SEIBEI: Grow a Beard, Make Me a Sandwich

Whenever I am in need of a rad gift, it doesn't take me long to click on SEIBEI's website to see what latest designs are being printed on t's, pins, or bags.  I came across the infamous "Make Me A Sandwich" dinosaur shirt that instantly catapulted me to "best girlfriend ever" status with my boyfriend who proudly wore it around Six Flags in LA garnering much jealousy and attention from onlookers.

But if there ever was an interview to read - this is it! --Why?  For starters, there is a coupon code below, dear bearded reader, only for you.  Secondly, SEIBEI is awesome!  Finally, SEIBEI is the pseudonym of David Murray, a self-taught illustrator who "draws upon his love of comic books, bright colors, and offbeat slogans to create a unique line of graphic tees and accessories under his name."

Bab: How long have you rocked a beard? What's the best part about having one?
David: I've had a beard off and on for about six years, I think? It's hard to remember. I had great sideburns through most of college, and then after I graduated I think I hadn't shaved for about a week due to laziness and just decided to run with it. Every few months or so I get tired of it and go back to sideburns, but the fact that I look like a middle schooler under this thing, along with my girlfriend's love of the beard, sends me running back to it pretty quickly. The beard lends me a rakish quality that I like, and also makes it so there's less of my actual face to look at, so everybody wins.  

As the Commissioner of the Intramural Zombie Hunting League, have you ever spotted a bearded zombie?

Growing up I'd always heard that hair and nails continued to grow after death, but I think I remember reading that what actually happens is the skin of a corpse shrinks and recedes to a point. So, presumably, no one will grow a beard after becoming undead. However, we can also assume that none of the undead possess the faculties necessary to shave off a beard that they already have, so if they died with a beard, they're going to keep it until the bitter end, or until they lose the lower half of their face through decay or some kind of attack (or if someone sets them on fire, thereby burning the beard off). Once bearded, ALWAYS BEARDED. 
 

Who is your bearded inspiration?
Zach Galifianakis, for sure. He gives a lot of us bearded dudes hope. Please reference the following Venn diagram for further explanation as to why I love him (below). I've also been compared to Ryan Dunn (of CKY/Jackass fame), which I am perfectly fine with; he seems like a rad dude. 

As an artist, does your beard give you more artistic inspiration?  Is it magical?
It's therapeutic. I often work with one hand on the pen and one hand on my chin, and it's nice to feel a soft, luscious beard and mustache (mine is enough for me, though; I don't have a thing for touching other people's beards). It's like having a Tamagotchi and a stress ball all in one, on my face.  

Anything else you'd like to tell us....

I wish there were more good bearded Halloween costumes that weren't lumberjack or hobo or island castaway. The past few Halloweens I've had to shave for various costumes (Barney Rubble, Randy Marsh), which isn't a big deal, but I wouldn't mind running the beard as part of a rad costume. As my way of saying thanks for this interview (and you lovely people reading it), you can use the coupon code BEARDSRULE (all caps!) for 10% off at SEIBEI! 

(Photo: David Murray)