What's this illustration for?
This illustration was for the front page of my website. I wanted
to highlight cartoon character creation, but at the same time show that I could
draw a wide range of different objects in a more detailed style. I also wanted a
mix of black and white and colour art to show I was capable of
both.
Do you have to wait for a flash of inspiration - how do you
start?
In this case I just felt like drawing a “mad scientists”
laboratory. I searched through my comics and art books and the internet
sketching rough ideas like Frankenstein’s monster, Igor, giant body vats,
candles, chemicals, shackles, etc... I then created some cartoon animals for it
and the rest developed from there.
How did you get your start as an
illustrator?
It
was all thanks to Peta Burns, a Brisbane
based Graphic Designer. She suggested it and spent a lot of time helping me to
set up a portfolio, mail out a great looking resume and also introduced me to
people in the advertising industry.
Who or what has influenced your
work?
My
main influences have been comic book artists and cartoonists. I grew up reading
my Dad’s shelves of comic books in the toilet, Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts,
Giles,
BC
and more. Albert Uderzo’s Asterix was also a big part of my childhood. I grew to
love graphic novels and cartoons. Simon Bisley, Frank Cho, Preston Blair, Chris
Wahl, Geoff Darrow, Paul Kidby, Burne Hogarth, Mike Mignola, David Pope, Shaun
Tan and many, many others have all had a great influence on
me.
What's your favourite media for creating
pictures?
Photoshop. These days I usually draw straight on the computer
using a Wacom graphics tablet. If I am ever stuck with how to do something there
are always tutorials on the internet.
Do you experience illustrator's block - if so, what do you do
about it?
Yes, but I overcome it by looking at the work of other artists.
Usually it depresses me for a short time, seeing how brilliant they are, but
then I put on some good music, have a cup of coffee and I’m inspired to draw
again.
What's the worst thing about being a
freelancer?
Periods of no work at all, followed closely by having to complete
three or more jobs at once. But it’s not that bad. If I have no paid work I get
the time to draw for myself, or friends.
And the best?
The range of different subjects and styles. Always having new
problems to solve and the challenge this gives my drawing skills. I am
constantly learning and improving.
What are you working on at the
moment?
I have just finished some illustrations for a history book, now
I’m working on some T-shirt designs and my
webcomic.
Where can we see more of your
work?
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