Interview: Ben Steers.

What is your greatest achievement?

Working with Cannel 4 on a web game release last year. On a personal level, organising an arts based charity event that raised over £12,000 back in 2010.

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't seen it? 

A myriad of different styles influenced by different eras and cultures. My work always retains an element of humour and playfulness that reflects my fun-loving character.

What piece of advice would you give your 15 year old self?

Learn more whilst you have the chance. My thirst for knowledge mow is very different to how I was when I was 15. I would give myself a slap and insist I take every opportunity I get not waste the next 3 ears on smoking and console screens!

Who would you most like to collaborate with? 

Tough one. There are so many artists/designers I'd love to collaborate with. If I had to pick one, it would have to be Pete Fowler and we'd bring out a series of vinyl toys together. Really love Pete's work and the environments he creates. Plus, I think our styles would compliment each other well. If you're reading this Pete......

What is the worst job you have ever had? 

There have been a few. The one which always amuses people is my short lived stint as a golf ball collector on a driving range. Once everyone had finished up, you'd walk around the golf range individually picking up the balls using a device that looked like a long tube with a plastic basket on the end. 3 hours every night and not repetitive in the slightest.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

 First thoughts are towards George Clooney but he's getting on a bit now so I'd say Leonardo as I don't think he's done a duff film and I like to liken my looks to his.

What is the greatest song of all time?

I'm basing all these answers on what first comes to mind so on that basis I'm going to say Gerry Rafferty Baker St. I always loved the sax intro. Not sure it's the greatest but it's pretty good.

What do you dislike most about popular culture? 

Shows like X-Factor and The Voice. I'm the worst person to watch them with as I end up just shouting at the TV like a loon. Really can't stand manufactured pop music and finding humour in other peoples failings is not what I'm about. 

What is the greatest invention of all time? 

A question I have myself debated many a time and I always come back to the same answer - Denim. Don't know where I'd be without my skinny jeans!

If you didn't do what you do, what would you do? 

A bit of a cliche I'm sure but I'd like to make a difference through what I do. Doing what I'm not quite sure but doing something that made a difference to someone. That I think would be a fulfilling way to lead my life.

All images courtesy of www.bensteers.com

Because it's Friday.... No Ceremony

Rave on.....

Interview: Jack Hudson.

What is your greatest achievement? 

Having had the opportunity to work with clients such as Google Chrome and Channel 4 within my first two years freelancing. It has made me feel very grateful and also pretty fortunate!

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't seen it?

Playful, long legged characters bouncing around in a world that's rich in both colour and texture, sending positive vibes to all. 

What piece of advice would you give your 15 year old self?

Carry on skateboarding, don't be so sensible at school, get your haircut. 

Who would you most like collaborate with?

That's a tricky one... probably a film maker like Michel Gondry or an animation studio. I really want to see if I can apply my work to new formats rather than just 2D still imagery (give it a couple of years and I may have achieved this)

What is the worst job you have ever had?

The last 'non-creative' job I had was working in a call centre whilst in my first year of uni, never NEVER again! I was called 'crap rate' because I was so laid back and didn't want to force anyone to do a survey, I certainly wasn't cut out for that job. 

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Bill Murray of course, who else?

What is the greatest song of all time?

I couldn't pick just one song, it's too hard. Though you can listen to my playlist here at: http://www.studiomusic.fm which will give you a hint at some of my favs.

What do you dislike most about popular culture?

It's often hard to be completely original, many things have been done before. 

What is the greatest invention of all time? 

These inventions that never saw the light of day (see attached)

If you didn't do what you do, what would you do?

I'd probably want to be touring and playing in a live band, or working outdoors chopping stuff up and being a 'real man'

all images courtesy of www.jack-hudson.com

Because it's Friday.... The Emotions

Big Daddy Kane liked it. So do we. 

Interview: Alan Dalby.

What is your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement could be seen as a pretty vague one. It's actually becoming a professional illustrator. It's really what I want to do in life and this is something I've worked at for a couple of years (longer if you include studying) and it's something I'm still working at. I don't think there will ever be a point where I feel I'm fully established. 

Being signed to the Column Arts Agency was a huge step for me. It's a small agency (in terms of members) with some fantastic illustrators who are very different stylistically from me, and that is exactly what I wanted from an agency. Another part of it is the great clients I've worked with, some really interesting magazines and small businesses which have all been really great. Without them, I couldn't call myself an illustrator.

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't seen it?

My work is usually vector based, minimal design. I find enjoyment in playing with shape, which I think is reflected in my work. I also love drawing animals. 

What piece of advice would you give your 15 year old self?

Don't do A-level Maths. It's incredibly dull. 

Who/what has had the biggest influence on your work?

I think it's a tie between my tutors at Stockport and having friends that are great graphic designers. Both have really different ideas of quality, and I've had the pleasure of having both views. 

What is the worst job you have ever had?

Probably an illustration I did for a magazine a few months ago. I got supplied a really rough draft of the article with lots technical jargon. It wasn't easy to wrap my head around. 

Who would play you in the movie of your life? 

I'd like to be played by Michael Cera but my housemate just informed me I'm more Johan Hill. 

What is the greatest song of all time?

Love Cats by 'The Cure' never gets old, so it may be that. 

What do you dislike most about popular culture?

That most of it lacks quality.

What is the greatest invention of all time?

The Internet.

If you didn't do what you do, what would you do?

Perhaps an Art Director?

All images courtesy of Alandalby.co.uk

Diamond Jubilee.

With the Diamond Jubilee only 3 weeks away we are loving all things Royal.

1. Made in England Blue, Pintuck. 
2. Made in England Pink, Pintuck.
3. Solider Gift Wrap.
4. Pearly King, Sean Sims.
5. Running Guardsman, Sean Sims.
6. Royal Guardsman, Sean Sims. 

Because it's Friday... Michael Jackson

Have a nice weekend. 

Interview: Eleni Kalorkoti.

Paris based illustrator Eleni Kalorkoti is inspired by 'Russian theatre, American comic books, assorted grumpy girls and sneaky animals'. She was kind enough to answer our quick 10. 

What is your greatest achievement?

Not giving up on illustration.

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't see it?

That usually goes something like "It's sort of graphic-y and pattern-y with a lot of sneaky looking characters..."

What piece of advice would you give your 15 year old self?

If you spent half as much time drawing as you do stewing in self doubt you'd be a lot better at your job in the future. 

Who/what has had the biggest influence in your work/career?

Hmm... way too many people and things to possibly mention. However, reading Ghost World when I was 13/14 was pretty important. Like a lot of people I felt like it had been made for me and I think finding it helped fix my resolve about pursuing art/illustration. 

What is the worst job you have ever had?

Waitressing.

Who would play you in the movie of your life? 

Daniel Day-Lewis. Let's put those chameleon-like acting abilities to the test.

What is the greatest song of all time?

I'm not going to stop listening to Tom Waits sing Lord, I've Been Changed any time soon, it's good and growly. 

What do you dislike most about popular culture?

All the bits that are made entirely cynically are pretty rubbish. 

What is the greatest invention of all time?

Cinema! (Though all that medicine comes in pretty handy too).

If you didn't do what you do. What would you do?

Something else, frustratedly.

all images courtesy of www.elenikalorkoti.com

Retail Therapy.

Name: Ink & Thread.
Established: November 2011.
Location: Derby

How would you describe your shop style? Our mission is to sell useful and British made things... I would describe the style ad bright and bold; we like primary colours, bold design, clever graphics and illustration. We sell things which have been thoughtfully designed and well made. 


What sets your shop apart from the others? The main thing which sets Ink & Thread apart is that everything we stock is made in Britain. We want to support British producers and in turn the economy. It also means low design and delivery miles so it's better for the environment.  Finally, British made means we can feel confident that everybody who helped make the items were paid fairly.

Where can we find you online? Website; www.inkandthread.co.uk Twitter; @British_Made  Facebook; Ink and Thread

Because it's Friday.... Chaka Khan

'Baby baby when I look at you' Prince wrote it, obviously.