ADRIAN MILLS – ARTIST/ILLUSTRATOR

Today we have Adrian Mills who is an Artist/Illustrator. He has an extensive collection of illustrations/paintings that I just simply adore! Enjoy the interview and be sure to check out his Etsy shop here!

-Interview

Hello Adrian! Welcome to Design Splat!

Tell us a bit about what you do:

I am presently studying for my Masters at Cambridge in children’s book illustration. I have set up many pages on Facebook showing illustrations from all over the world, and trying to write a picture book and find a lovely agent (hint hint) and get work.

How did you get into Illustration?

I have been drawing since I can remember and have gone from the old graphic route (yes bc – before computers) to a study of fine art (painting), I didn’t go down the illustration route till I came across a picture book, when when I started to draw again from my mind and ideas but looking back at it now I have always drawn so it comes very easy to me.

When creating illustrations, what to you is the most important aspect: planning design or implementation? and why?

I think just the feeling of creating something.

Do you create your pieces by hand or with the use of the computer? Or both?

When I started being interested in illustrations I just brought my first mac and use to draw a lot with this. In the last year or two I don’t draw on the computer liking the smell and feel of paints and getting messy. I think it is easier drawing in sketchbooks as this is sometime that you carry around at all time.

Where do you get inspiration for your illustrations?

I think ours is a life to draw, I draw things that I see in every day life I have a sketchbook that I carry round and draw if I can or write down words flowing round my head. A idea book.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope I would be on my first picture book and still drawing.

What’s the dream ambition?

I have been thinking about a lot lately and I must say one to do a signing in new York and two for a child to see my work and enjoy the drawings and story

Does fame attract you?

Yes and no ,I would like to show my work to everyone so if they like them ,then I have made a difference. As a artist I think drawing more people would be great so yes I would love fame.

How do you rate yourself as a designer?

I had a background in graphic design so I think I still use my ideas,I do like to use patterns in my work.

What makes a good illustrator?

One that has feeling in their work and talks to you in every way possible and takes you off to a another land.

Do you think the Design Industry will be difficult to get into? Are you worried about the amount of competition?

Yes but since the advent of the web ,people can show their work to the masses in which before it was only brought out to show friends if you dared.There are some really great artists out there but we are all in the same game and I do find artists a mad and helpful lot.

What do you think it takes to become successful in the Illustration industry?

To believe in yourself and your dreams,someone will always like your work if you keep looking

Three words to describe yourself?

Art, picnics, and messy

Hobbies and Interests?

Well, I do spend more of my time drawing and it us still a hobby as I don’t do it full-time, my other interests are cycling and music.

Favourite Illustrator?

They are so many to name, Anthony Brown, Oliver Jeffers, Emily Gravett, Brian Wildsmith, Ian Falconer, Quentin Blake but I think my favourite is Staun Tan, a wonderful artist and stories to match.

Tools of the trade?

My hands,and the vision of a image.

I use any mediums that are laying about, I have many in my studio and have build up a collection of pens and paint from my painting days, only in the last year that my collection of pens have changed and love working with inks for backgrounds (doc martins are the best for the bright colours) but my style changes on a day to day basics.

Best and worst piece of work?

When I draw or paint I try to do many at the same time,and somethings I think it’s the best piece I ever did, that is in till the next morning when I see it and I do think it is the worse.

Can we buy your work? If yes where from?

I have just opened a shop on esty in which I still haven’t got the hang of yet,but I do hope to get some work of sale in the next week.

Do pop in!

Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?

Ours to a life to draw.
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Contact Details:

Email: adrianmillsarts@gmail.com

Website: http://www.adrianmills.co.uk

Etsy Store: http://www.adrianmills.etsy.com

Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1303515564&ref=ts

Facebook Fan Pages: Childrens Book Illustrators

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/adrianmillsarts

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adrianmills

Blog: http://adrianmillsillustration.blogspot.com/

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Here are some of Adrians fabulous creations:

Martins dog (2005)
Media: Painter X,mac

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Project for a after school club(2007)
Media: Painter X,mac

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Clones of Elvis(2005)
Media: Painter X,mac

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Christmas Card (2006)
(I want a ball)
Media: Painter X,mac

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Homeless bird (2008)
Media: Ink and coffee and pen

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Spacebird 2010
Media: Doc Martin ink, oil bar, pen, pencil

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Bird 2008
Media: Oil paint, pen

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Unfinished work for a book
Media: Pens, oilBars, ink

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Houses from “Where do birds go at night” 2009
Media: Pen,pencil and oilBar

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The lady in the garden 2006/2010
Media: Pen/photo

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Lost alien (2005)
Media: Mac X,painter X

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I am a toy
2009

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See more of Adrian’s work add him on facebook and see his extensive collection of glorious illustrations! Also keep an eye out for his Etsy shop opening soon!

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