@sptsam

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

Good morning! I’m from Leicester and moved to Camberwell, London, ten years ago to go to university. I still live in Camberwell because there are some good local pubs and most of my friends live either in Cambs or pretty close. Plus my flat is really nice. I’ve been a full-time, freelance illustrator since 2011.

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

I guess if I’m breaking it down into some sort of formula my aesthetic is a combination of lines, colours and then removed lines that make shapes. I draw everything by hand and then colour and finish it on Photoshop. My goals with each image vary but to create something interesting and balanced is always very important to me. I make things that I think are satisfying to either look at or think about. Plus there are worms.

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

Drawing! Pen on paper. Because I like how it feels.

4. What is your artistic process like?

Everything comes from an idea that I’ve had. Sometimes from something that I’ve seen and other times from sketching stupid things on paper, I like to draw a bunch of rough stuff on a page and try to be as loose as possible. Then find a little nugget of fun, refine it and go from there. I’m always trying to expand my arsenal and find new ways of adding depth to existing characters etc. Basically, I’m constantly digging.

5. Who and/or what inspires your work?

I get inspiration from seeing the way that other people work. Not just visual artists but sports people, comedians, musicians, whatever. I listen to a lot of podcasts and interviews with people I find interesting; Stewart Lee, David Byrne, Tim Heidecker, I could go on and on. People that are doing something a bit different are inspiring to me. My friends also inspire me, in Camberwell I’m surrounded by great artists and illustrators.

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

I draw for at least five days a week, I’m looking at things online, watching documentaries, listening to music, talking about art with friends, breaking things down and trying to understand them.

7. Where did you study?

Camberwell College of Arts, London.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

No idea but I’m sure it’ll be good.

9. What about in ten?

Even less of an idea. But still good.

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

100% constant non-stop fun and excitement.

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

Potatoes. Stilton. Crisps.

12. Favourite book?

War + Penis by Johnny Ryan and Frédéric Fleury.

13. Favourite genre of music?

I’m an omnivore. Or at least I try to be; even genres that I don’t like will probably contain one song I think is good.

14. What are your hobbies?

Firstly, drawing is my main hobby. Then there’s skateboarding, I’ve skated since I was 12, I don’t skate enough these days but if I can get out a few times a month I’m happy. Football, I play five-a-side twice a week with my team Taste Athletic, I like to defend but can score from anywhere on the pitch, SO DON’T GIVE ME ANY SPACE, haha. Bowling, my PB is 212 and I got this about four years ago, I still go all the time and have only came close to beating that 3 times, heartbreaking. Our lane is at Elephant & Castle, it’s the most rundown shit-show on earth but it’s great at the same time. The lanes are basically sand so whenever I go to a well-maintained alley it’s like I’ve been doing altitude training.

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

I’d move to America and try to become a professional bowler.