Gustavo Fuentes, who goes by “Flekz,” is a first generation Salvadoran tape artist based in Los Angeles, California. His tape art murals can be found throughout the world and his art pieces are collected by designers and celebrities alike.
Check Flekz out on social media:
- Website: www.flekz.art
- Instagram: @_flekz_
Tell us a little about yourself!
I have been making art for the last 15 years of my life and I have been creating tape art for the last 12 years.
I discovered tape art in high school while creating a stencil for a graffiti project I was working on. I realized that I could also use masking tape to create sharp and clean edges. After discovering this, I found myself creating murals as well as art pieces with tape only. I also experimented with inverting designs and creating a more permanent art piece with spray paint.
At that time, I didn’t even know that creating tape art was something I wanted to chase as a career. But people started commissioning me for murals and art pieces and I stuck to it. I haven’t looked back ever since.
How did you discover Pro Tapes® tape products?
I discovered Pro Tapes back in 2018. I was working on a big project for Ford in Las Vegas. I was in dire need of some tape. I found some Pro Gaff® tape at a local art supply store, and it changed my life. It was the first time I worked with gaffers tape, and it blew me away!
What are your favorite Pro Tapes® products now, and what do you like about them? How do you use them?
Still to this day my favorite product from Pro Tapes is the Pro Gaff® tape. I use this tape when creating tape art murals for my clients. It has a strong hold but it is easy to work with. It does not damage the walls I apply it to. (*Editor’s note: always test your tape in an inconspicuous spot first!)
Tell us about any fun projects you’ve completed recently. What inspired you?
I have fun with all of my projects! But recently I finished creating a small but very intricate art piece that made me realize how far I’ve come with my designs.
Throughout my whole career, my motto has been to continuously one up the last art piece I’ve made. I constantly try to create something original that no one has ever seen before.
The inspiration for this art piece was to create something simple. Instead, it ended up being more complex with a lot of detail.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or long-term plans?
Currently, I am working on the biggest project I have ever worked on, with the biggest company I have ever worked with. I wish I could disclose information about this project but it’s a secret until everything is released to the public. Expect information on this project soon!
My long-term plan is to continuously work hard on my art career as well as myself to create the best art pieces I could possibly make. My tape art is everything to me.
Do you have any advice for people that are interested in making tape art?
My advice to anyone who is interested in making tape art is to have fun with the process. It’s an amazing medium to use and it’s a great tool to discover your own art style.
