Aidan contacted me through Design Splat and I definitely thought his work should be featured for you readers to see! Aidan is an Illustrator in his 3rd year at Bristol University who has certainly developed his own style with his illustration work! Check out the interview his website and his work!
Enjoy!
—-
—————–
-Interview
Hello and Welcome to Design Splat Aidan!
Tell us a bit about what you do:
Hello! I am currently in my third and final year of a degree in ‘Illustration’ at Bristol UWE. I tend to create repetitive and often-surreal imagery. My work can be recognized by the high sense of perspective and detail.
How did you get into Illustration?
Always enjoyed being creative but whilst studying fine art in my foundation at Wimbledon Scholl of Art I noticed my work was very communicative and would easily adapt toward the illustration side of things.
When creating illustrations, what to you is the most important aspect: planning design or implementation? and why?
To produce a fully functioning illustration I think you need to cover all three aspects, but I personally think the key to a good illustrator lies in the idea generation.
Do you create your pieces by hand or with the use of the computer? Or both?
Both, though pretty much all the creating is by hand. I use Photoshop for layouts, composition and tweaking in the final stages.
Where do you get inspiration for your illustrations?
Anything that takes my fancy. I try to keep my inspirations broad but buildings, trees and map like images always seem to sneak their way back into my drawings. I like to illustrate things that affect me.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully with some recognition in what I do. Ultimately I wouldn’t mind returning to my fine art routes. I suppose I see illustration as an enjoyable means to an end.
What’s the dream ambition?
To have pushed the creative boundaries to a new and unforeseen level.
Does fame attract you?
Not fame but recognition of my achievements.
How do you rate yourself as a designer?
I do have an eye for design but I doubt I would ever say I was a designer. My stronger aspects are my imagination and creativity.
What makes a good illustrator?
Idea generation, imagination, knowledge, drawing ability, will power and confidence.
Do you think the Design Industry will be difficult to get into? Are you worried about the amount of competition?
It will be a challenge for sure but if you have the talent and will power I think its important to just be persistent. Competition is always a worry but if you can offer something original to your work then you maximize your chances of being noticed.
What do you think it takes to become successful in the Illustration industry?
Talent, originality and who you know.
Three words to describe yourself?
Creative, determined and optimistic.
Hobbies and Interests?
I love going out with my friends around brilliant Bristol, love chilling out and am absolutely obsessed with trees.
Favourite Illustrator/Designer?
Too many to name. When trying to be influenced though I actually prefer looking at the classic artists such as Escher, Pironesi, Fernand Leger, Da Vinci, Francis Bacon and Dali.
Tools of the trade?
You have to love the fine line pen, ink n brush and I guess pencil.
Best and worst piece of work?
That’s tricky because one image has had the greatest success but I have subsequently grown tired of. I think each piece I do becomes a favourite in a way. Worst could be any one of the many I have discarded along the way.
Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?
Through trial and error you will find your way. Stay confident and enjoy what you do.
—————–
Contact Details:
Email: aidanmeighan@hotmail.co.uk
Website: www.meighanillustrations.blogspot.com
Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/aidan.meighan?ref=profile
—————–
Some of Aidan’s Illustration Work:
——————
