Onel Hernandez, better known as FILTHY64, is a 20-year-old designer from Bridgeport, Connecticut. Known for his gritty compositions and distinct typefaces, FILTHY64 is becoming a highly desired producer of cover art, clothing design, and more.
We got a chance to speak with him about his design process, inspirations, and favorite pieces. But before reading, if you are unfamiliar with his work, I highly recommend checking out the graphics in his Instagram feed or his online store.
Have you attended any type of schooling for design, or are you self taught?
So, I have not been to school for design. Everything I know about design is from trial and error, reading through forums, and one of my friends Jason. I started designing like 2 years ago, originally because I wanted to get to do a merch design for this band called “JESUS PIECE.” So honestly, I just kept grinding trying to achieve the goal. Which unfortunately, is still a dream [laughs].
Do you have any recurring sources of inspiration? Are there any other artists, graphic or otherwise, you feel inspired by?
A lot of my inspiration just comes from what I watch on Netflix and YouTube, I find myself watching a lot of obscure documentaries. But honestly anything can be a muse. Some visual artists I really love are crimewave, fuckyoubaker, and LONEWOLF.
Can you tell us a little about your creative process? Do you find yourself approaching each project differently, or do you have a pretty consistent work flow?
My creative process is pretty spontaneous, usually for commission pieces my process is pretty back and fourth with the client to make sure they get the best possible end design. But if it’s personal work or for my clothing brand its pretty random.
Any preferred software or composition techniques?
Software of choice is Photoshop. Which I spend hours on daily.
If you had to choose to do only commissioned pieces or only self assigned projects which would it be and why?
If I had to choose between only commission pieces or only self assigned projects I would definitely choose self assigned projects. I enjoy doing commissions and without commissions I would NOT be able to make ends meet. BUT I find myself being in an almost natural high when I’m doing designs for myself, and am able to express myself without any outside boundaries.
Do any projects stick out to you as favorites, either single images or collections?
A few projects that stick out to me was the first Half-Evil drop I did for them, that was the first time more than 20 people bought shirts designed by me. Another exciting one was doing a few designs for Craig Owens. Still crazy to me.
Have you find more success in selling your graphics on clothing or as digital work?Not really sure if I’ve even found success yet to be honest. But most people find out about me from my digital work.
Where do you see yourself and your design work in 5 years?
In 5 years, it will be close to impossible to get a commission. And you’ll see 64 everywhere. Hopefully.
