Rory Quigg : The Daily Illustrator
I've been following Rory Quigg's work for quite some time on Instagram before finally meeting at the UsFolk Launch. Check out his little bio here and read on for his interview to find out some more The Daily Illustrator today.
" I use my creative flair to make modern images, blending traditional methods with digital techniques, editing watercolour paint swatches and different textures to produce clean cut, almost childlike images. My work for the National Trust is currently displayed on Ewart’s Warehouse in Bedford Street, Belfast, and my T-shirt designs have graced the catwalk at Belfast Fashion Week. "
WHEN DID YOU FIRST START ILLUSTRATING AND KNOW WAS IT SOMETHING YOU WANTED TO DO AS A PROFESSION?
I've always drawn for as long as I can remember. My mum still has framed pictures of all of the Winnie the Pooh characters that I drew when I was in nursery school, my teacher was so impressed! But I've improved a lot since then.... I love children's books and illustrated my first one in 2013, I knew this was something I wanted to do as I loved every minute of it and still do.
WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION?
I get inspiration from everywhere and everything! I'm a big Instagram head, so I'm constantly finding new art that I love. I'm really influenced by Jon Klassen's work; I collect picture books so I'm constantly on the look out for something new. More recently though, news stories or funny things I've read on Facebook have inspired some of my pieces, conveying the story in my child-like illustrations.
HOW DO YOU GET THE IDEAS FOR YOUR ILLUSTRATIONS?
I usually take note of something that I find interesting or cool, or at least try to remember. I see something new everyday; there must be hundreds of ideas that may have gotten me famous by now... With my style, it's usually all about the characters I illustrate, so I always try and take some inspiration from real people and give them a personal touch; Then I place them with some white space. It's all about the white space.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEDIUM TO WORK WITH?
I work with watercolour paints and pencils first of all, then I edit them digitally to build my characters. I love using watercolour paper, the texture looks great when it's scanned and I always try to incorporate it into my work. Photoshop is also my best friend, I build my illustrations on layers and chop up watercolour swatches to add texture.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
I'm working on some personal illustrations at the minute as well as some small commissions for clients. I love doing these illustrations as they're different every time; they range from 12 girls at their friend's hen do, to a family cheering on their dad who's doing a triathlon, I love the clients reaction when I deliver them!
CURRENT PLAYLIST AS YOU WORK?
A lot of the time I listen to the radio. But I like a lot of different music, it varies from Oasis to Beyoncé... I'm loving Catfish and the Bottlemen at the minute, I have 'Soundcheck' on repeat!
ARE THERE ANY ILLUSTRATORS THAT YOU ARE A FAN OF THAT DESERVE SOME EXPOSURE?
Jamie Beard makes some amazing work. He's a good friend of mine and always inspires me. Also, Thomas Bannon and Rebecca Blair. There are so many, I'm so impressed by how much talent there is in Belfast.