Mister Cartoon

Spray paint is Mister Cartoon’s medium of choice for the billboard, destined for the Sunset Strip. “It’s definitely a rush seeing your art on a billboard,” Cartoon said. “Working with design agencies, designing concept cars — it’s a long way from my dad telling me to get a real job.”  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

The sketch Mister Cartoon submitted comes to life in his warehouse studio, just outside skid row.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

The mural turned billboard is distinctly L.A., depicting muscle cars, a femme fatale, a Mexican Dia de Los Muertos skeleton and the movie’s name emblazoned in gothic gangster font.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Cartoon kept his lowrider-driving image intact for the unveiling, arriving in his customized’64 Chevy Impala and bouncing on hydraulic springs before reporters and photographers assembled for the event.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)