LCS INTERVIEW :: Nick Deakin

Sep 18

When did you first decide that you were going to become an illustrator?

Only two years ago I realised this was one of the only things I totally loved doing, I have always had some sort of creative output, but it was then that I started to focus what skills I had. I didn’t really consider my drawings as a career choice, just as something I did for kicks

Why holes?

Good question; I suppose the main reason I first began to use holes in my characters was to allow them to express things other than speech, and to indicate feelings, maybe in contrast to what they were saying. From there they’ve been used and abused for any number of services, and usually for the purpose of emitting rather than something going into a hole. I also like the way the holes give another dimension that usually you wouldn’t consider with these sorts of characters, it makes them a little more enigmatic, what exactly is going on inside???! Of course now the holes have bled out further into other elements of my work, however I only realised how frequently I used them when someone else pointed it out, it struck me then that they were more of a feature than I initially intended; they were only intended as a cameo role in one drawing, now they’re stealing the show!

Apart from illustration what other things are you into?

I love getting out into the country, it’s great to get some fresh air in the lungs and I do this on my bike. I have a group of friends that I go riding with regularly, we usually hit the local hills for our kicks on purpose built mtb trails. I do play football(soccer) a lot too, and find the exercise really helps me creatively throughout the week, I notice the times when I miss it through injury or whatever, my energy levels the following days just plummet, so I think it’s key to do something, particularly if you’re working from home… stay active!

Who are your favourite artists/illustrators alive today?

Taxali, Chris Silas Neal, Skwak, Hellovon, Nate Williams, Jeremyville to name a few, and loads of people I’ve totally forgotten. I know most folk always say Taxali but the guy’s work is so on the button, and with simple graphics he’s able to convey and stir an emotion, he’s got all the right weaponry.

Why don’t you have any vinyl toys in you portfolio?

It’s not something I’ve thought about doing yet…. I don’t really think there would be a market for a Nick Deakin toy.

Are you involved in any collaborative projects at the moment and is there anyone you would like to work with?

Oh yeah I’m just about to exhibit with a project called Room X http://www.vonhideki.com/ which is a bordello themed event. The group includes Hellovon http://www.hellovon.com/ Vault49 http://www.vault49.com/ and Wilfrid Wood http://www.wilfridwood.com/ and the exhibit begins in London next week. I’m also doing something with the WurstGallery and Ifyoucould.co.uk . The FreakyPeople exhibition http://freakypeople.spb.ru/authors.html is just showing over in St Petersburg too, which was a fun piece to do. Other than that there are tons of artists I would love to collaborate with, if it was only to see what the results were. It’s great if you can collaborate directly with a piece or a series, on the same page(s) so to speak, as hybrid stuff can be so strung out and blazingly fresh.

What’s next in the pipeline for Nick Deakin?

I’ve been meaning to put a zine together for so long now, it’s beyond a joke. It’s been on every to do list since the beginning of the year, it’s just not funny. I want to do something really lo-fi, full of artists doodles rather than considered drawings, and I love messing with photocopiers so why the hell haven’t I done this thing yet!! I may just do a run of 200 and sell them for next to nothing, I know we live in a digital age, but old media is still so emotive, to hold something in your hands.

Shouts?

Anyone who has dropped an email to say ‘hey, I like your work’.

Jacqui too for keeping the wind in my sail.

Pencil or Mouse?

Pen(cil)

I always start with pen on paper, I do have a tablet, but nothing beats a felt tip.

Baseman or Biskup?

Biskup just pips it for me… no Baseman, nah Biskup.

Baseman.

Both paragons to any young illustrator.