Holy Shit! Visions of the Walworth Jumpers

Friday 5 April 2013

Indigo Mag Interview

 

I have been interviewed for a feature for a soon-to-be-launched creative arts magazine named Indigo on the increased popularity of collectives and here are the answers to questions I was asked about collectives. As soon as I get the link I will post the online article.

1. Question: Would you say that collectives are the future of the illustration industry?

Answer: Collectives are no longer the future of the illustration. They have very much already taken hold of the industry. The concept of multi-disciplinary collaborations in groups is what I conceive as being the future, as it is getting harder and harder to make a living out of illustration alone and designers are asked more and more to be jack of all trades. It will be interesting to see what direction that format of pooling resources and skills will take.

Q 2: Why do you think they are so popular?

A 2: Collectives are popular because they are a great way to launch fresh faces, new blood into the public consciousness. There is always an an exciting vibe when attending group collectives shows or buying artwork where the talents of a few have produced outcomes that are often surprisingly refreshing in its audacity. Collectives fire its participants to try their best; people appreciate that DIY spirit and want to buy into that culture.

 

Q 3. Would you advise up-and-coming illustrators to think about joining a collective?

A 3: Yes, I would and as a matter of fact I do. Since working as a lecturer at UEL, I have encouraged my students to think of their class as a Collective. Every year, we have exhibitions where students think of a theme and title for their collective- the aim is to reflect what is going on in the industry, for them to think as a team, to create marketing, PR and manage finance in groups, ...all attributes that make great collectives work.