Feature: A Clash of Symbols
People have been reading meaning into works of art since long before Freud, but there are some creatives who wear the clues to their subconscious on their sleeve. The eight illustrators featured in this article share an apparently child-like approach to their work, but the semiotics is often a give-away to hidden strands of deeper meaning.

IdN: How could you describe your work/style to those coming across it for the first time?
I draw things with my hand and use the influences of everyday life. Strange characters are brought to life in interesting situations and start talking. Clients include Perrier, MTV, E4, Paul Smith, Mother London, Pictoplasma and I’ve been part of many international exhibitions. I’ve had three books published. ‘The Shut Up Man’, ‘Lost Heroes’ and the latest book ‘Best Wishes Get Well Soon’ is out now and is available in many international art gallery book shops.

IdN: Follow by the above question when did it become the main focus of your work?
I used to be a graphic designer and then a few years ago decided that I would really like to concentrate on my own ideas and develop them further. I now get invited to work on many interesting projects but still enjoy doing my own work that wouldn’t necessarily get commissioned.

IdN: Do you sometimes question the motive, or seek a deeper meaning behind your illustrations / artwork? If so what is the message?
The message depends on the project I’m working on and I always try to have a clear concept or idea behind the work. When I started drawing on rubbish on the streets I wanted to bring it to life and make people see the rubbish differently. They sometimes look lonely or confused at being left outside.

IdN: Some say there is a breath of innocence throughout your work. How do you see such a style reflects what do you? Does this formulate part of the message behind your artwork?
The characters do look quite innocent but they do and say the strangest things. I enjoy drawing a character that would not normally say the things it’s saying and responses to the situation it’s in.

IdN: Illustration has been created in various media. Which one has made the best use of it?
Animation is brilliant and it’s great to see characters come to life in strange new worlds.

IdN: The work you did for Mother is really interesting, how does this collaboration come about? What is the most fun thing about it?
Some people at Mother saw my work in London and asked if I would like to draw on the walls in their Ladies toilets. This was the first time I had drawn on walls and I enjoy only having one attempt at the drawing. I try to create drawings that interact with their surroundings and used the objects in the toilets to help create the stories.

IdN: Do you think the advancement of computer technology affects your creativity, especially your works by hand?
The fact that I actually draw and don’t just use vector shapes created in the computer I think helps to give the characters more life. If you have a good idea then computers can help but you must not rely on the machines.
IdN: Is there any recent campaign and designer you are admire of?
The Sony Bravia TV adverts have been great and the colourful Play-Doh rabbits running around the streets are very good. It’s nice when you see something different and makes you think how they did it. I also admire artists doing their own thing and not being influenced by trends.

IdN: What are your future plans? Are you working on any particular projects right now?
I recently worked on some animations with another writer and an animator and we will be working on more of those. There are many other ideas but I must keep them a secret for now. I’ve been asked to be one of two artists to exhibit in a show in Barcelona and another in Canada. The dates are being sorted and I will have lots of new work there.

www.idnworld.com