Questions from readers - May Q&A
My followers submitted some questions for me to answer in a recent Q & A session. Please read as I discuss my influences, techniques and more.
What has your artistic journey been like?
Have you always worked with inks and illustrations?
Yes, I’ve always been drawn to ink illustrations. I learned to draw by carefully studying the line art of artists such as Mucha, Rackham, Beardsley, Dürer, and Doré.
Even though some of those artists are also engravers, I found that I could achieve a similar line-quality with pen and ink, which intuitively felt more comfortable to me. I also use gold acrylic and some digital techniques to colour my work.
By blending my passion for Golden Age illustration with contemporary techniques, I strive to create a distinctive and timeless style of illustration.
Who is your greatest influence?
No single artist, but I would say collectively it’s the Golden Age illustrators working from 1880-1940, which also had some visual crossovers with Art Nouveau. Walter Crane, Aubrey Beardsley, Arthur Rackham etc. It’s more-so book covers that are more similar to my work, in terms of colour and gold foiling. I adopted this style and merged it with contemporary techniques and sensibilities to create something that feels unique to me.
How do you approach the creative process for a new illustration?
My creative process begins with thorough research and inspiration gathering regarding the specific commission. I then sketch out my ideas, refining them until I am satisfied with the composition.
Next, I begin drawing over the sketch either digitally or in pens and inks. Firstly with a focus on the main shapes and areas of deep contrast. After that I will focus on contouring lines and detail.
Final touches can include application of gold acrylic and digital colouring to bring the artwork to life. This method ensures that each piece is both detailed and dynamic.
Who is an artist that you return to for inspiration time and time again?
Lately, I’ve been enjoying revisiting the work of Harry Clarke. His art is truly captivating, with its masterful balance of black and white. Further enriched by incredibly intricate details that create the mid-tones. There’s something profoundly gothic, theatrical, and melancholic in his style that resonates deeply with me, drawing me into the haunting beauty of his artworks.
Harry Clarke was an Irish stained-glass artist and book illustrator, renowned for his intricate and darkly imaginative works in the early 20th century. He illustrated notable editions of Edgar Allan Poe's "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" and Hans Christian Andersen's "Fairy Tales."
There are also some contemporary artists I really enjoy seeing new work from, such as James Jean, Takato Yamamoto, Collin Estrada, Aaron Horkey and Fajar Allanda.
How long did it take you to discover your style?
It happened in two stages. In my second year of art school (circa 2014), I first felt comfortable creating fantasy-based illustrations in pen and ink. Then, around four years later, I started incorporating more colour, gold foiling, and generally more decorative design. I believe that if you find the right medium and subject matter, and just keep working, a style will naturally develop to reflect your personality and interests. It will become refined over time.
What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators?
My advice is to study the work of artists you admire and practice consistently. Developing a unique style takes time and dedication, so be patient with yourself. Reflect on your interests and deepest thoughts; what are some recurring themes in your life? What makes your approach or perspective unique? Experiment with different mediums and techniques, and don't be afraid be vulnerable or to fail. It’s all growth.
Once Art becomes the main focus of your life, creating it will flow naturally.
Finally, stay inspired by engaging with the art community and continuously seeking new sources of inspiration. This could include going to art galleries, museums and events where you can meet other artists. I have always found this to be a great opportunity to benefit from mutual encouragement, igniting future ambitions and creating a sense of drive within.
Thank you for reading.
