I'm delighted that these talented artists, designers and makers have taken the time to answer all my questions. To start these weekly process I'm delighted to introduce you to UK illustrator Andrew Joyce.
OK Andrew here goes .........
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started?
Well, I’m a freelance illustrator based in Bath and recently graduated in Graphic Communication from Bath Spa University. I guess that like most illustrators, I’ve been constantly drawing and doodling ever since I can remember. After finishing college though I wasn’t 100% sure of what I wanted to do I ended up going traveling for a few years. I eventually settled in Japan and it was during this time that I became fascinated with illustration and other illustrators work.
I would constantly look at websites and search for briefs that I could complete in my spare time.It quickly dawned on me that illustration was what I wanted to do and so, after a recommendation from a fellow illustrator, I decided to apply to Bath Spa University.I travelled back to the UK, pulled together a very dodgy looking portfolio and went to an interview. Luckily, they accepted me and now here I am three and a half years later!
What item could you absolutely not live without as far as your work goes?
I’m afraid it is something quite practical and boring......my scanner. It’s as essential to me as a sketchbook and pen.
Are you an early bird or a night owl worker?
Both! Right now I have a day job so I am finding myself starting a project first thing in the morning, going to work and then continuing it into the wee hours of the morning. It’s a bit of a groundhog day situation but I still love it. Being at work gives you time to think of new ideas and makes me want to rush back and get illustrating!
This might be difficult to answer but, right now, who is that one particular person who inspires you?
It’s difficult to nail it down to one person. I’m constantly bookmarking websites of illustrators, designers photographers etc. that I find interesting and inspiring in some way. (I’m always on the look out for new people so please contact me if you fancy a bit of networking!)
I suppose the latest illustrator I’ve come across is Murray Somerville (image below).
He always seems to be busy working on projects and if you end up visiting a website with a call for submissions then you’re more than likely to find something from him!! His work rate and constant enthusiasm for illustration is nice boost after a long day working on a project.
What do you love most about what you do?
Probably the fact that I am able to constantly work with subjects that interest me. I remember a tutor telling us that, “What you put out there is what you’ll get back”. i.e. If you’re interested in city scapes and architecture (like me) then include that type of work in your portfolio and that is the kind of commission you’ll receive. It sounds simple but I’d never really thought of it that way before. It’s a way of guaranteeing that the work you’ll have coming in will interest you and keep you motivated. It’s rare to have a job that gives this kind of opportunity.
If you didn't do what you do what else would you be?
Working in Blockbusters?... I honestly don’t know....I have no plan B!
3 wise words to help new talent out there? Exhibitions Twitter Blog
Andrew Joyce
www.doodlesandstuff.com
www.twitter.com
www.legionofdune.blogspot.com
www.flickr.com/photos/doodlesandstuff/
Thanks Andrew - wishing you every success for the future and look forward to seeing more of your amazing work! Cheers!
Travel loving Scot with an eclectic creative professional background. I love being busy in my studio, based in Fife, with commissions and artwork for my clients. I'm also getting to grips with running this redroadstudio blog, Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook page - deep breath!!
28 March 2012
27 March 2012
Tsumori Chisato
Link |
26 March 2012
25 March 2012
24 March 2012
23 March 2012
20 March 2012
Society 6 : iphone Covers
18 March 2012
16 March 2012
14 March 2012
13 March 2012
11 March 2012
6 March 2012
Pandas and Indian Horse
Mingle Boil and Serve |
Indian Horse |
4 March 2012
Cart Before The Horse : Creative Interview
Following on from a recommendation made by Suzanna Scott, I'm still over in the USA with Jo and Dylan aka 'cart before the horse'. They are a mum-and-dad team, a two-person company of artists who make the kind of art they like, with each of their creations being made one at a time. I often wonder how people get their business/shop names and found out that 'Cart Before The Horse' was called this because they're always getting ahead of themselves. Great name!!! A huge thanks for answering my questions and lots of happy sales in 2012 and the future!!! Over to Jo and Dylan
Cart Before The Horse's links -
Shop
Facebook
Crow and Cat |
What's your town/area like for promoting creatives like yourselves?
You can't throw a rock in Portland without hitting an artist. Not that we go around throwing rocks at people or anything. It's great for art collectors but not so great for artists trying to make a living locally. The prices are kept low by that whole supply and demand thing. That's why we love the internet!Caterpillar |
What do you love most about what you do and is there a down side?
We both love the freedom of setting our own schedules and never missing out on our kids' stuff. The down side is the temptation to devote all your time and energy into the work part of life, and neglect the play part. Luckily, our work is pretty damn playful.Pink Monster |
What’s your ideal working day?
Dylan and I have completely different schedules. I generally break work into two shifts, first from 10:am - 4:pm and then another after dinner that goes on as long as there's stuff to be done (or longer if I'm making something I'm really excited about). Dylan is the epitome of a night owl, starting his day around 1:pm and going until he's done. Of course, this is a really rough estimate as things change from day to day depending on what else we or the kids are up to. Whatever we're doing though, or however busy we are, we come together for family dinner every night.Bunnies |
What’s your PLAN B
Plan B? Nope. After doing this arty thing full-time for the past 5 years, we are both profoundly unqualified to do anything else.Angel Woodland Owls |
Where’s your own favourite place to work?
I have a studio which I love! Dylan has a nomadic table that wanders around the living room. And an entire garage (which I completely avoid). And the kitchen table isn't off-limits either.Do you work with music on or off?
For me, music off. In fact, my ipod is completely full of podcasts and audiobooks. Dylan is a musician, so the music is usually on, although he likes to listen to podcasts too. We'll both often watch streaming videos while we work too, depending on what we're doing and how much we have to pay attention.Skellies |
Do you have a routine when you start a new piece of work
We're always working on many pieces at once, but there's definitely a routine involved. It's long and particular to what we do though, so I won't bore you with the details. And I like to tidy up every evening so that I can start my day with something less-than-chaotic. Also, I write lots of lists.Is it hard for you both to let go of a piece of work
Very rarely. We're both sort of on to the next thing by the time something is out the door. The process is the fun part!Cart Before The Horse's links -
Blog |
3 March 2012
1 March 2012
Giveaway March
Set of 15 Hand Printed Art Cards - Value £30 / $48 - Illustrated by me |
All images copyright by red road design and does not transfer with the giveaway.
Giveaway Rules : Mandatory - follow my blog and let me know by placing a comment (if you are already a follower or any of the below - just let me know). Leave contact info!!!!
Giveaway Rules - Optional - each one is worth one more entry - just let another comment.
Become a follower - http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Red-Road-Design/147058128717774
Favourite my shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/RedRoadDesign
Follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/RedRoadDesign
Tweet this giveaway - I just joined the #RedRoadDesign March Giveaway hosted by Jay. You could win a lovely mixed set of 15 hand printed illustrated cards for every occasion!
Good luck everyone - it's open to the world! My last lucky winner lives in the USA!
A winner will be picked on the 30th March 2012 at 6pm GMT
Eva Black
Folded |
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