Q & A with Laura Fray and Jess Turley- INC INK ART

http://www.inkincillustration.co.uk  (all the amazing images used on this page are from this website and were created by Laura and Jess, please go and check out there work by clicking on the link)

I thought it would be a good idea to try and get some advice from professional illustrators/designers. So I thought of Laura Fray and Jess Turley, successful illustrators based in Manchester that run a shop and sell a number of illustration based products, from framed pictures, postcards, cushions and a lot of other products. Im a huge admirer of there style of work and the way they produce work.

I visited there studio and they kindly answered a few questions I had and gave me some great advice ! which I really appreciate. Im going to summarise what they told me below (not word for word).   

1) what inspired you to first start drawing / take up illustration ? 

Both Laura and Jess come from creative backgrounds. What I found interesting was that they both came from fashion/printing/textile backgrounds. They both had interest and enjoyment in drawing and decided to try and pursue a full time career in illustration working as a team for themselves, rather then at a fashion studio or business. They've used what they know from fashion to aid them on there way to becoming successful illustrators.

2) Can you explain your creative process ?

They explained in some detail how they go about creating their illustrations and ideas. Explaining that they don't often do lots of research before hand and instead use their own initiative and imagination when it comes to creating drawings. So if they think an idea will work or look good they can then go ahead to sell that or use it. Similar to myself in the way they use Photoshop and other adobe programmes. They didn't know how to use them straight out of uni and have learnt more by getting used to them through trial and error and learning for themselves. I found that really encouraging as I always get in the mind set you have to know how to use them fully and if you don't you can't be as successful. They are proof you can. The main process of creating work is usually coming up with an idea, using fine liners to draw out the idea and then use the computer to edit and refine the image.

3) Do you ever get creative slumps ? how do you combat that ? 

This answer did make me laugh as they suggested "drinking wine". They explained as they have become busier they don't get into that mindset as much and manage time and what they need to do more. They are always doing something so when it comes to drawing they treasure that time and enjoy it.

4) Whats the best bit about being an illustrator ? 

They both explained the best bit was being their own bosses and having the freedom to create what they wanted and when they wanted. They don't earn as much money as they previously did, but they are happy doing what they do.


5) Have you found it difficult to become professional / any tips for someone trying to make it professionally ? 

• Finance/learning about cost - they both said they didn't really know much about costings, how to price things, or much about running a business. They've both learnt as they've gone along.They mentioned holding an exhibition showing there work that went quite successful and that gave them the kick and inspiration they need to pursue an illustration career. 
• Experience - get experience in something related, it doesn't always work out where you can just get an art job and sometimes you have to get something related or a job where you can use that experience to further yourself
• Social media - Use Instagram, Facebook, twitter and attend events. get your name out there and showcase your work. 

Leonid Afremov Q & A

http://afremov.com/home.php ( All images that I've used are from his own website)

This is my last of an enjoyable series of interviews with professional artists and illustrators. Leonid Afremov is one of my favorite artists I love his unique style ( using a palette knife) and bright vibrant paintings. I can't actually believe he even replied to me he sells work for thousands in galleries all over the world. He is a very talented man and a great inspiration to me. His answers were brief but a great insight indeed.


1) What inspired you to take up painting?

I was painting since I was a little kid. It was a childhood hobby that kept growing 

2) Which artists inspire your in your work. 

 Marc Chagall , Claude Monet, and Francisco Goya

3) What do you want people to feel when looking at your paintings? 

 I want people to feel a certain mood which I'm trying to transfer. It can be happiness, sadness,  or anger  

4) From looking at your work, you like to use the palette knife, what is it about that tool that you like? 

The palette knife is very clean. You clean it up 100% with just little bit of tissue and there is no paint left on it. A brush always has residue of previous colors that mix in and make the paint dirty . Also the palette knife helps you make lots of texture  

5) If you could give one tip to a student trying to make it into the professional art industry, what would it be? 

Work hard and never give up. good things happen with patience and dedication.   

6) How much freedom do you have when creating your work? 

At this point  of my career I paint whatever I want. I also take commissions. they help with new ideas

7) Among your works, which one is your favorite? Why?

Alley by the Lake is my most favorite. It shows the most who I'm and my style. 

Q & A with Andrew Hutchinson

http://www.andrewhutchinson.co.uk

This is another of my Q & A posts. This time with world renowned wildlife painter Andrew Hutchinson. I actually couldn't believe this artist even replied to me, he is so talented and it was such a pleasure talking to him. He wanted to talk to me over the phone so that was a daunting experience in itself. He turned out to be such a down to earth guy and a nice one at that. He uses acrylic paint to create these masterpieces. He creates them with realism in mind and trying to create a mood or emotion in the onlooker. He even recommended that I should enter a competition that he's in at the minute.

This was a great experience for me. I did try and write down as much as he said, but we did end up having quite a long chat in the end so it won't be 100% accurate.

1) When did you first start to paint and who are your influences ? 

Always drawn since a young age. I seriously got into drawing and painting in secondary school when people started to recognize what I could do. Alan Hunt was one of my biggest inspirations when starting out, I really liked the look and feel of his paintings.

2) What drew you to drawing animals and wildlife ? 

Always had a fascination with wildlife, particularly from living in areas of natural beauty such as the highlands. ( It was obvious he cares for nature and animals so that was very good )

3) What process do you go through when painting i.e. do you work from photographs or outdoors ? 

I use photographs to do most of my paintings as I find I spend weeks trying to recreate all the detail and shape of the animal or landscape I painting. Animals are very hard to paint and draw when constantly moving around. ( We both had a laugh about this as I also do the same method when creating work)

4) What is it about acrylic paint that you like ? 

I used to do a lot of water colour painting until someone introduced me to acrylic paints. I like the feel and texture they produce on the page and being self taught I had to teach myself the tricks and techniques that go into painting.

We talked about how long it would take to produce paintings like he does and he mentioned it could takes months at a time, but he did say practice is crucial and it will help to speed up the process in a very stressful faced paced environment.

5) What tips would you give to a student trying to make it professionally and get there work out there ?

Always build on your portfolio and stride to produce the best work that you can. You need it to be presentable and you need to act professionally in what you do. Competitions is also a good avenue to go down as I myself won one many years back, which landed me a job, which I've now been in for the past 30 years. Overall just try and get yourself out there as clients and galleries will only interested in work they can look at.

Another thing he said that gave me a lot of encouragement was don't be discouraged from painting or drawing because you've looked at someone else's work. He remembered looking at work and thinking whats the point, but its experience and belief that could help you get to that level or even better.

6) Whats your favorite painting you've produced ? 

Probably tigers eyes as if your looking through a letter box. I also worked on an exhibition in Canada with a really well known artist Robert Bateman. ( Who is a ridiculously talented artist )

Q & A with Paul Wolfgang Webster

I didn't just want to look at illustrators for my Q & A's , as other aspects like photography are a huge part of what I do as I work from photographs a lot of the time. I worked at a very well respected photographer Paul Wolfgang Webster for a time in the past so I thought he would be ideal to ask. He takes photographs of some very famous people i.e. Alex Ferguson, Tony Wilson amongst many. He also very interestingly collaborates with artists and sells their there work in his gallery. He's sort of a go to guy, when it comes to getting artists/illustrators work out there. He's a very eccentric guy and a really talented photographer as well. So it was a pleasure talking to him as he gave me some very in depth answers, relating to lots of things such as the business side of art.

You can check his work out here :http://wolfgangwebstergallery.com



1) What inspired you to take up photography?

I was inspired to take took up photography by a night school tutor called Phil at Rochdale College. The story goes like this, as a child we lived in Australia from 1 year old and traveled back to England when I was 7. Everything was in colour in my life until we hit England, then it all went Black and White, grey days, old films in monochrome on the box and black and white uniforms at school. 

After a number of jobs I bought a camera and wanted to know  how to develop films and print my own images. So when I started night school to learn how to develop films I met the man who inspired me to make a living from photography. The 1st year was spent learning how to load film in a camera, shoot film and develop it, Phil the tutor began to show me how to print on Fibre Based Paper. I learned how to print using a number of papers, and how to hand colour my prints as there was no computer programs in 1987. I decided to apply for a second year at night school, during this time Phil brought in a 5x4 plate camera to the college, I was so knocked out with this camera, I did learn to load, shoot and develop with the patient of my tutor.In short it was Phil who took the time and effort to show me everything he knew about photography and it was Phil that inspired me to give my job up and apply to University to pass my photographic degree course.

2) What is your goal during each photo shoot? 

My goal during each shoot is to plan everything as much as possible, make a list of all equipment take 2 of everything. The shoot has a goal from start to finish, I get an idea of the shoot and make draw up lighting techniques, reflectors and backdrops to achieve the end goals, photography for me has to start at the finish and work back, I have an idea then I can see it finished, so then I think how can I get the lighting to achieve this, what backdrop, what lens, what camera. When I am working with a model I take time out when they arrive to sit down chat and relax all models and makeup artists and show them visual ideas of what I would like to achieve, I find this makes it easier for them to work with me and work to achieve the resulting work. 

3) Are there any photographers, artists or any thing else that inspire you in your work?

There are a number of photographers and artists that inspire me, they range from 150 years ago to modern day, as I feel I have more to learn from other artists and photographers, this keeps my photography versatile, I do have a well know style and my work is well received but I always ask Artists and photographers how they came up with ideas, how they planned the work, so my life will keep on developing and never stand still.

 4) You collaborate with artists and help to sell their work, what are some of things that persuade you to pick certain artists work?

The art world is forever changing, new fads and old styles are always on the menu for people to buy. I have found personally that there are markets for people with money from the wealthy to the people who want to spend £10 on art. That are all wanting one thing "something hand made and original" I feel thats the art about at the moment. Its very difficult but achievable, start making a project and see it through, take it to galleries an sell online, the more people see it, the more they want it.

5 ) If you could give any tips to student’s trying to make it into the professional art/photography industry, what would it be

The only way to be as an artist, it is to look as professional as possible, keep work clean and neat, put work into folders, get a lot of business cards made to hand out, get a website, send out emails to companies, galleries and local shops, and start a project and finish it, if you want to do other projects write them down keep the ideas and get them done when your free to put 100%. There are 50,000,000 artists in the world, so get professional and make your work stand out. I have a gallery you could bring your work for me to look at , so there’s a start on your road to becoming a successful artist, give me a ring. - yay !!! 

6)  Among your works, which one is your favorite and Why? 

The work I admire the most is always the next photograph I do , and I still get really excited about developing my films and seeing the result. But if you really wanted one image its the photograph of Tony Wilson, it was a very difficult day photographing a very opinionated person, The Northern sign made it all work which was not planned it was on a side street just off Deansgate, I still look at it and de construct the image to think what could I have done to improve it, I am still thinking what if.............