Bradford the Giant
Bradford "Bradlio1" Maxfield is an Austin, TX-based visual problem solver, best known for his high level conceptual design, custom lettering, and unique illustration. His upbringing in the southwestern town of El Paso, TX has had a definitive role on his creative style, and the bright colors and ornate sensibilities indicative of Mexican culture are often found in his art. Bradford’s professional career began in 2004, as a creative for a large national advertising firm. In 2012, he transitioned as a lead creative in the fashion industry and just over a year later, he transitioned into a full-time career as a multidisciplinary artist. Currently, he works as a freelance artist creating large scale murals, installations and fine art pieces.
Why, How and the WOW
Why:
I create art because it's fun and challenging. I love to solve visual problems. It’s literally what I was born to do. I’m compelled to do it and couldn't imagine focusing my time on any other endeavor. For me, art is a way of life and the lens through which I live. I’ve always seen things a little differently, always questioning and viewing those questions through different perspectives. Growing up, skateboarding and videogames were both highly influential. I think many skaters end up becoming street and visual artists because as a skater you look at the world as your playground. Every nook, elevation, curb or ramp can be turned into dancing with the streets. You have to create and visualize in your mind how you would be able to pull off a certain trick utilizing the terrain around you. Creating visual art is a lot like that; especially site specific work. Skateboarding culture comes fully correct with many helpful disciplines of knowledge. Not only is it full of art, branding and stickers but also engineering and woodworking skills as well. Ramp making is how I learned about making sculptures. Visualizing how I could contort my body and manipulate a board under me at a certain speed to accomplish a trick is where I learned how to see projects being completed. It’s just another version of facing and overtaking the fears set in front of you. Speaking on perspectives, I was also highly influenced by video games. There are so many unique ideas and philosophies that video game creators tap into that can encapsulate one's intrigue. Although technology and computing power were limited in the beginning of games, artists were always able to max out their creative skills through innovative thinking. With new technology comes new tools and different ways to create. I love to implement these types of work processes into my work. I’m always challenging myself to learn new tricks or master using new materials in my career. That’s actually what drives me; to always be learning and growing.
How:
As a child, I always used to draw. The first impressive drawing that I created was of the marine from Doom. In college, I decided to go into computer science because I wanted to make video games. It wasn't for me so I got into advertising and graphic design at first because I could make a decent living while still being creative. After 8 years of advertising, I had enough gusto to go on my own but got wrangled into a great 3 year stint in the high end fashion industry. I really learned a ton during this time where I worked for a relatively small shop called Consuela but had to wear many hats. In 2013, I decided to go full time into design / branding / artistry. I haven't looked back since.
Wow:
In general; I love to tell stories in my art or at least exude some positive messages that make the community think/reflect and smile. Anytime I put something in a public space; I want it to be a beacon of light, to be uplifting or at least thought provoking in a way that can insight positive change. I prefer to work with other artists as I am a social being that enjoys collaborating with talented individuals that can bring something else to the table and elevate the final result. Everyone of God’s creatures plays a special part and I’m happy to intertwine in those existences. Art can be extremely powerful. It can move entire countries to war or to peace. I choose the latter. Art is necessary for human existence. In the future, as far as work/play goes…I see myself and friends creating more long lasting and moving public arts, tackling larger scale walls and impacting the world with a positive light. Much Love.
