Peter Phobia
Made by Skateboard
September 2021
‘Watching skate videos like the DC Video, Girl’s “Yeah Right!” and Baker 3 for the first time wasn’t like anything I’ve ever seen before and I just knew I wanted to be a part of that culture. Skateboarding has made me who I am today and will forever be a part of my life.’
I am confused. Some sources say you are German-born others say you are an Austrian illustrator? Are you both?
I’m a German-born, New York based illustrator and animator. I was the kid at the skate shop asking for more stickers to decorate my board with.
Sounds like a fairy tale that you are now making a name for yourself in one of the biggest cities in the world. Has it sunk in yet?
Living in New York is a great source of inspiration in many ways. This city gives me energy but also keeps me humble at the same time, that’s a unique feeling I really enjoy.
Your artworks evoke the feeling of Southern California summers but here you are in New York. Why?
New York is a great place to work and live if you don’t want to spend lots of time in a car. California will always be in my heart though.
When did you start skating and why?
Watching skate videos like the DC Video, Girl’s “Yeah Right!” and Baker 3 for the first time wasn’t like anything I’ve ever seen before and I just knew I wanted to be a part of that culture. Skateboarding has made me who I am today and will forever be a part of my life.
What is your favourite skate shop in New York?
Labor skate shop is doing a fantastic job in supporting the skate community.
You mention that skateboarding has introduced you to art and eventually led up to becoming an illustrator. Can you please explain what was the trigger?
Not only was I hooked on skateboard graphics but skating through the streets and exploring hidden spots has introduced me to graffiti, painting murals and drawing as a form of visual communication.
You won the World Illustration Award in 2020 for ‘Balance and Kickflips’ which reflects on a creative mind-set about freedom, friendship and adrenaline. Exploring the city’s concrete obstacles with friends, the series depicts a romantic idea of a community based on shared passion. It is basically a story about your love for skateboarding.
For me, skateboarding is about ove, life and empowering people. It’s about much more than the biggest Kickflip.
In a previous interview you were cited that skateboarding gave you the chance as a youngster to connect with people regardless of origin, social status, age and gender, and showed him that being creative has the power to break barriers and push boundaries. I would imagine that you are able to achieve the same with your artwork. If you have to choose, which one is the more powerful medium for you personally?
There are many parallels between skateboarding and art. Both skateboarding and art are universal ways of communicating, that’s why I see them as equally important and powerful.
Was there ever a client request that you declined? If so, why?
I feel very grateful to do what I love for a living and have my agents at Jelly London on my side. Being able to work with good people who push me creatively is a dream come true but the day only has 24 hours and sometimes there’s not enough time to accomplish all the projects that come my way.
What do you want to do next?
My to-do list is endless, but I’d love to work on more animated commercials and textile patterns for apparel in the future. Skateboard graphics are also always a pleasure to work on!
Last question. If you could interview one person, who would it be and why?
I’d love to have lunch with David Hockney and Ed Templeton, I think we’d have a good time and it would spark some new ideas!
