Garrett Arreguin was born and raised in Orange County, where he attended grade school in the city of Irvine. In 2007, at 17 years old, Garrett began his graphic arts career. His mission was to create artwork and promotional campaigns for businesses and artists in the O.C. and L.A. area. Thirteen years later, Garrett, who often goes by GRAFIK, has designed and executed full company brand development, as well as created covers and art direction for artists like MC Ren, Machine Gun Kelly, Fxxxxy, Scoop Deville and Miles Ryan Harris. Now, Garrett is working as Creative Director to Freebandz / Interscope Records recording artist Fxxxxy, and Art Director with Universal Music Group / Interscope Records. I sat down with him to talk about growing up in Irvine and how it influenced him as an artist and businessman.

Irvine Weekly: How did growing up in Orange County influence your career path?

The direct influence came from what I was into and what was around me. Music played a major part in me discovering what industry I wanted to work in. Tied to the music, were the visuals that I gravitated to, almost as much as the songs. As I was growing up, I spent a lot of time in stores like Music Warehouse, Tower Records and FYE staring at the CDs just looking at the cover art. The art would set the tone for what the album or song was about and oftentimes, would make me think about the artist’s creative process.

When did you find your passion for the arts?

I’ve always taken an interest in drawing. I’d say my passion kicked in when I was about 12 years old. I attended 6th grade at Culverdale Elementary School and as the school year was coming to an end, I remember drawing pictures for some of my classmates. Some of them were going to attend different middle schools so I wanted them to keep something from me, not knowing if I’d see them again. One of my friends made a comment that I’ll never forget: “You’re going to be an artist one day.” As simple as that is, and at the time I felt like I was already an artist, I knew what they meant. Being complimented on something I was already passionate about from a classmate and them acknowledging that one day I could make it my career, stuck with me.

Did you study art in Orange County?

I wanted to. I attended a semester at the Art Institute of Orange County right after High School. I only lasted a semester for a number of reasons, the main one being that I had just finished high school and my perception was  that all I would be doing is drawing and designing. The moment I was placed in a math class and English class, I lost all motivation to continue. I felt like there was another way for me to progress within my career. To make up for what the school could have taught me, I threw myself directly into a design internship with a reputable clothing brand at the time. I valued the direct experience of doing what I love more than a degree so I networked and started to build my portfolio.

FXXXXY Home album cover (Garrett Arreguin)

How did you transition your love of art into a career?

The transition was easy because I already knew what I wanted to do, but getting to where I am today was a slow and tedious process. There’s a lot of factors that tie into the career aspect, from understanding how to market yourself, to networking and building relationships with the right people; and not to mention advancing my craft, these are all things that take time. I’d say a real pivotal moment for any artist is when they get to the point of pure frustration and aren’t happy with the way things are going, so they take it upon themselves to make adjustments. You have to know what you want in order to understand how to get where you’re going.

How did you monetize your art?

I didn’t monetize my art until people started reaching out to me because they needed things done for their brands or businesses. At first I did a lot of work for free and once I learned the general value of what I was creating, I started to put a price to my work. As my portfolio got stronger and the clients got bigger, my value increased, so did the scale of the projects I was working on. I eventually became familiar with the process and dealt with all sorts of clients and learned how to gauge what I required to take on a job.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishments so far in your career?

Establishing myself and becoming a go-to person for people I admire. I’ve always valued my relationships and ethics over everything. I’ve had my work on billboards, featured on major platforms, and have been tied to big commercial projects, but those things failed to provide me the proper credit to propel me forward. While the glory is cool for a few weeks, I know there is a lot more to be done. Accomplishments are subjective anyways, so I see my career as an accomplishment as a whole.

Any advice to kids today on getting involved or being successful in the arts?

You have to understand what it is you are after and within that pursuit, you have to be willing to learn and overcome whatever adversity you face. If you are truly passionate about something, in-time everything will fall into place. Value your time and value your work.

Anything you want to promote? “What projects do you have coming up?”

Stay up to date by following me on twitter and Instagram @garrettarreguin as well as my website at www.garrettarreguin.com

Machine Gun Kelly cover (Garrett Arreguin)

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