GAYLETTER

Where did you grow up? My father was in the military so we moved around a lot. I was born in Panama, lived in DC, Philadelphia and Iceland, but New York is home.

You came out later in life, what was that like? Every gay person has a different story, but the same story. One is for acceptance in the world, the other is for self-acceptance. The self-acceptance is always a work in progress.

When did you first start drawing? From the moment I could hold a pencil…forever. As a kid, it was a way of escaping and making my own world. I’ve always loved to draw.

Did you get a formal education in fashion illustration? No, I went to school for fine arts and graphic arts. As much as I loved fashion and illustration, I didn’t really think of it as a career…that came later.

I noticed your fashion illustrations are mostly of men, do you prefer drawing menswear or is it just a coincidence? I spent most of my career as a menswear fashion designer, so maybe that’s where it comes from, or maybe the fact that I’m gay and love drawing men. Probably both. I do also think it’s a really interesting time for men and what they wear, how they perceive themselves. I enjoy documenting that.

You’ve drawn a lot of nude boys, what about the girls? The guys I’ve drawn are either friends or people I’ve met socially—we start chatting, and if i think it’s right I’ll ask them if they’d like to pose. …