No matter which subject I choose to explore, one theme always remains the same, my focus on characterisation. It’s a fundamental aspect which underpins everything I do.

Few things can hold my interest more than rendering a life form in digital paint and expressing its personality.

It is the little Read More...

No matter which subject I choose to explore, one theme always remains the same, my focus on characterisation. It’s a fundamental aspect which underpins everything I do.

Few things can hold my interest more than rendering a life form in digital paint and expressing its personality.

It is the little intricate details which make everyone unique that has fascinated me since childhood. Moles and wrinkles, underlying bone structure, little quirks and emotion, this is the essence of my work.

My aim is never to simply create visually striking images; I also strive to show the heart and soul of my characters.

Very rarely is a painting ever about myself. To show my own emotions is a vulnerability that has never really sat well with me, so I take immense pleasure in exploring those of the beings my mind concocts.

I have three main inspirations which led me down this path. Japanese designer, Tetsuya Nomura is the first artist who made me realise I could do my then hobby, for a living. Korean artist, Hyung-Tae-Kim, inspired me to be more experimental with colours and pose. And British soap, Coronation Street taught me that likeable characters come from brilliantly developed personalities and not necessarily from a dynamic design.

The project I’m exhibiting, the ‘Dreamscapedia’ really sums up my personal philosophy to character design, in that I’ve never technically created any of my characters, at least not consciously anyway. They appear in my head, first as a form I cannot really distinguish, tucked away in the corner of my eye. They gradually reveal themselves as I get to know them, sometimes they tell me their name straight away, and others will take their time.

It has more in common with making a nature documentary. I simply observe them in their natural habitat and take mental notes of their details and oddities for further investigation, like why does this guy only chew on the right side of his mouth? How can this thing possibly fly when it when it’s so heavy? And why doesn’t this girl like my suggestion of blue hair dye?

The creatures displayed in this home-made, hand-bound book, all came their respective dreamers in the same hazy way. My job is simply to look at the evidence, get to know them and reveal them in their entirety.

EDUCATION

2007 - 2009
University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth
BA (Hons) Illustration. 2:2
The course helped me develop my ability to:
• Produce work on various subjects, including the periodic table, dyscalculia, moral issues and dreams.
• Research all aspects of a chosen topic and its target audience using a rich variety of sources.
• Illustrate what the client wants to say in a way the target audience will understand.
• Work independently, setting my own briefs, deadlines and managing my time when under pressure.
• Work effectively within a team to produce a fashion based ‘zine’ and presentations on sequence.
I received a 2:1 for my dissertation which looked at the possible causes of Body Dysmorphic Disorder and how to raise awareness.

2000-2004
Llandrillo College, Rhos-on-sea
National Foundation Diploma Art and Design: Merit ? AVCE Art and Design double award: AA ?
A-Level Photography: C ? International Baccalaureate Art: 4

1995-2000
Rhyl High School, Rhyl
10 GCSE’s including Mathematics, English and Art.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

Most of my spare time is spent honing my creative skills through practice, self-directed briefs and studying my idols and contemporaries. My friend also runs his own life drawing class which I regularly attend.

REFERENCES

Available on request.