Background…
I grew up just outside of Cape Town, venturing further and further away from home with each subsequent form of education. By the time I hit college I was in the heart of the city, so I moved out of home in my final year and I’ve been living here ever since. I love Cape Town – I live in an amazing flat with my even more amazing girlfriend and our two cats. Every morning I open my front door, look out over the city and Table Mountain, and realise I live in what is probably the most beautiful place in the world.
For love and money…
I’ve just started working at the Am I Collective as an illustrator. I used to visit them every month or so with my latest work to remind them that wanted a job there and finally, after two years, they caved in and here I am. It’s the most incredible place to work. The people there are insanely talented and fun to be around. I am in awe of the work they produce. I envy their skills and at the same time am motivated to keep developing my own work. On the side, I do gig posters for bands now and then and participate in exhibitions and events whenever I’m asked. I also play guitar in a rock ‘n roll band called Damn Right.
Education…
I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember. Throughout primary school, I would sit with a bunch of friends, devising characters and cartoons and tracing figures from our favourite comics. All the back pages of my high school workbooks are covered in cartoons and doodles. The strange thing is it wasn’t until halfway through design college that I realised that drawing was my passion. I decided it was not too bad an idea for a career. Since then I’ve continued to draw every day and because I’m working for such an awesome studio, I’m still learning every day.
Childhood…
I was quite a strange kid. I skated a lot every day after school and on the weekends. I used to tear up my hometown with a small gang of kids, moving from one spot to the next as soon as someone called the cops. I did some advert work and acted in a couple of movies too. I was also really into computers and all that geeky stuff. I guess all my childhood traits are still with me now in some way or another…
Confidence…
I never really thought about illustrating as something I’d end up doing. At first I wanted to be a writer, then a photographer, then a designer. I just followed my passion for creating things until it brought me to where I am now.
Projects in the pipeline…
I’ve got a project I’m working on at the moment with a photographer friend of mine, which combines illustration and photos. It’s been going on for over a year now. I still need to set aside the time to finish it. I’m also working on a friend’s wedding invitations. And a couple days ago, I got a call from my Grade 2 teacher who wants me to illustrate her children’s book – something I’ve wanted to do for ages. Updating my website is also something I’m always meaning to do…
Likes and dislikes…
I love the excited feeling I get when I finish working on something I’m proud of. I hate not being able to find a clean piece of paper to draw on.
Environment…
I grew up in Hout Bay, a little town-village-place half an hour out of Cape Town city. I had a few really close friends who lived nearby that I spent all my time with and still see or speak to often. Without them, I doubt I’d be who I am today.
Family…
My family has always been behind me, whatever I chose to do. They always supported me and trusted that I was making the right decisions, even if I was not. My parents are great and are always interested in what I’m doing. I’ve also got two brothers who are as different from me as you can imagine but still awesome. Nobody in my family is particularly creative… But that’s probably why I felt the need to be different.
Best advice received…
Never give up. I know it’s cheesy but persistence has been the reason behind many things I’ve accomplished in my life – from getting the jobs I wanted to getting my girlfriend to finally notice me before we started dating.
Collections…
I sort of collect musical instruments. So far I’ve got a bunch of guitars, a keyboard, a banjo, a violin, a harmonica and various pieces of electronic equipment. I’m not very good at playing all of them but I’m fascinated by their different sounds.
Inspiration…
I hate when I feel like I’m doing the same thing again and again or going around in circles. I like to try things that are completely different, a new style or method of doing something. It doesn’t always work immediately but after a while it usually gets me out of a rut.
Favourite things…
I love driving up Signal Hill with a few friends and a few beers, looking out over the city, talking about whatever. I love movies too. And without good music, I wouldn’t have had half my ideas.
Websites…
Drawn! is always a good one. Meathaus too. They showcase such a large amount of work that I’m always finding new artists to draw inspiration from. I also have this weird obsession with paranormal stuff so there are a few of those sorts of blogs I subscribe to too. And Them Thangs is like the holy grail of inspiration.
Relaxation…
I like going to antique markets, playing with my band and drinking with friends.
People…
There really are too many to mention. My girlfriend is a constant source of inspiration for me. Illustrators like Ghostshrimp and Jhonen Vasquez. Mike Mignola, the artist behind Hellboy, is my hero.
Plans…
Work as hard as I can, and learn as much as I can. I want to write more music too.
Dream life…
This is it! If I can carry on doing what I’m doing right now for the rest of my life, I’m happy.
Advice…
Keep at it. I wasn’t born with inherent talent – I flat out couldn’t draw up until early in my college years. I think the sheer amount of drawing I did meant that at some point I would start producing some halfway decent work.