04 / Inspiration matters

The Creative Condition, Fruitful Life, Illustration & Heritage, being mentored & more

1. Read
   I’ve been an avid listener to Ben Tallon’s podcast for years. Seriously, if you’ve not yet enjoyed his chat and the brilliant guests he talks with, then please take time to dive in. He’s channelled much of that podcast learning, and then some, into his new book The Creative Condition.

   It’s an exploration of the marvels of human creativity. I’m finding it sparking all sorts of thoughts around encouraging creativity out of individuals and groups. This is something I often need to foster when running community engagement sessions as part of my site-specific projects.

2. Listen

   My lastest Studio Speakers radio show for Illo Radio was released at the end of March. It features several illustrators who I deeply admire, each sending me voice notes about what they’ve been up to along with the music that’s been playing in their studio.

   
   In my headphones, I’ve been listening to this incredible album by drummer Yussaf Dayes.

3. Watch (or listen)

   Illustrator, and all round lovely chap, Ashwin Chacko invited me to kick off the second season of his Fruitful Life podcast. The episode is out on all the main podcast services, included YouTube and you can watch it here, or below. The conversation is relaxed and we touch on many aspects of my career along the way, plus you get to find out what kind of fruit I’d be. Ashwin is also here on Substack.

4. Attend (in Bristol)

   The Bristol meet-up for illustrators is back on Saturday 22 June with a nature walk led by Laurel Molly. Tickets are here. I’m away at a wedding, so this is your chance to go along without me peeking over your shoulder at what you’ve been drawing.

5. Attend (in London)

   On 22 and 23 November 2024, the 14th Annual International Illustration Research Symposium will explore the role illustration plays in cultural heritage. Hosted by the Illustration Programme at Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London, Illustration & Heritage: Sharing Histories to Draw Out Futures will present panels, papers, and posters by practitioners and researchers from the fields of illustration and heritage, who explore the active processes of heritage-making. Find out more here and follow along on Instagram.

6. Consider
   …this quote from the book Illustration & Heritage by Rachel Emily Taylor, who will - of course - be at the above event. She writes about how including many historical voices (context: stories from history) can sometimes create a complex and less definite story or space.

   Perhaps then, the ethical imperative for illustrators is to guide and support people through ambiguous moral spaces?

   I’ve only just started reading this book, but already I’m taking note many of the thoughtful and important insights that Rachel explores.

7. Do

   I was gifted a generous amount of money for my birthday earlier this year and am on the hunt for a pottery course to hurl the cash at. Yes, like many others, I’ve been obsessing over The Great Pottery Throwdown for many years. And, I love being inspired by many other illustators who are dabbling or fully emersing themselves in translating their illustrations into clay - notably Tanya Yukanova.

   

8. Apply*

   …to have me as your mentor. (*Request!)
   
   Over the last year I’ve mentored two incredible people. The first is Filipa Namorado who I supported via the AOI mentor scheme. You can follow them on here and see the latest of their brilliant mid-century style (with a solid modern twist). The second is illustrator and mural painter Bella Gomez. She assisted me on my Dolphin House project and is currently assiting me on my mural for Newhaven’s Look Again festival (currently happening). Not only have I been providing practical experience, but also advice on her live commissions and portfolio guidance.
   
   This year, I’m mentoring Sarah-Jane Mccarthy on her mural painting journey. She has already assisted me on my Upfest mural and we’ll be carrying on with focussed sessions on building her portfolio and mural style. And, I’m partway through online mentoring Emma Johnson with her creative journey.

   I mention all the above examples in case this resonates with you or anyone you know. I only take on a limited number of mentees each year to fit around their and my work patterns. I do charge for my time, but this is totally dependant on what someone is after and always up for discussion. A few things I can cover are illustration portfolio guidance, mural painting advice (general or a specific job) and Expressions of Interest support for an application.

9. Use

   I often get asked what brushes I like to use when painting murals. The answer is Liquitex Freestyle brushes. They hold loads of paint and the 1 inch angled brush is a brilliant allrounder. (Not a sponsored plug).