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Fuel Magazine
PO Box 195
Somerton,Victoria 3062
Australia
www.fuelzine.com
$15
9 771837 076001
fuelartist
He prefers shooting Kool Lifestyle.
American cars from the 30s through to the
70s, classic glamorous pin-ups, rockstars, custom
bikes and uncommon people with attitude. He works
worldwide for international publications and trademarks.

The Pixeleye has released two photo books so far: The Drag Racing and
Hot Rod book Speed Kings (2007) and the European Kustom Kulture book
Hot Rod Empire, Inc (2008)
fuel magazine caught up with Dirk to talk rods, photos, and to fnd out what
makes him tick.
Dirk Behlau, aka The Pixeleye, is a leading designer and photographer
from Cologne, Germany. Born in 1971, he has created individual
high-class solutions for international customers
in his design studios at Pixeleye
Interactive Since 1999.
international
v
Dirk Behlau 44
FM: Your talents seem to cross many divides. How would you describe
what you do?
DB: Well, I do a mixture of graphic design and photography, working with
various magazines, websites, DVD-productions, posters,
product designs etc. Its an endless list...clients include brands like
Canon, Burger King, Sony Playstation, Carrera Toys and many
more.
FM: What is your
creative background/
training?
DB: Im a 100% auto
addict in nearly
everything i do. I
seriously started
with graphic design
in the mid 90s and
everything just
happened. Before
that I had a record
label. My graphic
design background
helped me to create
my special
Pixeleye style.
45 Dirk Behlau Dirk Behlau 46
FM: Can you tell us a little about the Hot Rod scene in Germany and Europe, and the
culture surrounding it?


DB: Well, the old-school Hot Rod scene in Europe is like a big family. Everybody knows
each other and there are really cool meetings like the Bottrop Kustom Kulture,
rockin people partying together. Ive never been to Australia, so I have no
comparison to your scene down under. But I would like to come to Australia
soon!
47 Dirk Behlau Dirk Behlau 48
FM: It seems from
your photos that
you meet some
pretty interesting
characters through
your work. Do
any stand out
in your memory
in particular?
DB: Its cool to meet
all different
characters from
around the world.
One of the
coolest and
nicest guys that
I met is The
Scary Guy.
Scary rocks!
49 Dirk Behlau
FM: How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?

DB: Good question. I think its a mixture of a clean
and stylish high-class look, combined with the
raw power of kick-ass rock. I love clean and
reduced stuff as much as I like wild & loud
burnouts. Its the special mixture of both
elements.
51 Dirk Behlau Dirk Behlau 52
53 Dirk Behlau Dirk Behlau 54
Dont immitate... innovate.
55 Dirk Behlau Dirk Behlau 56
FM: What advice can you give to inspiring young photographers wanting to follow similar
footsteps to yours?
DB: Hmmm.... Dont imitate, innovate. Try to develop your own style and do that with
passion and love. Think the other way, do something different than the mainstream.
If everybody is running to the left side you should think about running to the right...
57 Dirk Behlau Dirk Behlau 58
Dirk Behlau 60
FM: What do you enjoy most about your work?

DB: Besides meeting cool people and have fun, its cool to do what you want.
Be your own boss and be responsible for what you do. That is real luxury
for me.

That, and the mix between the people I work with: Pin-Ups, Musicians,
Pinstripers etc.
61 Dirk Behlau Dirk Behlau 62
Its a
mixture
of a
clean
and
stylish
high
class
look..

..with
the raw
power
of kick
ass
rock.
63 Dirk Behlau Dirk Behlau 64
FM: Whats coming up next for you?

DB: Well, coming up next: New Pixeleye T-shirts designed by the
talented Alex from Burnclan (Spain), Pixeleye Coffee - Handmade
in hell, Pixeleye Barbeque Sauce and so on. Besides that, I am developing
a new product line with an agency. Thats top secret right now! Just check
my websites for the latest news!
65 Dirk Behlau Dirk Behlau 66
One of the coolest and
nicest guys that I met is
The Scary Guy...
...scary rocks!
67 Dirk Behlau
FM: Thanks for contributing to fuel magazine. Be sure to call if you head
to Australia sometime

DB: Of course I will do that! Thanks for the interview.
www.hotrodempire.de
www.thescaryguy.com
www.pixeleye.de
www.myspace.com/pixeleye
www.twitter.com/pixeleye
69 Dirk Behlau Dirk Behlau 70