CallumJSP - Interview

                      

What got you into illustration?

I fell into it really. I always knew I wanted to do something creative, especially when I failed all my academic subjects, that’s when I really knew.

What did you do after leaving school, did you do a foundation? University? Or just straight into it?

Straight out of school the only thing I applied for was a Foundation Course at Falmouth, luckily I got in. Then I did the Illustration Course, also at Falmouth. After Uni I did bits and bobs but professional illustration work has only really happened for me in the last year or so.

How did you find your ‘style’? And what advice could you give to aspiring illustrators trying to find theirs?

Don’t try and be too influenced by other people, just do quick drawings without too much thought and your own personality will come through. You can refine them into something of meaning after. Thats what I did anyway.

Are there any particular themes or subjects that you find your work communicating?

I work on things that I believe in; positive body image, equal rights, the environment. Although I like that my work is fairly transparent and not too deep. I try not to be preachy and instead make them a little humorous. You could call it childish and I wouldn’t be offended.

Most of your work seems to be using gouache is there a reason why you choose to stick with this specific medium?

Gouache worked the best for me to get large areas of flat vibrant colour. I see no reason to change…yet.

Is your work mostly commissioned or do you create a lot of personal work?

Recently it has been commissioned which is great! But a lot is personal work.

What are the biggest hurdles you’ve faced in your practice so far?

Self promotion is hard! I have been trying to reach more clients in higher places but you get a lot of rejections or just no response at all. Cry cry.

Finally, what are your goals in relation to your practice? And have any been achieved so far?

I set small goals, cause then they are easily achieved and I get to feel great more often! One was to do an album cover, which I did last year, hurrah! I am hoping to go full time freelance this year though, but thats no small goal, thats a biggie!

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As with the other practitioners I have interviewed so far, Callum seems to also suggest that style is something that you cannot expect to force. Through the simple case of trial and error, experimentation and play, your voice will eventually appear in the work you are creating. Hearing this has made me keen to explore my 'style' more in my personal time, producing quick images with little thought into it. Self promotion is key to being successful as a freelancer. Utilising as many digital platforms as possible to promote my portfolio and brand will be imperative to future success outside of university. Creating business cards as well is another vital element of self promotion. I hope to get mine printed soon so that I can begin handing them out to people that I meet in future.