With Beach Goth 2018 Tour having been announced, Growlers fans everywhere have been anticipating any updates about the return. What I love about following Los Growlers on Instagram is the well-thought out content that’s produced to tease their upcoming shows. Many times, the artwork and short videos they share have a reoccurring theme that ties into their events.
The Growlers posted a short claymation video created by Taylor Bonin and Steph Hulewicz. The video features Brooks getting abducted by aliens. Could this be a hint to the theme of Beach Goth 2018?
Taylor also happens to be the mastermind behind many of The Growlers music videos as well as other Orange County favorites like The Garden and Tomorrows Tulips.
SEE MORE OF TAYLOR BONIN’S MUSIC VIDEOS
I recently had the pleasure of connecting with Taylor. He was very kind to have taken time during his road trip to tell me more about himself and give me more details about the project.
- Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I’m 28 years old. Born and raised in Costa Mesa, CA. Now currently living in Los Angeles. I love to travel and have a huge passion for photography and filmmaking.
- What’s your background as an artist?
I started making short films and skits with my next door neighbor at a really young age (about 6 years old). I still have the hi8mm video camera that we used and actually still use it to this day for certain projects. Movie making has always interested me but it wasn’t until I took a film photography class in college that got me hooked on taking photos. I was fascinated with the entire process of creating a photograph on film and seeing it come to life.
- What was your part in creating the claymation video for The Growlers? How many people worked on it?
My girlfriend, Steph, and I had been talking for awhile about how fun it would be to make a stop motion video. Basically, after a lot of talk and no action, one day we decided to go buy the clay and came up with a short simple story on the drive home. It took her about a week of working a couple hours a night to make the character (Brooks). After Brooks was made he kind of just sat staring at us up on our mantle for a few weeks until we found some free time to build the rest of the set and go through with it. We really had no idea what we were doing at first and did the entire clip you saw in one night. We finished editing it the next day and added all the sound effects. It was a lot of fun to make and we really look forward to working on another stop motion or possibly continuing the series and see what happens to Brooks!
- What was the process for creating the video? What kind of camera did you use?
Steph built the character and we collaborated on the living room set. I used a canon 5D MK4 to shoot it.
- From inception to completion, how long did it take to create the claymation video?
It was a dragged out process since we spent so much time sitting on the idea but if I were to estimate I would say it took Steph 10 hours to make the character and 3-4 hours to make the set. We shot it in one night which took about 6 hours straight.
- Should we anticipate more claymation videos from you in the future?
Definitely! Getting started on another one ASAP.
- For artists, sometimes starting and getting ideas organized is the hardest part. Do you have your own process when starting a project?
Sometimes I find it very hard to start certain projects but sometimes the ideas will flow instantly. I’m lucky to constantly be around inspiring friends and people which really helps and is a great environment to create art.
- You’ve worked on several music videos with The Growlers as well as other artists like The Garden, Tomorrow’s Tulips and more. How did you get connected with them?
I met The Growlers when my best friend Anthony started playing with them in 2012. Shortly after, they took me on tour in September 2012 and I’ve been on the road with them ever since as their photographer and tour manager. We’ve brought both The Garden and Tomorrow’s Tulips on tour a few years ago and became fast friends and collaborators. I’ve met a lot of great artists and friends while on the road. Making music videos with artists you are already friends with and comfortable with is a real plus.
- Would you say that your work has a style and do you have any advice to other artists who are searching for their style?
I feel like I’ve never stuck to a certain style and have just been creating what I like and think is cool.
- Are there any more projects coming up that we can expect from you?
Yup. I have a few music videos that will see the light very soon. Also my first photo show will take place in Los Angeles next month!
What is very admirable about Taylor is that when he has an idea or wants to do something, he goes for it. “Sometimes I find it very hard to start certain projects but sometimes the ideas will flow instantly.” This is a great reminder that not all great ideas are instant and there is not always a process to starting.
Like all artists who feel stuck or feel like they don’t have direction at times, the best way to look for inspiration is to surround yourself with friends who motivate you.
Thank you, Taylor. We’re excited to see what you have in store next.
To learn more about Taylor Bonin go to: taylorbonin.com
