Ask an (IGI) Illustrator no 5: Brian Gallagher
Brian Gallagher Art-illustration
Brian Gallagher Art-illustration
Brian Gallagher was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1967.
Since graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Illustration from the Bristol Polytechnic, Brian has enjoyed a successful career as a professional illustrator and fine artist. His work has appeared in all areas of design including magazines, newspapers, book publishing, advertising & museum design.
Since graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Illustration from the Bristol Polytechnic, Brian has enjoyed a successful career as a professional illustrator and fine artist. His work has appeared in all areas of design including magazines, newspapers, book publishing, advertising & museum design.
Q: What area of illustration do you specialise in/enjoy?
A: Scraperboard/Scratchboard
A: Scraperboard/Scratchboard
Q: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A: An Artist
A: An Artist
Q: Why did you become an illustrator?
A: I did an Illustration degree at Bristol Polytechnic and then moved to London in 1989 where I freelanced for 10 years visiting all the publishers, designers etc with my portfolio.
A: I did an Illustration degree at Bristol Polytechnic and then moved to London in 1989 where I freelanced for 10 years visiting all the publishers, designers etc with my portfolio.
Q: Do you enjoy / or specialise in a particular area of illustration?
A: I enjoy work on heritage projects like museums, book publishing and packaging work
A: I enjoy work on heritage projects like museums, book publishing and packaging work
Q: What illustration- or illustration related project have you been most proud of?
World Illustration Awards Winner 2016
Public Realm
http://bdgart.com/world-illustration-awards-2016-winner/
Also The GPO- Witness History
World Illustration Awards Winner 2016
Public Realm
http://bdgart.com/world-illustration-awards-2016-winner/
Also The GPO- Witness History
Q: Do you use a special technique/medium in your work?
A: I specialize in Scraperboard. I was drawn to using linocut and then scraperboard through the tutoring of wood engraver Peter Reddick at Art College in Bristol.
Scraperboard is a Sgraffito medium - the process is the reverse from usual mark making. Begins with a black board and gradually removes parts of its thin dark surface to reveal the white china clay beneath. The result is a unique original piece, not a print.
A: I specialize in Scraperboard. I was drawn to using linocut and then scraperboard through the tutoring of wood engraver Peter Reddick at Art College in Bristol.
Scraperboard is a Sgraffito medium - the process is the reverse from usual mark making. Begins with a black board and gradually removes parts of its thin dark surface to reveal the white china clay beneath. The result is a unique original piece, not a print.
Q: What does your studio/workplace look like?
A: Work from home, always have.
Large desk to draw and paint on, with a tilting table easel. Another desk to do the digital end of the work with an Apple Mac, scanner and printer. Have two good adjustable swivel/tilt office chairs, very important for the back.
A: Work from home, always have.
Large desk to draw and paint on, with a tilting table easel. Another desk to do the digital end of the work with an Apple Mac, scanner and printer. Have two good adjustable swivel/tilt office chairs, very important for the back.
Q: What was your first ever commissioned illustration?
A: I was lucky to get a large commission on my final day of college via our Degree Show Exhibition, that was in 1989.
A series of supernatural-themed Linocut illustrations for Orbis who specialized in "Part Works". Magazines that you collected and put in binders.
A: I was lucky to get a large commission on my final day of college via our Degree Show Exhibition, that was in 1989.
A series of supernatural-themed Linocut illustrations for Orbis who specialized in "Part Works". Magazines that you collected and put in binders.
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: Influenced by George Groz, Thomas Bewick, Franz Masserel, John Piper, Eric Ravilious. I like their drawing techniques.
Also the revival of English Wood Engravers from the beginning of the 20th century
I run a life drawing session once a week to try and keep drawing skills honed.
A: Influenced by George Groz, Thomas Bewick, Franz Masserel, John Piper, Eric Ravilious. I like their drawing techniques.
Also the revival of English Wood Engravers from the beginning of the 20th century
I run a life drawing session once a week to try and keep drawing skills honed.
Q: Explain how you work?
A: Start at 9am and finish at 4pm every day. Often working later depending on deadlines and workload.
If I have no commissions I paint/draw or do something creative for galleries or my portfolio. Also look for new clients.
A: Start at 9am and finish at 4pm every day. Often working later depending on deadlines and workload.
If I have no commissions I paint/draw or do something creative for galleries or my portfolio. Also look for new clients.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: A solo exhibition
A: A solo exhibition
Website: www.bdgart.com
Linked In: briangallagherart
Linked In: briangallagherart
