Bio: Matt Ellison

I first (technically) broke into the world of the graphic arts at the beginning of my freshman year in high-school, in 2003, originally with a friend, - we both wanted to make animated avatars for various user group forums (remember when Freeboards was popular?). Back then, my reason for all of it was to make some "cool pictures", and really nothing more; I had been doing traditional art all my life, but only to a degree as a hobby, and this would just be another medium to have fun with. I held no real seriousness for graphic design at that time, and my friend and me would just mess around with Photoshop, my program of choice.

Shortly afterwards - I'd say a few months really - my friend decided to stop his pursuit into Photoshop and take up coding and programming, which he found to be more to his liking. So I was left pretty much by myself - now what fun is that? I tried starting up my own forum board, but with no real talent for the graphic arts at the time and admittedly a slightly immature attitude, that forum went down fast. Other than making a few forum signatures and images to the likes of that, I had not, at that time, never done anything serious for graphic design, though at the that time I would also say that was the coolest shit around. For one reason or another, I ended up joining a few community forums. Although I wouldn't really venture out into a greater spectrum of experimentation and skill improvement in the graphic arts for a while, I was progressing slowly and making new friends who were also breaking through into the field as well. It was a very homely feeling, being a part of a community of people from all around the world, sharing the same hobbies and creation passions.

As the months passed, I became more serious about graphic design, and began to experiment with new techniques and really read up on different aspects and theories of design. Time flew by, and I found myself getting better - much better. Call it determination, sure, but I am also extremely stubborn sometimes, and I set my mind to this. I was hooked, like a drug.

But okay, I admit it. I never saw this coming - this passion I hold for design and style, and all the aspects about them; but I couldn't be happier. Since 2005, I have been running xnusART, my graphic arts and design studio, with a portfolio of handfuls of clients - ranging from poster design, logotyping, web design, etc. I couldn't be happier with the growth of xnusART - it has propelled me into the world of professional art and design, not to mention the world of business; through it all, I at last decided this is what I wanted to do with my life, and most recently I have been accepted into The Art Institute of California for graphic design.

And now comes Cubicflow, the next step for the dream all true graphic artists share, and a personal dream of my own for a while now. Being the longest developing project for me, Cubicflow has given me the opportunity to really think about, and thus shape, what a real community should be. Cubicflow is a revolution for me, a revolution I hope to bring to the entire online, and offline, world. As time moves by, I believe the impact Cubicflow has will substantially increase, with the unique projects behind it, and the creativity of the artists and designers within it. I love this, having that feeling that you are making a dent in history, one way or another.

As I look back on these past years, it feels strange, like staring through a kaleidoscope; back in 2003, I was a young beginner...and now, I am running Cubicflow, manage my own graphic arts studio, and do all sorts work, freelance and personal: a range of mediums, styles, and ideas. Design is a constant growth and journey of experimentation, and I have found that evident in my work. I am like a painting - evolving, stroke-by-stroke, varying in colour and thickness - in style and look. I absolutely love it, the expression of it all. Looking to the future, I can't see myself doing anything else. This way, I am truly conscious.

These communities - like Cubicflow - are the backbone of creative artistry for so many people. They are a way to progress through your passions with others just like you, your peers. I will always continue with the dream that is Cubicflow, now a reality in movement, because I have never seen so much love for art and design than I do in these environments, and without them, none of what I have done these last years would exist. So I say Carpe Diem to you all, in hopes that you will experience a type of calling I have, no matter the path or decision - just something…something you love.

Now I look towards the horizon, actively pursuing the next big step of my art, my design… my life.