About the artist

I created the art on my t-shirts while in treatment for cancer over the last ten years. It is fueled by resilience and crafted with passion.

The themes of my work have elements of mythology, the natural world, and spirit animals that have brought me happiness and strength. I incorporated the 90's retro pop art vibe with the minimalist aesthetic of Mid Century Modern in saturated colors from Saturday morning cartoons that I loved and still do. The starbursts of energy are like flash bulb lights on movie stars walking the red carpet and super models on the runways. As a makeup artist in fashion during the 1990's and early 2000's the flashing lights from work days in the studios are forever imprinted in my brain. That job took me back and forth across the country living in New York City, South Beach, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas. It was a fifteen year blur of people, color and clothes. Here at modmarks I combined that experience with a lifelong love of Disney movies, music and science fiction. This project is a love letter to the Marvel comics that fed my soul as a kid, my sister's barbie dolls that bored her but captivated me and the sleek style of New York's modern art scene. Everything radiates in dramatic graphics that are printed on a classic semi-fitted 100% cotton t-shirt with non toxic water based inks. .

Thank you for shopping at modmarks!

Photo of J. Elton Marks, the artist with his best friend Sparky, the Yorkshire Terrier
Photo of J. Elton Marks, the artist with his best friend Sparky, the Yorkshire Terrier

The artist, J. Elton Marks, with Sparky.

YMLA menswear advertising campaign, grooming by J. Elton Marks
YMLA menswear advertising campaign, grooming by J. Elton Marks

Makeup and hair

Some of my favorite jobs from the 90's and early 2000's

Cover of Genre Magazine-Grooming by J. Elton Marks
Cover of Genre Magazine-Grooming by J. Elton Marks
Model Sarah Mutch for Swedish Elle, Makeup and Hair-J. Elton Marks
Model Sarah Mutch for Swedish Elle, Makeup and Hair-J. Elton Marks
First cover of Vice Magazine, Makeup and Hair-J. Elton Marks
First cover of Vice Magazine, Makeup and Hair-J. Elton Marks
Makeup-J. Elton Marks, Photo-Jordan Doner, Stylist Stacey Jones, model-Ana Hickmann
Makeup-J. Elton Marks, Photo-Jordan Doner, Stylist Stacey Jones, model-Ana Hickmann
Cover of Health & Fitness Magazine, Makeup and Hair- J. Elton Marks, Photo-Paul Thatcher
Cover of Health & Fitness Magazine, Makeup and Hair- J. Elton Marks, Photo-Paul Thatcher