you've drawn multiple posters for Nashville Pussy, Flogging Molly, Motorhead, Mastodon, Pennywise & Sevendust.  Are these bands favorites of yours, and who are some of the up and coming artists you find interesting?
Stainboy:  Most of the time I pick the bands or shows that I like doing. Over time I've developed good relationships with several bands like Flogging Molly or Nashville Pussy, which has led to me doing more work for them. There's so much stuff I listen to, new and old. That list could get long, too long. When I'm working I like to listen to soul or film scores. Sometimes I just play movies in the background: anything that puts me into a groove or the zone. My all-time favorite "desert island" bands are still the Sex Pistols and Cheap Trick.

REAX:  You've had a taste of the Rock Star life touring the world in Nutrajet with friend and legendary Tampa drummer Jeff Wood, who passed away last year.  Do you fancy getting back in the limelight and playing music, or does your art now satisfy that need?
Stainboy:  Well, I definitely don't have time for a band anymore and I'm an all-or-nothing kind of person.  I could never be in a weekend band as a hobby. I really miss Jeff a lot. We had a perfect chemistry that I know will never happen again and we were also best friends. The art definitely keeps me busy enough and I still get to travel a lot and show my work. I probably travel more now than when I was touring with Nutrajet, and believe me, touring my art all over the country is every bit as crazy as being in a band! As long as I'm making my living in art or music, I'm fine. Everyone needs a reason to live, to get out of bed everyday... something to look forward to. My work keeps me pushing ahead and reminds me that it's great to be alive.

REAX:  If a band or venue wants Stainboy to create a poster for a show or tour, how would they go about doing so?
Stainboy:  Just contact me through my website, www.stainboyreinel.com. Oh, and give me money.

REAX:  With twenty years of creative experience under your studded belt, what advice can you give to aspiring artists who want to make a career out of the rock and roll poster game?
Stainboy:  Just go out and do it. Don't wait for anything to come your way. It's all about hustling. Make posters and merch designs for your favorite local bands or your own band and keep at it. The best advertisement for your work is having it posted up all over town. If you're passionate about what you're doing, it will show and most of the time you won't have to look for work. It will find you.

stainboyreinel.com