The Octulos Interviews
Gelo’s creativity with his zombie character made me wonder how long he’s been part of the creative scene. After reading his story, I was amazed to learn that he only started dedicating himself to drawing in 2023. Brazil strikes again — I really like the creativity behind his ideas, projecting them on stickers and walls. I’m glad to have him on board for the Octulos Interviews.
Country of Residence
Brazil
Scrolling through your posts, I noticed you often share good vibes and moments with your crew. Let’s start off light—what beer would you say is your favorite?
I'm not much of a drinker, but here in Brazil we have a beer called Original that I really like.
I see you drawing, pasting and painting murals. It made me wonder, where did your journey in art begin?
My journey began a few years ago. I've always been a big fan of street art, but I started drawing and dedicating myself to it in 2023. Since I was younger, I've always photographed art around the city. I live in São Paulo, the largest metropolis in Brazil, so there's a lot of art here. With the 2020 pandemic, I ended up enjoying staying at home more, and with that, I started drawing...
It's amazing to see how creative you are with your unique green character, with its yellow eyes and purple cap. It looks like it is becoming a real signature for you. How did you come up with our character?
Thank you! I actually believe that creativity is a strong point in my art; I've always been drawn to non-sense things.
When I started, I tested out some characters I had in mind, and after drawing a few, I ended up really liking the zombie.
I didn't have a clear meaning at first, but talking to a friend, he told me how much the idea of a zombie reminded him of drug addicts, who live like zombies in big cities.
Since I've been through similar problems, take this meaning with me.
How did you end up in the graffiti scene as well as the sticker community?
I've always loved urban art in my own way. Since I didn't draw, I felt like I was just an observer of the culture. After creating my character, I started making stickers so I could spread my art around the city. Since learning graffiti would take more time, I started with what I considered simpler and more practical. Through this, I met people who were good at creating large collages around São Paulo, and I got involved. I always knew that stickers and collages were a way to immerse myself in the culture and then start painting on the streets, which has always been my ultimate goal.
I can tell you love coming up with new ideas, just by looking at your starters on a 228 label. What you become an artist, and how did you develop your artistic skills
Becoming an artist wasn't a natural process, but I really wanted to; I have no talent for it, and I have to practice a lot to achieve new goals. In recent years, I've dedicated much of my free time to producing and developing my art.
Your feed is filled with vibrant colors and bold character, but all in your own recognizable vibe. If you had to describe your artistic style, what would you say?
I would say that today my style is more cartoon-oriented, but because everything is very recent, I consider that my character and my style still has a lot to evolve and change.
Can you share some of your favorite or most significant artistic projects or pieces you've created?
Since my character is constantly changing, I frequently change my favorite art.
Regarding stickers, I'm particularly fond of them when I can combine comical and tragic aspects at the same time, like when I make the zombie juggling his own gouged-out eyes, or when he's serving a bloody hand dressed as a waiter...
Regarding graffiti, because it's more difficult than on paper, simple works where I can clearly define my lines are the ones I enjoy most, even if they're not as elaborate as in the 228s.
From markers to spray cans, your work looks clean and consistent. What brands and tools do you use for your artwork, and what would you recommend?
Here in Brazil, we don't have a wide variety of graffiti products, but generally, I use acrylic pens for stickers, preferably Posca. However, since they're a bit expensive, I end up buying refills from other brands and refilling the empty pens.
For graffiti, I use acrylic paint for the background, and for spray paint, I use whatever is available and cheapest. When possible, I prefer Art Cans spray paints. I really enjoyed using Flames spray paints, but they're much more expensive than the others here.
Looking at the energy in your stickers, walls, and paste-ups, it feels like you really enjoy what you do. What do you like the most about being an artist?
What I like most about being an artist is the freedom to create and share a little of myself, and especially because it is my entry point into hip hop culture, going from admirer to participant.
Every artist has influences. Who are the artists you looked up to in your early stages, and who inspires you now?
It's a difficult question because each artist has their own unique characteristics that catch my attention.
This list won't make sense if you compare the artists, but each one has something I deeply admire.
In the graffiti scene, the ones who inspired me to get started:
Currently, some artists who have really caught my attention:
In the sticker scene, I ended up meeting most of them when I was already producing art:
and many others...
Everyone has their way of working. How do you approach the creative process, from conceptualization to completion?
I don't have a precise creative process, but I always say that my mind is always open to new ideas. By focusing my thoughts on an object or situation, it's possible to get good ideas from anywhere.
I carry a notebook with me, and whenever I have a new idea, I jot it down immediately, no matter how crazy it may be. It can then be refined with a little concentration.
Sometimes I start making meaningless strokes until they resemble a shape and remind me of something, then I draw the idea out in this "abstract" form.
Life can sometimes take over the things you love. How do you stay motivated and overcome creative blocks or challenges in your work?
When I started drawing I realized that one of my strongest points was creativity, to this day I haven't encountered any real creative block... sometimes I feel unmotivated by what I'm doing and start another project, that way I don't feel tied to anything, even because art for me is totally a hobby and a passion, I don't want to create obligations in my mind, because I already have many at work.
Not every art, is for everyone. How do you handle critiques or feedback on your work, both positive and negative?
I sabotage myself quite a bit when it comes to receiving compliments. I feel like a newcomer to the whole culture, so I'm not sure if the compliments come from the heart or as encouragement. Either way, I'm very happy to see that my time and effort are being recognized.
Regarding negative criticism, if it's constructive, I listen wholeheartedly, and if it's just insults, I consider it their problem, not mine.
My internal goals include becoming increasingly specialized in drawing and painting
The thing I like to see in an artist is progress. What are your long-term artistic goals, and where do you see your art career heading in the future?
I just want to have fun and share my art. I do have a dream of eventually being able to support myself and live solely from my art, but it's not one of my priorities. I'm 30 now and have held the same job for 13 years. It would be difficult to give it all up to pursue this dream.
My internal goals include becoming increasingly specialized in drawing and painting, to the point where my knowledge is not severely limited and my creativity flows freely.
Some artists feel they have a deeper meaning regarding their artwork. Does your art have a deeper meaning to you?
Regarding the character itself, when I created it, I didn't see any significant meaning, but after talking with friends and reflecting, I like how it symbolizes a "former addict" who is now living his life. Having experienced similar struggles, I feel like the character emerged from my subconscious with this intention.
Overall, my art has a very deep meaning for me because, regardless of how it's interpreted, it's what pulled me out of the pit I was in.
Do you have anything else you would like to share with the world?
!!! ART SAVES !!!
