One of the best things about social media is crossing paths with ChopCult member Rob Hudnut, known to most as Cycle Monster. Rob illustrates detailed how-to techs for everyone to enjoy and use as a valuable resource. He's also a very talented painter and leather craftsman. Please take a moment to get to meet the genius behind Cycle Monster.
Name: Rob Hudnut
ChopCult profile name: "Merlins Beard" but I've never posted anything. I mainly just read the build threads.
Current location: Portland, OR
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Where did it all start? My folks were heavy into the British/Italian motorcycle scene before my older brother and I were born. My dad rode a bike to work every day into his 50's: BSAs, Nortons, Triumphs, MotoGuzzis,etc. My mom and dad would ride double up, with matching Langlitz Leather gear, and head out on many long-distance rides while we stayed at grandma's house. My dad was also into customizing old cars and drove a '51 Ford coupe to work when he wasn't on his bike. We didn't spend much time playing catch in the yard, but we spent a lot of time in the garage together. My brother and I had always been artistic. Over the years, I have become a jack of all trades in the garage, having many bikes of my own and a '53 Belair. One day I decided to draw about the things I had learned, and here we are with some fun how-to DIY's!
When do you feel that art became a vital part of your life? My folks noticed I had artistic skill when I was very young. I would paint banners for school and draw puzzles for the kids in class. In high school, I worked for a small airbrush studio and started my own little business called Raw-B Grafix and sold custom clothes to kids in school. Then I went to art college in Seattle and, after graduating, I worked for Sierra Studios. I was a 3-D Level Designer for one of the biggest video game publishers at that time. They were known for big titles like Half-Life, S.W.A.T. and others. Then, 9-11 hit, and the entertainment industry took a nosedive. So I picked up motorcycles, custom cars, metal flake paint, pinstriping, gold leafing, lettering, and so on. I was featured in Car Kulture Deluxe mag for my monster-style car paintings. I started making t-shirts called Monster Hotrods with original artwork. After that, my brother and I silkscreened our shirts and shop rags with new designs called Hudnut Bros. Along the way, I picked up leatherworking and upholstery and really enjoyed learning something new!
