Words with Andrew Groves

Andrew Groves is, as his website describes, both "illustrator and maker." Based in the UK, his whimsical designs have graced the pages of Huck Magazine, commercials for Chevrolet, and t-shirts for Threadless Select and (my personal favorite) Poketo. The following is a previously unreleased interview from early 2010.

(Above image: Freak Show, Digital)

Your work often explores the connections between characters and nature. What is it about nature that you find so attractive, and why do you think your characters fit so cohesively in their "natural settings"?

The natural world is constantly changing and full of surprises and it's this that keeps me coming back to nature as a source of inspiration. I try to spend as much time out of doors as possible and I use my illustrations as a way documenting my experiences as I interact with various flora and fauna. The characters I invent are often directly influenced by various shapes and forms of natural objects and I would guess that this helps them sit comfortably or cohesively in their environments.

How would describe the relationship between your personal and commercial work? Do you approach commercial work any differently than self-initiated projects?

Commercial work does require a slightly different approach although the process of actually creating the work remains the same. Commissioned projects usually have a number of constraints and goals that need to be considered and ultimately you are working to please your client. Personal work is far more free and relaxed and enables you to experiment with new ideas and techniques, therefore it's a bit more fun. Having said that commissioned work often requires that you draw something you wouldn't normally draw and in that respect it's great for forcing you to be creative.

Threadless Select t-shirt design

You've had the opportunity to show in more than a handful of exhibitions and shows. What kind of opportunities does showing in a gallery setting offer your work over, say, an online portfolio or blog?

Showing work in exhibitions is great. For starters it often gives me the opportunity to create something handmade as opposed to the majority of my personal and commissioned work which is created digitally. Also with regards to group shows, it can expose your work to people who might not otherwise see it and to have your work associated with other artists. It's been a real honour to exhibit work alongside artists whose work I admire.

You're able to show work through your personal website as well as online sites like Society6.com. What's your best line of advice for artists in regard to creating an online presence?

I would certainly recommend showing work on online art and design networks / sites as it's a great way to spread the word about your work, however I think it's still very important to have your own personal website. Just something simple but with plenty of work and information - This helps show prospective clients that you're serious about your work.

Surfer, Digital

What upcoming projects are you most excited about?

Well, I'm currently working on a tutorial for a UK based design magazine, I have a small zine planned and then I'm traveling to Australia for 3 months during which time I hope to hope to be involved in a few exhibitions and shows and I'm excited about all of it.

What's your favorite planet in the solar system?

Earth, although I wish it had a shiny ring around it like Jupiter.

To keep up with Andrew, please visit IMAKETHINGS.CO.UK!!