@biffstudio

Instagram: @biffstudio  

1. What's your story? Where are you from?

Hey! I'm Biff and i'm originally from a small seaside town called Weymouth in Southwest England. I moved to London around 4 years ago to work as a freelance illustrator and art director. Since being there I've worked at advertising agencies, animation studios, event companies etc.. I now work for myself as a freelancer.

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

A lot of my work varies, as I get bored if I limit myself to a strict style. However, I like to think that everything I make is coherent. Stylistically, it's all drawn up pretty fast, but with a lot of intention and thought. It's playful, kinda sketchy but with a sense of charm.

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

Everything I create is drawn by hand and coloured/ edited on Photoshop. Working 100% digitally can fry my brain and frustrate me pretty easily. Working by hand allows me to make mistakes that I can't erase. Those mistakes have sometimes ended up being the thing I like the most about what I've created. I love seeing the texture of the ink and the wonky as hell lines that would frustrate a graphic designer. It's endearing, human and shows vulnerability - which I think is valuable.

4. What is your artistic process like?

When I have an idea, it's better if I don't sit on it for too long. I just need to get it out onto paper. If it takes more than two days, chances are i'll get bored of it and it'll look forced/ too try hard. It loses its spontaneity and rhythm. So to begin with i'll just draw it out in pencil fairly roughly. If the composition looks crappy i'll redo it until it works. I'll then use either a fineliner or bush and ink to outline and fill in any spaces. Finally, I scan everything into Photoshop and enhance the colours and textures to bring it to life.

5. Who and/or what inspires your work?

Who: It always changes, especially with people. Right now i'm obsessed with Elon Musk - His work ethic the way his mind works is unreal. Mike Perry has always been a favourite of mine, purely for his aesthetic and sense of play. I'm also currently into reading up on skateboarders who I grew up watching on VHS everyday. A lot of them have started their own companies and projects- It's really cool to me and i'm so in awe. What: Everything- Films, music, pop culture, literature, conversation/ friends, problems, food, feelings, comedy, travelling etc..

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

Consciously or subconsciously, I think art plays a role in everyone's life. It's unavoidable. Obviously more so in mine, as I use everything I do everyday, as a reference in my own work. It's a valuable tool that helps me interpret my ideas and thoughts into something visual for all to see.

7. Where did you study?

I went to Plymouth University for a year to study Illustration, but found it pretty useless. I was making work and developing at a good rate by myself. So I left after the first year and moved to London.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I struggle to know where i'll be next week. But in general terms, I see myself working either for a successful studio or for myself. Also, i'd like to have a few solid side projects on the go.

9. What about in ten?

I'll own a house and eventually a dive bar/ event space.

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

To inspire others and just have fun with it. Art is a powerful thing- so why not use it for good? Cliche stuff.

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

I'm not really a fussy guy at all when it comes to food. But if I could choose one, it'd easily be Mexican food. Tacos, burritos and beers. Hell yes please.

12. Favourite book?

HP.

13. Favourite genre of music?

All kinds. I used to be really into hardcore punk/ rock. But as I've grown up I've gotten into everything, from northern soul to country.

14. What are your hobbies?

I'm getting back into swimming. Other than that I tend to just watch a load of films 24/7. I'd love to start/ join a dodge ball team though. Design an amazing kit!

15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

Unrealistically- Astronaut. Realistically- Maybe a chef or something music related- like a producer or writer.