As one of our favorite artists, we proudly present to you Mitch O’Connell, artist extraordinaire. There’s only one thing larger than O’Connell’s ego and that is his artistic talent. All kidding aside, it is hard to miss O’Connell’s ubiquitous skill. His work can be seen in galleries all over the world as tattoo flash, on posters, all over the internet, and even at derby bouts. Known as quite the jovial fellow, we were lucky to ask O’Connell a few questions about his life, art, and thoughts on roller derby.

How long have you been creating art?

Since the beginning of time (well, my time at least).

How would you describe your style?

Sassy, Sultry and Sexy. Just like the artist.

What is your source of inspiration?

Anything wonderfully weird 'n wacky, tasteless 'n tacky and kitschy 'n kraptastic! To be specific, plush and/or faux fur on things, goofy porn from the '60s and before, thrift store art, black light posters, spin art, monster magazines, psychotronic movies, UFOs, bigfoot, tattoos, drinking, voodoo, henpecked husbands, Fredrick's of Hollywood, tiki, hot rods, sideshows, and on and on and on! I also let a few things that are really "of quality" sneak on my inspiration list.

When and how did you get into doing artwork for roller derby?

I first did some rough logo designs for a local team, "The Fury". That came about from thinking of all the stuff I'd like to draw instead of waiting for folks to hire me. Unfortunately, all the fun stuff is usually run by poor folks. So I emailed around to all the Roller Derby, Demolition Derby, Lucha Libre and Burlesque groups (and more) that I could find. The Fury were the first ones to respond and I figured I'd trade 'em some match tickets for designing the logo (my rates have gone up since then). Even at that price, nothing ever came of it. But since that time, I've done a whole big batch of derby posters and logos (see the pics that go with this investigative interview).

As for the rest, managed to do a demolition derby t-shirt, a bunch of burlesque stuff (including the last two posters for the Miss Exotic World shows), but lucha libre work eludes me!

Ever been to a roller derby bout?

Yes, only one so far (my bad). I've got so much to draw, kids to get to school and help with homework plus an insatiable wife.

Can you skate?

I think so. Hold on. Left, Right, Left Right, Left, Left, Whoops! Ouch! I think I hurt my spine!

Would you let your daughter grow up to be a rollergirl?

Kieran who's ten, I know she packs a hell of a punch so she's halfway there!

What do you like to do outside of the art world?

Devoting my life to helping the downtrodden, poor and needy. Wait, that's Mother Teresa! I like eating lots of ice cream and watching TV!

Any words of wisdom for those hoping to be a super successful artist such as yourself?

Try hard and draw well. But not too hard or well, I don't want anyone cutting into my business.

Any future plans or final words?

More of the same, but even better!