• How long have you been illustrating for? When did you realise you wanted to do this full time as a job?
I loved drawing from a young age, but started doing it more seriously at college when I began working on posters and t-shirts for bands. I decided that after school I wanted to do illustration as a career so I went to a local college to study Graphic Design, Illustration and Photography (Cleveland College of Art and Design) and then university (Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design).
• How would you describe your practice?
For more projects I use a mixture of traditional and digital techniques. Some projects are fully digital if the timing is tight or there are lots of assets required. I usually start by sketching a rough idea with my Wacom tablet which I can then print out and draw over by hand. Once it's finished, I can scan it back in and add colour and details digitally. I love hand-drawn work the most but digital is very convenient.
• Who are your influences, both art and otherwise? What kind of things inspire your work?
My influences are broadly based on lots of things I like, mostly music. Hard rock and metal is my soundtrack. I also like folk art, skateboard graphics, kitsch, spooky stuff... It's a mist mash of all those things and more!
• How did paid jobs start for you and how did you get your foot in the door to illustrate prints for Kerrang!, music record sleeves and band merchandise?
I started doing work for smaller bands through online sites like myspace whilst I was in college and for bands that my friends were in. I then built up a little portfolio and just kept going from there throughout uni until I graduated. Smaller work then developed into bigger pieces for more well-established bands.
• Did you create a contact list of who would be important and beneficial to your career?
I don't think I created a list but I did email lots of artists ad designers whose work I liked while I waste college and uni so I could get an idea of how they worked too!
• Is having an online presence integral to getting seen and getting work?
In this times I think it definitely helps, but it is also strong word of mouth that is still really important and getting your name put in front of the right people can be a great way to get work.
• Do you think it's important to be near London for jobs or is that idea of being near the capital changing?
I'm still on the edge of London but I think it's become less important to live here for work, especially as the current situation has proven with a lot of people working remotely from home. Although London may have lots of in-house creative jobs, illustrators can work globally online so it shouldn't matter where you live in the end.
• What keeps your practice new and exciting for you? How do you tackle artists' block?
I just try and do my best and make things I enjoy. There is no point if I am not having fun with it! I love working for bands as I've always loved music, so adding to their list of art is always an honour. If I don't feel like creating then I play games (Animal Crossing has become my favourite during quarantine!), watch TV, do some gardening etc. and try not to force myself as nothing good usually comes out of that.
• How do you find paid briefs to work on? Do you approach clients or do they approach you?
Clients usually approach me now but I've also e-mailed clients when I've got an idea or I think my work would be good for them. I also have an illustration agent (Everyone Agency) who finds work too, so it's a mixture of both.
• How do you approach a brief? What is your way of working?
• I usually start by sketching rough ideas and gathering research. Once I'm happy with the sketch I share with the client and we decide if there's anything else to add. If it's all good to go I begin the final, either by hand or digitally depending on the outcome.
• Do you enjoy creating work for personal use or do you strictly see this as a job? One of the things I have struggled with is associating illustration with education and find it hard to do anything in my personal time get enjoyment out of it.
I still do personal pieces when I can so I can try new things and also just to put down ideas I've had that haven't been suitable for clients. I sometimes group my personal work into work that could be sold through my shop, so I see a personal project as a chance to create something I've been wanting to, like a wall flag, zine, pin, new print, etc. That way it's still personal but still has a purpose.
• What has been the most rewarding brief / project for you?
As you know, I always love working with Ghost as I loved the band before I started working with them so it's a total honour to do shirts for them. I also loved pitching ideas to AFI who are my all time favourite band. The ideas didn't go ahead but to hear fellow fans saying they like them meant a lot. I also loved doing the Twitter x Woman's project last year which was painted as a huge mural on the street I used to live on in London, so that was surreal!
• Have you had to do other jobs outside of illustrating to support yourself financially?
When I graduated I started working in advertising for a few years, first as a full time job then freelance alongside my illustration. Sometimes I still take on graphic design jobs, as I still enjoy it, if the right project comes along.
• Are you a part of the AOI (Association of illustrators) and do you find those resources beneficial?
I actually haven't signed up or had an AOI membership before so I'm not too sure. I've heard it can be great for pricing and help with questions so it is probably beneficial!
• How do you value your work and your prices for commissions?
I have to take into account the time it will take, the usage (will it be a he campaign or is it a local brand/band?) and also look at industry rates so that it's fair overall.
• What are your plans for the future?
Hopefully just to keep working as I am, with bands, brands and individuals who like my work and want to make something fun. I've started a new side project called Cast By Night, which I have just finished the logo and website for, where I will be creating handmade silver jewellery. It's something I've aways wanted to try out.
• What other questions do you think I should be asking as someone moving into the final year of an illustration degree?
Ooooo, I think you're doing great with what you'd like to find out so far! These have been great questions. I'm not sure what else I'd add other than best of luck and keep going with your studies! I hope that's ok and answers all your questions!
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