Iv posted the link above cos you cant copy and paste from the website. I emailed him just cos of this series of designs; stylistically its nothing like my work, but i loved the idea of these robots being made out of various mechanical / metal objects, & its given me the idea of actually making things in 3d from found objects, rather than creating them digitally like hes done. I dont even particularly like the rest of his work, though i found it interesting how his career has so far covered pretty much every area of design. Heres the answers to the questions i sent him:
1. I love the Retroroborama series, did this come from a brief or is it a self initiated project? If so, where did the idea come from and where do you intend to use them?
The Retroroborama is self-initiated. I collect a lot of dusty old magazines, catalogs and books. I wanted to utilize the images that I connect with. I have always been fascinated by science and see a certain beauty in diagrams. Exploring personal work like this can open up unseen opportunities. It also drives my work and can lead to new styles and techniques. It’s important to keep creative energy flowing and move in new directions. That’s why I developed this series. I am sure it will lead to something down the road. Last week I received a call from Newsweek magazine. The cover editor mentioned the style of the pieces in reference to a cover assignment.
2. I read on your website that you have designed labels for beer and winemakers, this sounds like a great job! I was wondering how did you go about getting it, or did they approach you?
The beer labels were a favorite. I received a call from an independent brewer after a local newspaper featured my work. I play hockey with him once a week now. An interesting, fun and challenging assignment. Shortly after that project a number of local wineries opened up and I was able to get work based on the beer labels. I didn’t receive much in terms of pay for these assignments but it was personally rewarding to develop these projects and work closely with the people involved.
3. When (and if) I start working as an illustrator, id ideally like to be working for clients all over the world, im interested in Canada particularly because I loved Toronto when I visited, I have family there and would love an excuse to go back! Do you have any advice on the industry over there?
As an illustrator, location is no longer much of an issue. I started out in the Toronto area, an back then I trotted my portfolio around (20 years ago). I don’t deal with clients face to face as most of the work I get is commissioned over the phone or via email. If you want to target Canada, send out postcards to the people you’d like to work with.
(Toronto is a great city, but personally I always found it much easier to develop clients in New York)
4. Have you noticed this recession having any effect on the world of illustration?
So far – not much - I am still getting regular work from my steady clients, although things have slowed down a bit. Sometimes getting paid takes a bit longer. In the long run, I don’t expect to make nearly as much over the next couple of years. When I started out, the economy was in a big rut. I’ve been through these cycles before. I will just ride it out. I am worried about the publishing industry – newspapers are losing a lot of money right now and some big clients might go under. I hope that they can find a way to survive this downturn.
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