This year included a lot of travel. Seeing the world is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. I am very lucky to get to do it a lot. We went a lot of places, but i would have to say Paris was a highlight. Get out and travel! 

Traveling the world fronting The Amity Affliction, I was stoked to catch up with Joel just a few weeks ago when they passed through Seattle. Joel is someone who can create amazing quality art in ANY medium. When we first became mates in like 05, graphic design was his forte, now its illustration, typography, analog photography, crunches out amazing video edits, graffiti, basically anything he touches ends up epic. Or lost if hes drunk. Im really proud to see Joel settling down in 2011 with his new lady and creating epic work and getting more of the recognition he deserves. A great mate and great sounding board for design work. See why i say these things over at his blog

Johnny has been a friend since we met in 09, and im so stoked that in 2011 i was able to go on tour with him for 4 weeks and hangout everyday. His business is always growing and its been really amazing to learn from him, as well as the realization that with the right team, a lot can be achieved. People often set up to fail by not treating people right or not employing the right people in the first place. Johnny has a staff that represent all that is the Johnny Cupcakes brand in the best way possible. His marketing/brand building and promotion is something any major brand would envy, all while keeping it investor free, family owned and creatively original.

Aside from his business genius, he happens to be one of the quirkiest and most hilarious people i know. I have a short documentary film that is 90% finished from our tour together which will be released if not before new years, then just after. Very excited to share some of his insights. Thanks Johnny.

Ahhh my old friend James. 2011 has been huge for Hartley, and for a filthy longbody turtle head he has really excelled, he has been all over the world with Parkway Drive filming what is set to be one of the most visually stunning music DVDs to ever be released, especially for a metal band. I have hung with him In California, Australia and London is 2011 and just catching up on future plans together never fails to get me amped for creating new work. He and I share very similar thoughts on most things. Although he has been much quieter this year in releasing photos (ie none at all really) he has been silently shooting gold in all corners of the globe. Some of which may soon see the light of day through another collaboration. If you know the guy, you know why i sing such high praises. Check him here for no updates cos he is a loser.

Still on the topic of Atlanta, Matt Miller, who actually introduced me to Kenn back in 2009. I have know Matt since Her Nightmare and Most Precious Blood toured together in Aus in 2006, but it wasnt until i met Mo that i Re-met him and his then girlfriend now Wife Danielle in Australia when they were on a trip in 2008. Matt is beyond humble about his photography. Self taught with an amazing eye and creative mind, I never thought i could appreciate wedding photography as much as i do with Matts work. His attitude towards what he creates along with the amazing creative company he keeps, his awesome assistant Meghan who he shoots with and is kicking ass with Smilebooth, and the whole Our Labor of Love family are a constant inspiration and give me hope that a successful business can maintain a truely creative soul. On a personal level he and Danielle (who is an Amazing tattooer and shop owner) are inspirational as a couple already, now stepping naturally into the role of parents to Stella Grace. I feel very lucky to consider them some of our best friends. See Matts work here

Another Group Post. Jacob Rolfe, Mick Thomas (lekewl), Daniel Wilson(CoffinKlub) and Sam Octigan. These guys are all back home in Melbourne, creating amazing visual art and photography. The thing about them that inspired me most is that they all individually do what they do first and foremost for themselves, they create what they like and what they want to see, and it just so happens that a bunch of other people wanna see that two. Jacob and Sam have rocked a joint show, solo shows and group shows. Both very different styles but work really well together also. Im so stoked on seeing how much they have both gathered momentum in 2011. Mick and Willy are best described as analog photo hobby losers who just happen to be snapping amazing shots. They both shoot loads of random subjects and different formats, capturing lots of Melbourne’s inner city and suburbs in a way that makes me miss wandering those streets. We all hung out so much before i left its also really nice to see such familiar habits through their pics. In a time when every 2nd person claims to be a “photographer” I rate both these guys as highly in the art as anyone else. The other thing about all these guys are, they are just regular mates of mine, working hard and creating work that has me amped everytime i see it.

Kenn is someone who has really opened my eyes to the idea of different mediums, creating punkrock/metal/doom inspired hand cut and screenprinted, multi dimensional wooden art. His style is something that i have never been exposed to before, mixing collage, design, screen printing, woodwork, and sculpture. Creating something I find really original and striking. He inspired me to explore other styles and mediums, which i hope to do even more in the future. Most of all Kenn is DIY to the core. He runs FreeArtFridays in Atlanta, a twitter based treasure hunt of sorts, he and his lady Jeanette who is a pottery wizard live off their respective crafts. Aside from that Kenn was a “Splatter Punk” aka crazy mohawked street warrior in Robocop3 back in 1993 and is one of the funniest people i know, be it intentional or not. See more at his site

In moving overseas, I had to move out of the physical space that is Everfresh. But obviously remaining a part of the crew. 2011 has been a massive year for the studio both as a collective and as individuals. Its been so rad watching some of my best mates taking over the world and being recognized for the gurus that they really are. If you are not familiar, See more over HERE

When we first met, there was clearly something special. From day one she has inspired, motivated, supported and encouraged me in whatever I do. I couldnt ask for a better Girlfriend and Best Friend. August 2011 marked our first full year of living together and March 2012 will mark 3 years of us dating. Its been a time of personal and creative growth for me and I couldnt have done it without her. I love you Mo, thank you.

So i generally keep this tumblr to a purely visual place. But i felt a good way to round out the year would be to share some of what has inspired me throughout 2011, Febuary will mark a full year without a visit to Australia for me, thats the longest i have ever been away from home, at times that has been really hard.

The fact is I enjoy a wonderful life with great people in it, for which i feel very blessed. Being creative and positive about any situation has always been a preference of mine, and realistically there is always going to be ups and downs no matter how you live. Thankfully I have the greatest support of a wonderful woman known as Mo, brilliant family and extended family, and friends all over the world who are a constant source of Inspiration and motivation.

I count myself very lucky that some of my closest friends are also some of my biggest inspiration, in any and all fields, be it Music, Art, Business, Family, Life or Attitude.

Ive chosen SOME of those people, some I dont know and also some stuff that isnt people at all to highlight and explain a little further. Sounds messy, just read the posts and you will understand.

Thanks for following my tumblr. I hope that to some of you, some of my content has given you some inspiration or even just some enjoyment throughout the year.