I'm a creative director at an animation studio and a freelance illustrator living in Austin, TX. I live in a duplex with a great yard with my 9 year-old dog, June. I write and record music as a hobby and my walls are occupied by my hanging instruments. I'm not a sporting guy, but I absolutely love bouldering. I'm probably around a V3 or V4 on the scale.

I love humor, and think I'm quite a funny guy. Quick wit and comedy within conversation with friends is basically what I think life is about. I have a great group of friends, mostly artists (architects, illustrators, animators, photographers), who enjoy the Austin nightlife, as well as spending a good night in together. I partake in as much local beer and great food as I can while maintaining a semblance of good health. I'm a bit of a technophile, and enjoy video games alone and with friends, but would never choose them over something adventurous and exciting elsewhere.

I am enamored with astronomy, and could talk your ear off about it if allowed. Just in case you want to entertain that possibility.

In case my profession interests you, my portfolio site is www.stovepipe.design

*Due to the current political climate in The United States, I feel it's important for me to plainly state here that I denounce the current president and administration. My social and political convictions are squarely placed on the left, in support of people of all races, faiths, walks of life and in opposition of anybody and any policy that oppresses or threatens the human rights of any group. I would love to be an ambassador for American decency to the best of my ability while visiting other countries.*

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love to travel, and I'm entering a stage of my life where I intend to do much more of it. I'm interested in meeting new people and providing someone a comfortable spot with my friends when spending time in Austin. I'm also looking to find people to stay with or spend time with when traveling alone abroad. I get exhilarated when adventuring solo, but also love traveling with friends. I want to see the whole planet, and the people who live on it.

*I only request hosting from one person at a time. So, if I've requested to stay with you, I've done my research and landed on you! Inversely, I'd hope you do the same for me.*

Interests

• cats
• dogs
• arts
• illustrations
• cooking
• beer
• bbq
• movies
• video games
• bouldering
• guitar
• animation
• astronomy
• videogames
• craft beer
• illustration
• tacos
• astrophysics
• songwriting
• barbecue
• nintendo

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: indie, folk, rock, some pop.
Elliott Smith, Built to Spill, My Morning Jacket, Dr. Dog, The Helio Sequence, Neutral Milk Hotel, Pavement, Stephen Malkmus, Okkervil River, Quasi, The Shins, Soul Coughing, SparkleHorse, Tallest Man on Earth, Wilco

Movies: Comedies, Drama, Action.
Edgar Wright movies, Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, Scorsese. Older Pixar, Back To The Future trilogy, Indiana Jones.

Books: Non-fiction. Mostly science and astronomy stuff. Brian Greene, Carl Sagan.
Sci-fi. Kim Stanley Robinson, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I've met Neil Degrasse Tyson, professionally. I gave him a painting of mine. It was a rocket ship.

Teach, Learn, Share

Would love to learn new languages. I can speak Spanish rudimentarily/conversationally, but know that the biggest barrier for my traveling is anxiety about communication.

Want to try new things in general. Especially when those new things are normal life for people in other places.

I want to broaden my friends and acquaintances groups globally. I don't like having such a localized perspective of the world.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share a beer, glass of whiskey, and stories. I pack light, so my offerings will always be good company and a happy, comedic spirit.

I can also share a love of art, movies, music, and nerdy science things.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Martinique, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States