We Are Oaklandish: Colin Taniguchi

We're excited to share our collaboration with local artist Colin Taniguchi. Colin has a talent for transforming nostalgia into art, creating pieces that feel increasingly timeless. By utilizing complementary bold colors that evoke feelings of nostalgia, he reminds us that "getting fly" can be a great source of creative inspiration. Read on to discover what influences Colin and fuels his artistry and creativity.

We've read that you've been drawing since you were three! What is one of the first pieces of art that you remember creating? Do you still have that piece?

The first pieces of art I remember making was actually just chicken scratch on my dad's work notes. S**t like vampires and shoes literally lol. I would just draw stuff for my aunties and uncles; they still got them. My God Mom just sent me this one recently:

What is your go-to pen brand or drawing instrument, and how many do you typically go through?

Micron pens are my go-to fasho. You can make a lot of detail happen with those. Other than that, I really just like using ballpoint pens like BIC. 

I take care of my tools, so I usually don't run through them too quick surprisingly. Alot of my markers have lasted years, some finesse in the way I color probably helps though. Can't be too heavy handed. 

What would you say is the biggest inspiration to your style of drawing and line work?

I’d say alot of hand drawn album covers I’ve came across over the years & skate graphics have enhanced my style of line work no doubt. It was all heavy outlines & in your face. Bold just gets the point across.

What’s your go-to place to eat food in the bay/Oakland? What are you ordering?

I got a few spots I gotta keep cutty, but the one that's first place is Westlake Joes (Original Joes) in Daly City. I'm rocking with the prime rib or porterhouse steak. You not doing it right if you don't get the Butter cake as a night cap though. As far as the town goes, I’ll tap in with that Lucky Three Seven.

Favorite album to listen to while you create right now no skips.

Young Cellski “Mr. Predicter” got no skips. Let that tape roll all the way through. Too many laid back tracks to zone out & draw to. “The Last Song” is my favorite cut.

Is there a form of art that you want to practice or develop further? If so, why?

I'd like to take another crack at airbrushing. Maybe even tattooing so everyone can stop bothering me about it LOL.

Can you explain the feeling of nostalgia or the concept you wanted to convey in your collaborative piece with us, Oaklandish? What emotions or memories does it bring out for you?

My approach is always to make it timeless. Good style transcends over any trends. The bay never followed what's in at the moment, we always did our own thing, so I wanted to keep it authentic to that. Independent hustle, posting up, the best city landscapes, and getting fly is what I want the viewer to see & feel when they throw this tee on since that's what I’m on every day.

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Oakland is diverse and Oakland is proud. 'We Are Oaklandish' is a storytelling project created to highlight just that.

These are stories that shed light on the different experiences, memories, and opinions of the people in the city we all love. They are people who give our city its oddball spirit, its passion for justice, and its creative vigor. They lift us up with laughter, peace, nourishment, and authentic hard work. 

They make us proud to call this town our home. They are Oaklandish.

Read more: We Are Oaklandish

Shop the collection: Hometown