How did you get into the industry?
I started out freelancing as a graphic designer quite early in my youth; when I was around 13. My parents had encouraged me to start early. I remember my first ever pitch - It was at a coffee shop, I was extremely nervous and tried to convince these two nice women that I could be their designer. And because I was quite young, with no experience, I had offered my services for free.
Amusingly, it was designing the packaging for a new range of flavoured condoms. From there, I went through a phase of starting a number of media businesses and collaborations with friends, all without much success. It was around this time, where I was getting rejected from nearly every university that I applied for.
But thankfully I got accepted by one, and managed to graduate with a degree in Fine Art. And after a lot of searching and brief stints with smaller agencies, I eventually landed a junior role at an advertising firm - Chase & Co, where during the next 9 years, they greatly helped in developing my craft as a creative. And I will always be grateful to them for that opportunity.
Where are you based now and who do you work for?
After almost a decade in advertising, and going through a lot the last few years, I decided a change was needed, and to try again working for myself. I’m now a freelance illustrator working remotely and embracing the digital nomad lifestyle at the moment.
Although it has its challenges, I’m really enjoying it and focusing on the work that I love. I have two children’s books which I’m currently developing and hoping to get published next year.
If you weren’t in your current industry, what would you be doing?
I also produce music as a hobby, so it would have to be a musician or working in music. Otherwise, I would have loved to have been an ecologist, studying animal behaviour or the environment.
Can you explain your creative process? What makes it unique?
I don't think I do anything different or radical. But when I have an idea, I try to let it decide for me. I want to be guided by the idea, and see where it forms, without forcing or interfering with it. It’s a very natural process, and usually the end result is different to what I was intending. I just go with it, and move it in a direction where it feels right.
How would you describe your style?
I like having juxtaposition in my work. I’m partial to warm and vivid colours, but conceptually, the content can be slightly unsettling and uncomfortable. It peers into the dark aspects of life, and shines a colourful light on it. And I try to reflect that in my style and approach.
Which individuals do you gain inspiration from? Do you have any heroes in the industry?
Edward Hopper has always been my favourite artist. The way he brings out so much emotion with his use of space and light has always captivated me. I also love the work of photographer Nan Goldin. The rawness that she captured throughout her life has always stayed with me.
What tips would you give to aspiring creatives looking for work?
I would say embrace the risk, and the unknown. Don’t listen to anyone else but yourself. And don’t think too much about what you’re doing or if you’re doing the right thing. Just go with it, and as long as you feel passionate and you believe in yourself, nothing else matters.
Not what anyone else is doing, what anyone else says, how long it will take, or if people don’t like it. Always follow your intuition, and what feels right for you. That will be your most honest, original creation.
What tips would you give to other professionals to get more clients?
Do work for yourself and not for others. If people see the passion, everything else will fall into place from there. The first and most important thing is that you need to enjoy what you’re doing, and people will see the value in that.
What kind of tools/kit/software could you not do without?
Right now, I only have a tablet that I work from. And I’m thankful for the applications and technology that are available. It’s really helped me bring out the best in my work. But if I were to lose that, there would always be a pencil and paper nearby.
What’s your secret to staying inspired and motivated?
One of the reasons I quit my job back in London was that I felt stuck, and this was affecting me. I was having problems with my mental health, and dealing with mild psychosis and depression. In the end, what really broke me out of it was to change and leave everything, no matter what the concesquences or risks.
I left everything and threw away all that I had. The hardest part was leaving my friends and the people I love. But actually making that decision to lose everything, and taking that risk, was what really helped me get through it and find the motivation to be an artist again.
And what has been the most inspiring, has been the people I met along the way. Being somewhere different and meeting so many interesting people has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation, and a decision that pretty much saved my life and brought me back to what I love doing.
What’s the work achievement you’re most proud of?
My first ever children’s book. It suddenly reminded me that illustration was what I really wanted to be doing, but also that I was putting my creative abilities to good use.
I wanted to inspire young minds and through what I had experienced, teach them about wellbeing and mental health. This felt like I was doing something more fulfilling with my life, by helping in the start of somebody else’s.
What is the one thing that you would change about the industry?
I think a lot of the younger generations are disillusioned and disconnected. I would love the industry to help in changing that. To inspire the younger generation and provide more opportunities to get into the industry, especially those who are struggling.
