Interview with Paul Giles [mistergiles]

Paul Giles [mistergiles]

ILLUSTRATION

Is there a web address where we can see some of your work?

For my illustrations take a look here: http://www.mistergiles.com/ And for my day to day design work: http://pfg84.com/

Have you completed formal art studies, or are you self-taught?

I have completed a BA in Art and Design at Leeds Metropolitan University and an MA in Visual Arts (illustration) at Camberwell, University of the Arts, London.

How did you get your first full assignment? What did it involve?

I won a T - Shirt design compeition for Boxfresh. The prize was pretty insignificant but it gave me enough confidence in my creative ability to carry on pushing through all the ups and downs a creative life has brought my way.

What past or present day illustrators do you admire most?

Mr. Jago, Will Barras, Mode 2, Scrawl Collective http://www.scrawlcollective.co.uk/, Bark In The Yard http://www.barkintheyard.com/,

How similar are your current drawings to those you did as a child?

I seem to develop in a way where I start in a certain way and then years later I can draw parrells with the point I have travelled to, and the place where the creative process started. My current illustrations have very clear connections to the scribbles and scrawls I did as a child and when I first learnt about graffiti writing. The abstract nature of my taste I feel has always been present in the presentation of my techniques.

What was your favorite comic book as a child?

Spiderman, Beano, Dandy.

Do you have a particular style, or does it vary a lot?

I have a particular style of illustration but I am always trying to develop it into new areas of content and style. I often try other styles in other projects but my personal means of illustration remains based on the same principles.

What type of music do you listen to while you work?

All types of electronic, hip-hop, classical, metal, rock, everything. I listen to Gilles Peterson and BBC6 Music a lot, as well as finding great new experimental electronic music like Flying Lotus and Burial constantly inspiring. There seems to be a lot of similarities between the way this electronic music has develop from the times of Hip-Hop and the sampling culture with the way the illustration and art communities have developed since the start of Graffiti and Street Art.

What part of your work do you do on paper and what part digitally?

I create all my textures colours and flourishes aswell as some of the detail in the patterns on paper with inks, paints and pens. I draw and compose my pieces digitally.

What advice do you have for someone who likes to draw and would like to make a living from it?

It's very tough. Tougher than you can imagine. Struggling for something like this effects every part of your life and all of your friendships within it whether it is through lack of time or money, there will always be ups and downs. BUT the ups are a lot higher than in your everyday pay check!

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Paul Giles [mistergiles]
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