Tramaine Townsend
It's been a pleasure to witness Tramaine's rise to prominence over the past few years.
With a unique eye, diverse portfolio, and an unbounded artistic sensibility spanning many mediums, he's one of Dallas' most talented and compelling assets.
We sat down with him to discuss his work, what's coming next, and more.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Matt Alexander: First, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Tramaine Townsend: Originally from Houston.
I've been an artist for as long as I can remember.
Moving to Dallas was a happy accident. I came here thinking I was going to make cartoons and ended up not doing that at all, at least not directly.
Matt Alexander: As an artist, you work spans a lot of different mediums. Do you identify by anyone in particular? Or do you consider yourself something broader than that?
Tramaine Townsend: I'd consider myself broader than that.
Overall, I'm a visual artist. I can identify with any medium I'm using at the time. It's harder just to say I'm just one of those things or list out all the things I can do.
It can come off too bragg-ish in my opinion.
Matt Alexander: From where do you derive inspiration for your work?
Tramaine Townsend: It comes from all over.
From films to music. Architecture to design. The overly obscure to blatant in your face.
I'm constantly receiving visual inspiration from sources like Donald Glover, Hiro Murai, Flying Lotus, Leif Podhajsky, Samuel Burgess, Haw-lin Services, Hugo & Marie.
And that's just to name a few.
Tramaine wears our kickass shirt
Matt Alexander: What is the local artistic community like? Has it been supportive of your efforts?
Tramaine Townsend: The community has been getting a lot stronger in recent years.
From being a part of it so long, I dig seeing how it has shaped Dallas into a new breed of artists and individuals who can collaborate and support each other.
Most of us who have been in it for awhile have found our own lane and show support in every way possible.
Tramaine wears our equally kickass chinos.
Matt Alexander: What’s next for you? Are there any particular areas you intend to focus upon over the coming months?
Tramaine Townsend: I have a few things cooking that I can speak about and a lot I can't. Particularly with getting more into films.
Screenwriting and directing are two, in particular, that I've been working on for a while.
Still being a visual artist overall, it spans to a few different areas including photography, design, and even dabbling in sculptures.
Matt Alexander: Where can people find (and purchase?) your work?
Tramaine Townsend:People can contact me directly. Instagram has been a strong outlet as well.