This is "Childhood Ruined."
Our favorite childhood cartoons stay with us. They do! We turn them into Halloween costumes, or watch them on lazy Saturdays when nothing else is on, but they stay with us. Some of the more creative among us, bring them with us, and evolve them, forcing them to interact with more ... mature issues by way of fan fictions. And then there's Anthony Cabrera, who brought a few of them along and put them in a variety of jockstraps and thongs. Cartoons, they're just like us!
We talked to Cabrera, who also works at the brand Slick-it-Up, about his "Childhood Ruined" illustrations (which are also now a t-shirt collection) and found out which is his favorite, and which was the hardest to make.
What made you do this collection?
I was really looking for something fun to do that would catch the eye of the public. Recreating some of my favorite cartoon characters just seemed like a logical choice. It gives people something to relate to while still giving it a sort of adult and funny twist at times. Purchase here.
What does your generally deal with?
Typically scantily clad men, but also musical artists, comic book characters, strong female leads. I'm a little all over the place at times. Purchase here.
What was your personal favorite?
I think my current favorite would be the Steven Universe edit. I'm such a fan of the show's art and message it was fun to put a different sort of spin to it. Purchase here.
Is this something you plan to add to?
I think so! It's given me a direction to go in which has been a nice break from my typical random illustrations. Purchase here.
You’ve posted the sketches on Instagram. Has there been a particular reaction that stands out?
I'm actually a little taken aback by the general reaction. The "Hunny Bear" in particular has been one of my most liked illustrations that I've ever done and that made me feel pretty great. Purchase here.
Which was the most difficult?
I'd have to say that Ash posed the biggest challenge. Both in getting a pose right and getting a background for the print that looked like the "Who's that Pokemon" background. Purchase here.
As an artist how important is Instagram to staying in touch with your followers?
It's super important. Between connections with other artist and potential customers or commission clients, Instagram has been pretty pivotal in keeping me connected to people I'd likely not know how to reach otherwise. For all the bad press it can drum up, it's really helped me connect to an overwhelming amount of people. Purchase here.
What’s next for you?
That's the big question. I've had a good month with the collection coming out. Maybe some more childhood favorites. A transition into super heroes perhaps. Purchase here.
