28 March 2012

Andrew Joyce : Creative Interview

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!

27 March 2012

Tsumori Chisato

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Born in the city of Saitama, Japan, Tsumori Chisato studied fashion at the prestigious Bunka Fashion School in Tokyo. In 1977, she entered the Issey Miyake design company.

26 March 2012

Brian Rea

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Los Angeles based artist Brian Rea is the former art director for the Op-Ed page of the New York Times. He has produced drawings and designs for books, murals, posters, music videos, and magazines around the world.

20 March 2012

Society 6 : iphone Covers

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One of my pieces was accepted fot Society 6 so I was really pleased to here that and just introduced new iphone skins.

16 March 2012

Zhou Fan

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A series of paintings based on dreams that Zhou Fan had as a child of many many jellyfish floating in the sky, some of which fell to the ground on parachutes and became mushrooms ....

13 March 2012

11 March 2012

6 March 2012

Pandas and Indian Horse

Mingle Boil and Serve
Indian Horse
My two original mixed media pieces here are now sold and I was wondering if I should put one of these to print - what do you think?

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
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
Shop

Facebook

3 March 2012

1 March 2012

Giveaway March


Set of 15 Hand Printed Art Cards - Value £30 / $48 - Illustrated by me
Thank you to everyone for all your wonderful messages and comments.  My Mad March Giveaway will be ideal for every celebration or occasion.  Send a 'thank you', say 'happy birthday', tell someone you love them and a 'well done' card will go down a storm!!!   While you're here why not take a peek at the rest of my work - red road shop

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
As Eva describes herself - "I began the piece by collecting paper, using all found paper - paper that was given to me, paper I had collected over time, paper from old artworks, paper bags, or paper I bought from old bookstores. The piece has about 3,500 triangles and is about 12 x 13'."

Crowdfunder Clay.Coven Ceramics

Just a few more days to go to achieve their dream of bringing the creativity of clay to the local community. And as my lovely friend Tash sa...