Spartapalooza

I am driven by both sides of my brain. Creativity and sciences have always carried out every interest I have. As Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” In fact, looking back at all the things I have done, whether it’s a hobby, a project, or a job, my creativity had always lead me into learning something new that also happens to be technical. My imagination is what consistently brings me to learning something new about science, technology or engineering. It’s important that when designing I keep the factual things in life in mind, but I will always have the kid in me that wants to test and question the boundaries of things that I come across every day. Physics, math and science will always be around before and after life but creativity is something that makes you unique and rare. That is why I love design.

Home Town: Houston, Texas
Currently Living: Houston
Origin Of Name: My real name is Marcus. In high school some friends use to call me Spartacus (presumably because the ends of both names sound the same). Whenever I have a party (usually a birthday) I call it Spartapalooza in honor of my old nick name. It’s just something fun.
Weapon of Choice: Almost anything I can express myself with visually. My favorite are 3D modeling software systems.
Source of Power: Inspiration comes from anywhere in the universe, so it’s important to research, research and do more research!

What advice would you offer someone thinking about entering the Discovery Project competition?
Applying and showing off your technical skills is just as fundamental as being creative in design. Don’t overdo it! Most of your concentration should go into the development of the overall concept and enforcing it throughout the entire stage set. Another thing: never forget about the design requirements. Thoroughly understand them. It’s perfectly okay to do more than what is expected but do not go outside the limitations of the contest.

What do your parents think of what you are doing?
I would have to say that my parents are without a doubt my biggest supporters. They are always asking me about anything new I am doing. Honestly, I cannot remember any kind of big achievement I have done where my parents were not proud of me. They have taught me so much in life and to always believe in what I want to accomplish. Whether I succeed or fail they are always there to offer advice and compassion.

Tell me about your most memorable night out as an artist or as a fan.
I was at a music festival listening to a DJ from one of the smaller stages. The party was loud and filled with exhilarating people. Next to it was a ledge I decided to go hang out by. It overlooked an area that was restricted to general attendees and was right along the bay that was adjacent to the festival. On the water was a docked yacht, it was the most luxurious and biggest yacht I had ever seen. On the main aisle way off this “staff area” were super fancy cars driving by (I even saw a Ferrari). There were people on one side of this ledge that were jumping up and down to this great music streaming out of a DJ on a cool stage set. On the other side was an immensely luxurious yacht surrounded with expensive cars from artists all over the EDM world. And then I saw it. I stood perfectly still and drew my attention to one particular thing that looked completely out of place. It was a tan colored temporary building with corrugated walls and a small step platform that led to a door towards the end of the building. Why was I so intrigued by it? On that door was a small laminated paper sign that had the words “Design Team.” Despite of all the luxury and partying that I was surrounded with there was one thing at that moment that was calling me, and it was in that building.

What is your ultimate career dream?
Make a difference in this world and make it better. I want my designs to carry on when I leave this world. I want people’s experiences to keep alive what I design. Most of all I hope to inspire others in their endeavors.

Are you impulsive with your work or do you have a sketch in mind before you start?
Every time I come up with a concept there are two major pieces I must have before starting: an idea and inspiration. What is funny is that they can be both spontaneous and planned at the same time. It is hard to define how these things form in my head because I think everyone’s brain works a little differently. Research and exposure to different things is key to all of this.

What’s the most important piece of gear in your studio and why?
It depends on what part of the process I am in. I would definitely have to say a pen and paper are vital when beginning. But when creating the end product I wouldn’t be anywhere if it were not for my computer and 3D software.

How important is it for you to experiment and take on the risk of failure?
Failure is important. Anybody that has never failed has never tried anything new. I don’t take failure as failing, I take it as an experience to learn from and something I can fall back on when faced with something similar. That being said, I constantly force myself to get out of my comfort zone by taking on new challenges all the time. Anything worth doing is always at first impossible and staying resilient determines whether or not you are successful.

If we pressed Shuffle on your iPod while you went to the bathroom, what would you be embarrassed to come back to us listening to?
Styx – “Mr. Roboto”

What sound or noise do you love?
The sound a blow off valve makes in a turbocharged engine.

What should everyone just shut the fuck up about?
Money

What gets you excited when you think about the future of electronic music and club culture?
The most exciting thing for me is the technology the culture will bring along. Illusions are getting more and more complex and with it so is the technology. It will be interesting to see how the vast world of science and engineering is going to adapt to the electronic music experience.

When you look at electronic music and the surrounding culture, what worries you about the future, what do you wish would change or that you could change?
What worries me most is the bureaucracy that is forming. When electronic music first started it was about doing something that sounded different and everyone who listened to it was on the same level. There were no big names on the radio and most people thought it sounded weird because of that very reason. Now that more of it is going mainstream I don’t want these big names covering up smaller more unique artists that live in this culture just as much as what is played on the radio or a movie.

What are your weaknesses?
Colors sometimes, mainly because I am partially color blind.

Is success physical or internal?
Definitely internal. I don’t believe that success is defined by material things. It’s about what you do to make a difference in other peoples’ lives and for the world.

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