Chances are, you've skated or are skating one of Tony's decks. After eight and a half years as a part of Girl's Art Dump, he's put out hundreds of fresh, curb-crushing graphics. Judging by his versatile, diverse style, he'll be throwing heaters indefinitely. And he's cool as fuck.

G: how did you get started designing?

T: I got started as a designer at Girl Skateboards, in 1999. Up to that point all I had ever done was draw and paint, but I didn't have any formal design training. I still don't, really. I consider myself a graduate of the Art Dump School of Graduate Design. If you can get accepted, it's an amazing school.

G: do you have a favorite design you've done?

T: Not really..I had the privilege to be allowed to do a lot of good things at Girl and I'm proud of everything I did there. A couple of my favorite board series were The Modern Chairs, The Interiors, The Skull Agents and The Icons. And a lot of one off's too.

G: if you could do a project outside of the industry what would it be?

T: I'd really like to organize a music and art festival. But not on a huge soccer field or some shit. More like a weekend of art and music in select gallery spaces etc..I can think of so many good artists and musicians I'd like to be involved.

G: any thoughts on how things in the "sub-culture" are different from
when you first started?

T: Maybe that it's not so "sub" any more. I never really felt like I was really part of any sub-culture anyway. Growing up in coastal SoCal, all of the things that are considered sub-culture were part of our lives. Skating, surfing, punk shows, DIY art and music etc..is all I ever really knew. Everyone I know and respect started with that DIY mind set, and I don't think that will ever change.

R: In your perspective, how has Girl and Chocolate changed over the years?

T: I think when Girl was smaller and newer, they had more freedom to be outside of the parameters of everything else out there. But as you grow, you have to compromise a little bit to remain viable, business-wise. They're still the best skate company out there in my opinion. Chocolate has stayed pretty consistent graphically thanks to Evan Hecox doing practically every design. Which is good. He is Chocolate. The Chocolate and Girl teams are insane.

R: I know you've gone on a few trips with all the Girl and Chocolate
guys. Which was your favorite?

T: My favorite trip was the first time we went to Australia. The "What Logo?" Tour...Marc Johnson, Koston, Devine Calloway, Brian Anderson, Rick Howard, Jeron Wilson and The Art Dump..I'm forgetting someone. We had a blast. All I will say about said trip is "Schnitz and Tits" and German blondes...

R: Outside of the art dump, what other skate companies' designs are you
feeling?

T: Skate Mental, Real Skateboards and Anti-Hero.

R: Who is your favorite skater of all time?

T: Rick Koston.

R: What up and coming ams are you feeling right now?

T: Sean Malto is fucking ridiculous. Mike Mo and Curren Caples.

How dope is Biebel?

T: Biebel is just badass. What people may not see is that he is a really thoughtful and intelligent dude. He always gives his fans respect, which I respect. Hilarious too. He's the Clown Prince of Sacto.

R: Do you have any predictions on where the skate industry is going in
the future?

T: I predict the Revenge of the Goat.

R: How hard was the decision leaving the art dump?

T: One of the hardest decisions of my life. The people there are some of my best friends and people who I respect more than anyone else in this industry. It was sad but inevitable. But change is good and I'm an Art Dumper por vida.

R: Is there anything that you don't like in skateboarding right now?

T: In 08, I'm gonna drop the hate.

R: Any surprising interests you have outside of the skateboarding realm?

T: Not sure if it's surprising, but I'm a musician almost as much as I am a visual artist. Some might argue even more. Lately I've been into old choppers too. And goats.

stalk Tony at: http://mrlarsonrules.blogspot.com/