Ibanez USA
Custom Graphic Series Artist

Dan Lawrence

 

During my further research into the USA Custom Graphic series of guiatrs and my interview with Ibanez Artist Pamelina, I Was put in touch with fellow Artist Dan Lawrence who was also responsible for some of the dramatic designs of the popular range. Dan was kind enough to take part in the interview and provided us with the following insight.

How did Ibanez get in touch with you?

I believe I approached them in 1990's winter NAMM Show, I didn't hear from them till mid 1991 and started doing graphics for them then.

 

Which designs did you paint?

I did the Angels Depart
Grim Reaper
Ice World
No Bones About it
Cosmic Swirl I & II
SeaMonster
Un-Zipped
Alien's Revenge

 

Did you sign all the guitars or did you make any other marks say under the trem or in the neck pocket?

 Pretty sure I did - they asked me to sign everything because they thought it would be better for the sale - Original Artist and All.

 

Were the designs your ideas or were you given guidelines to work within?

They were all my ideas - they would give me x-amount of guitars for the show and then choose from them which one they would take.  The graphic for John Petrucci was done out of one of those runs for the NAMM show and he came into Hoshino and saw it on the rack, which inventible became his signature model.

 

Did the bodies come to you ready to paint or did you need to prepare then to your requirements?

They all came prepped either black or white.  Occasionally, I would have to prep one for myself if it called for a special color

 

What do you know about the so called pre-production models that are around, the ones not in the catalogues, were they samples for the final production run?

I really don't know.  Like I stated I painted certain guitars and they would choose which one they'd want.  Honestly, I don't remember which ones were not in the catalog.

 

Lots of guitarists had graphic designs in the late 80’s early 90’s, have you painted designs for other individual artists especially Ibanez Artists?

I have been painting for 20 years and I've done many graphics for many Musicians.  Off the top of my head John Petrucci and Steve Vai more current Noodles from the Offspring, stuff for Korn.  The majority of the graphics that I painted during the late 80's early 90's were for production.

 

What’s the wildest design you’ve undertaken?

I would have to say it was Captain Fantastic, Unfortunately it wasn't for Ibanez. (you can view it on GMW's website)

Is there any design you wouldn’t undertake?

Yes, there was one - Unicorns on Harley Tanks - I was dreading it - it was for 2 of the exact same bikes (his & hers) with Unicorns - I attempted the project but ran into so difficulty with the Harley Paint peeling off the primer coat - They supplied the paint - after 3 attempts I was so frustrated that I tried to refer them to another artist and final had to settle and call it quits.  I have no idea if they ever got the project done.  Most of the time I'll take on any job - it depends on how patience the client is - Time is a factor since I'm only one guy with one airbrush......

 

Where else has your work appeared?

I paint for Jackson/Charvel; BC Rich; Tom Anderson; Fender; Schecter; Yamaha; Zion; Baker; and of course Ibanez

 

Do you undertake repairs or restoration on guitars with damaged artwork?

I use to - Not anymore I'm too busy.  However, I guess it would depend on the artwork

 

Do you still take on commissions from individual guitarists?

Daily - I'm doing one for Christopher Cross

 

Do you play Guitar yourself?

I tinker a lot and practice my chords when I have time. I've collected many over the years.  Amazingly none of them have graphics on them.... I guess I'm a like the mechanic that never fixes his own car. 

 

Have you done any work recently that you’d like to share with us?

I just sent a doubleneck back to Ibanez that received the untouchable graphics for the guitar player in Korn.  It came out great and they loved it.

 

Is there any Guitarist alive or dead that you would like to paint a guitar for?

Randy Rhoads - he was one of my favorite players.  It was an honor for me in 2001 to do a pencil sketch for his mother Deloris - She received it for a LifeTimes Achievement Award, which I was able to attend.  She's a great lady.  I've also wanted to do something for Eddie Van Halen, but the closest I've come is Michael Anthony, which is one of my regulars and all around great person.
 

How can people contact you for custom work?

Have them e-mail me at drlgrafx@verizon.net or call me personally at (626) 914-8082.

 

Please leave your comments

{Home}{History}