Projecting Peralta (Talk Of New York)

We got a chance to speak to Tony Peralta of the Peralta Project. Check out what he had to say about the influences of NYC....

What are some of the standards that set your artistic eye apart form most of your counterparts?

My standard is pretty much Creativity. That might sound vague but I think a lot of my counterparts
lack creativity. I put a lot of thought into my work and do my best to create something that looks
dope. I'm constantly working on my craft, researching and learning. It's all about evolution for me.

How has being raised in New York influenced your personal style?

Being born and raised in NYC influenced my personal style, attitude,
pretty much everything. Growing up, I used to look up to the b-boys and
the way they rocked there sheepskins with matching gloves, hat and track
suit for contrast.

What High Schol did you attend in NY and what was the experience like?

I attend George Washington High School aka G-DUBS in Washington Heights. My experience
in high school was crazy. You have to understand, I was a freshman in 1989. That year was when
the last batch of Uptown's true drug dealers where either leaving or stopped hanging out in front of
the school. Manny Ramirez, who plays for Boston Red Sox's was in my weight training class and didn't
speak english to well. Back then it was about crews and depending on what block you're from, going
to DUBS wasn't the best for you. Fortunately, I was from a neutral block 187st, so I was good.

What did you study in college and where did you pick up most of your experience?

When I first entered college I was a history major. I had stopped drawing in High School and towards
the end was fascinated with black and latino history. But after my first semester I switched my major
to Media Arts where I focused on Graphics, Film and Photography. Most of my experience I got after
college. I really came into my own working at August Bishop a boutique PR and Marketing agency.

What are some of your biggest influences outside of the 5 boros?

My Dominican culture is one of my biggest influences besides NYC. I 'm first born generation
so everything I learned about being american was 2nd, Dominican was first. Besides that, I would
have to say Europe for being so opening minded and free and Japan for there craftsmanship.

Who did you have the biggest crush on in High School, and did you ever tell her? If so what became of it?

In high school was this fine ass black chick, but I didn't know her name. I use to freeze up when I saw her,
so I never go to tell her.

What are some cartoons that you dial into every now and then to?

Cartoons suck so much nowadays. The only ones I like is The BATMAN and BOONDOKS,
but I don't to see it that much.

How would you define your dresscode?

30 something Native Tounger!

What old school album is in constant rotation in your collection?

De La Soul's whole Discography. My favorite group of all time.

What did you want to be as a kid growing up?

I always wanted to be an Artist. A famous Artist but then I have to die to
be really famous.

Who is the best chef in your family and what is their award winning dish?

My mom dukes hands down. My favorite dish from my mom is her t-bone
steak with rice and beans. Her steak is season so good, that you can eat
the rice with just the steak's juices/gravy that's over the rice.

What was your favorite non-designing job experience?

Working in Red Apple supermarket when I was in high school. We used to get
drunk every weekend on the sneak, eat free shit from the deli and aisle, beat up boosters
And I even banged one of the cashiers in the bathroom. One of the best jobs ever.

What musical instrument would you be?

The Tambora!

What was the worst pick up line that a woman hit you with?

Can I touch your hair.

Who were some of your neighborhood heros as a child?

My stupid older brother and his friends. My brother use to DJ, so
I thought that was cool. And he use to go to all the cool clubs back
then, Paradise Garage, Fun House,etc. I was introduced to HIP HOP
thru him and even Keith Haring.

Where is the end game goal for the Peralta Project?

My goal is to be able to live off The Peralta Project. I want my
art to go international. I don't want to have a full collection but more
of and accessories line. Apparel is too saturated.

Does any one else in your family have an artistic flair?

Nope, just me! Everyone else is more Entrepreneurial .