Spraygraphic Interview with Artist and Illustrator Rod Hunt

By Spraygraphic | February 4, 2009

Spraygraphic Interview with Rod Hunt

SG: Please tell us about yourself?

RH: I’m a London based Illustrator/designer who has built a reputation for retro tinged Illustrations & detailed character filled landscapes with UK & international clients in publishing, design, advertising & new media, for everything from book covers to advertising campaigns, & even the odd large scale installation too!

Some of my many clients include Barclays, BBC, Computer Arts Magazine, Dorling Kindersley, The Economist, FHM, Maxim, The Observer, Orange & Vodafone

I’m also currently Deputy Chairman of the UK Association of Illustrators. The AOI was established in 1973 to advance and protect illustrator’s rights and encourage professional standards
http://www.theaoi.com

SG: Where do you currently live and work?

RH: I live in Greenwich, London & have a studio there as well.

SG: What mediums do you work with?
RH: I produce all my work in Adobe Illustrator. For a time I was doing 3D modelmaking illustrations as well, but that has taken a back seat recently.

SG: Describe your working process when creating a new work.

RH: All my work is produced digitally, but before I go near the computer I start doodling ideas and compositions in an A5 sketchbook with a pencil or biro. These are very quick and throwaway. Once I worked out the rough idea and composition & gathered any visual reference I might need, I work on a larger finished pencil drawing, which I then use as a guide for drawing the final artwork with a graphics tablet in Adobe Illustrator.

SG: What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?

RH: You get those in time when inspiration deserts you, whether that’s a difficult brief or just feeling uncreative that day. If it’s a feeling-uncreative day, I’ll try to work on another project that’s already further developed, or do some marketing and researching potential clients, or heaven forbid, some paperwork! You can’t force ideas to happen if they’re not forthcoming, so it’s also good to take a break to clear my mind, go for a walk & get a coffee. A change of scene for an hour can work wonders.

SG: Where are you currently finding your inspiration?

RH: I’m a big observer of popular culture, film, TV, etc, & that makes it’s way into my work. Comics were my big love as a kid (& still are), especially 2000AD/Judge Dredd, & that fired my imagination & inspired me to draw.

Things that inspire me, in no particular order: Edward Hopper, comics, 2000AD/Judge Dredd, pulp fiction covers, sci-fi, Terry Gilliam, Tim Burton, robot toys, retro 50’s/60’s/70’s advertising & graphics, architecture, animation, film, Mad magazine…

SG: Where has your work been seen?

RH: I work for a diverse array of clients, in publishing, design, new media & advertising. Some of my favourite recent commissions have been the cover for the best selling environmental book Change The World 9 to 5 by We Are What We Do & the interactive environmental display for the Lightbox Museum & Gallery in Woking, UK. The Lightbox display was particularly challenging due to it’s complexity & scale.

Another recent project I’m particularly pleased with was for an interactive virtual tour for the printers 1st Byte. They wanted to do something different, fun & quirky.

http://1stbyte.co.uk/about_us/vr_tour.php

SG: Where will it be seen next?

RH: I’m currently working on the visitors site map for one of the UK’s main theme parks, so next spring that will be on all the signage & literature of the park. I’m also illustrating a whole book for a major BBC TV show, which will be out next September.

SG: What is your dream art assignment?

RH: Anything that stretches me creatively giving me the opportunity for my work to be seen in different contexts & new mediums.

If I was to have a wish list of commissions I’d say designing the interior of a bar/club/store, a whole building façade wrap (like Selfridges did in London for their renovations), an illustrated book of the future (obviously the future would be retro), & some stuff for a cool clothing label like Mambo or Quiksilver

SG: What is your favorite color?

RH: Red, though I wouldn’t wear it.

SG: Who is your favorite artist? And Why?

RH: One of my favourite artists is Edward Hopper & has been a big influence on me. Just love how he lights & captures a scene.

SG: What book/magazine are you reading this week?

RH: Varoom, the Journal of Illustration & the made image

SG: Ever do a self portrait? Where is it now?

RH: I haven’t done a self portrait since my school days. Would have been thrown away a long time ago.

SG: Where is your favorite place to hang out?

RH: I’m lucky enough to live in Greenwich, which is a lovely part of London. Lots of history, the Royal Park, the markets & an almost village feel. It’s great to hang out, just wander about or pop out of the studio for a coffee.

SG: Any final words of advice?

RH: Get out there and get your work seen by as many people as possible. You should never be afraid to show people your work. You maybe the best designer/illustrator in the world, but if no one sees your work, you won’t get commissioned.

Perseverance. It can take quite some time to get really established.

I’d recommend joining the UK Association of Illustrators (or a similar organization elsewhere). They’re constantly campaigning to protect all illustrator’s rights, and if you need advice on pricing commissions, contracts, promotion, etc, it really pays to get help from the experts.

Maintain control over your Copyright in your Illustrations. There are very few occasions that clients need to own the Copyright in your work. Your body of work is your livelihood, and you should be entitled to the financial benefits of your talent and hard work.

Additional Links:
Spraygraphic profile

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