Art Rookie Featured Artist
At the beginning of 2017 I was extremely lucky and was chosen as an a Art Rookie featured artist! I gave them an interview and spoke to them about my work and my background in art and design, as well as having a feature appear on their homepage and in their blog.
Art Rookie is a amazing UK based site that promotes, supports and sells work from UK designers and artists.
I've included the full interview below, but you can also view it on the Art Rookie blog by clicking here.
Full interview:
When did you first become interested in art?
I've been interested in art for as long as I can remember. When I was small I used to draw a lot, although I never really started doing anything with it until my late teens. When I left school I got much more interested in it though.
How would you describe your design style?
That's a tough one! I can't really say I have a set style as I like to create such a wide range of designs, which are normally strange and random ideas that pop into my head! I guess my style is fairly simplistic, influenced by nature and everyday items or situations. Food seems to appear quite a bit, so I probably think with my stomach more than I should!
What inspires you?
I'm a big nature fan so that's definitely one of my biggest inspirations. As cliche as it sounds, I love seeing the beauty in everyday things that are right under our noses. I'll often see an object or hear someone say something that will inspire me with an idea. Other artists are huge inspirations to me too. Not so much well known names, but people doing the same thing that I'm doing. I think as artists we draw inspiration from each other, both consciously and subconsciously.
What is your favourite piece in your collection?
I'm not sure I could really pick one as it varies on my mood! I really enjoy creating the geometric animals and seeing them transform once they are finished. That being said I like the fun and kookiness I have with the pun designs.
Is there any artistic talent in your family?
My mum used to do pencil drawings of people (which I cannot draw to save my life)... they are ridiculously good. My dad also used to do these incredible ink drawings. I guess I've got them to thank for my creative side!
What is the journey you take to produce your work?
I find making notes the biggest help when creating a new design. I have a notepad which I record each and every idea on as soon as it pops into my head. Then I pick one of the list and turn it into something. I often come back to the list and wonder what was going through my head when I wrote it down! I normally do my designs straight onto the computer too. I have a few sketchbooks but I nearly always create them straight from scratch on the screen.
What made you want to be a part of Art Rookie?
I saw Art Rookie and loved the fact it was UK based, as well as the personal feel it has. I have my work on other international sites too, but Art Rookie feels a lot closer to home, which is great.
When you're not creating masterpieces what do you enjoy doing?
I love getting out and about. I live in the countryside so I try to surround myself with nature and wildlife as much as possible. I often go for walks and adventures with my camera whenever I can. Socialising and keeping active is extremely important to me as well... I think being healthy keeps your mind healthy too!
Have you faced any struggles getting your work noticed?
I think getting noticed is one of those things that you just have to keep pushing for every day, so in some ways it's a constant struggle. I'm a big believer of never giving up. If you try every day, then eventually you might get somewhere. If you give up, then you never will!
Where would we find you hanging out in the UK?
I'm based near Tunbridge Wells so normally there. It's an ideal distance from both London and Brighton though, so I get to take my pick of all three!
What makes British talent different than elsewhere?
Good question. In Britain we have so much available to us, whether it be inspiration, culture or history. All that influence creates a huge variety of artistic style on one small little island! That's something I'm very proud of and grateful for as a British artist.
What are your plans for 2017?
To do more! I've decided that 2017 is going to be the year when I shift gears and get more done. I've set myself some targets so I'm going to be working extra hard... procrastinating less, creating more!
Click here to view the feature and interview on Art Rookie
You can also check out my profile on Art Rookie here.
