At Pinetime Clothing, we believe in the power of supporting outdoor and underground subcultures. It is our mission to organize collaborations that embody this spirit and showcase our commitment to these communities. In line with this vision, we are thrilled to announce our latest Artist Series collaboration in the SS23 collection with the incredibly talented Aron the Awkward, an underground tattoo artist.

Aron the Awkward is not just a collaborator but also a kindred spirit who shares our values and embodies the essence of Pinetime Clothing. Our collaborations are not limited to friends; we seek out like-minded individuals who are athletes and artists, serving as brand ambassadors for our collective vision. By joining forces with Aron, we are combining our passions for art, fashion, and the vibrant subcultures that inspire us.

In this exciting collaboration, Aron the Awkward has lent his artistic prowess to design the graphic and print for our Wax to the Max t-shirt. The graphic embodies the core views of Pinetime Clothing, capturing the essence of board sports and surf riding. Aron's unique artistic style and attention to detail are evident in every brushstroke, making this t-shirt a true expression of our shared passion for self-expression and the great outdoors.

We cannot contain our enthusiasm for this collaboration, as it represents a journey where art and fashion seamlessly intertwine. Together, we invite you to embrace this fusion and celebrate the limitless possibilities of self-expression.

Aron Bence, better known as Aron the Awkward, has recently emerged as a rising star in the Hungarian art scene. His unique style has caught the attention of many, and his creative journey has taken him beyond borders. We had the pleasure of interviewing Aron at his tattoo studio, Raketa Studio, located in Budapest. Join us as we dive into the world of this remarkable artist.

Aron Bence, better known as Aron the Awkward, has recently emerged as a rising star in the Hungarian art scene. His unique style has caught the attention of many, and his creative journey has taken him beyond borders. We had the pleasure of interviewing Aron at his tattoo studio, Raketa Studio, located in Budapest. Join us as we dive into the world of this remarkable artist.

Pinetime: Let's start with a straightforward question, completely non-awkward, of course! Why do you have such a passion for drawing, and what does it mean to you?

Aron: (chuckles) Well, nobody has asked me that before! Drawing brings me into a state of flow. I can get lost in it. I usually draw in the morning when the best inspirations strike, especially when I'm a little tired. The first half hour of the day, around 8 am, is when I'm in the flow because everything and everyone is still asleep. I'm half-asleep too. But that doesn't mean I'm a "morning person." I'm actually most productive at night when everything quiets down.

Pinetime: Was it always clear to you that you wanted to work as a graphic designer?

Aron: I've been drawing for as long as I can remember, even since my childhood. By the end of high school, I knew I wanted to be an illustrator. However, there was no major specifically for illustrations at the art universities I considered, so I chose graphic design instead. Hand-drawing remains my favorite, but I also enjoy sitting in front of a computer, working on graphic designs.

Pinetime: We know you have other exciting projects in your life, such as being a tattoo artist. Do you still work as a graphic designer?

Aron: These days, I mainly take on illustration jobs, although I occasionally work on graphic design projects if the story resonates with me. I still enjoy tinkering with things in Photoshop. However, I must admit that sometimes dealing with tricky clients in the graphic design field can be challenging. In tattooing, the dynamic between the client and me is different. Tattoo clients tend to trust me more and give me more creative freedom. That level of trust is not always present in applied graphics.

Pinetime: Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?

Aron: It's helpful to have a starting point, something specific like an animal, a motif, or even a particular mood. When clients tell me to do whatever I want, it can be a bit intimidating, but it also has its own beauty.

Pinetime: Your figurative style is quite unique. How did you develop it?

Aron: I follow other artists who have similar styles, primarily international designers. That's why my style may seem unique within Hungary. I constantly strive to refine and further develop my style. Additionally, growing up watching Cartoon Network and Animax had a significant influence on me. I'm also obsessed with collecting various books and prints that continue to inspire me.

Pinetime: Are there any specific people, figures, or places that inspire you?

Aron: The list is endless, but if I had to name a few, Lugosis, Gaston Pacheco, T.Wei, Odsanyu, Yooiii, and many more.

Pinetime: How did tattooing become a part of your life?

Aron: I started tattooing when I was studying in Berlin. My best friend was also living there, and we both had a mutual motivation to start tattooing. Since my drawings primarily focus on contours, it was relatively easy for me to adapt those existing patterns into tattoo art.

Pinetime: What do you believe is the most significant factor in a creative person's life?

Aron: It's hard to pinpoint a single circumstance, but personally, I find that I'm most productive during winter. There's less fear of missing out (FOMO), and I feel sharper when I'm huddled over my desk. However, a trip or even a long walk with my dog can often break through any creative blocks I might be facing.

Pinetime: We approached you to design graphics for a t-shirt because we feel your work aligns closely with Pinetime's passion for art. How do you feel about our collaboration and the Wax to the Max t-shirt?

Aron: We used to work in the same building as Pinetime, and I always admired the t-shirts and hoodies displayed in the brand's showroom. The products had a unique style that resonated with me. I had always thought it would be fun to design graphics for t-shirts and collaborate with the brand. Last year, I came across Pinetime's awesome graphic design featuring a skateboarding pine figure. It was a bold concept, and it sparked the idea of taking things to the next level. We brainstormed, and I began with the notion of using a pine figure but giving it a summery twist. That's why I incorporated the pinetree figure on the front of the tee and created a slightly different graphic for the back of the t-shirt. The graphic on the back was inspired by surfers, road trips, and van life. I believe the t-shirt turned out to be really cool, and the project was both exciting and inspiring for me. I'm eagerly looking forward to our next collaboration for the autumn 2023 collection.