BY MARINE MICHEL ON JANUARY 04, 2016
If you’ve heard the name Mark Goss and have had the chance to see his work then you are one lucky bastard, and if you haven’t well you’ve truly been missing out. The British born, Rotterdam based multi-talented artist is one to watch out for as his typographic, graffiti and graphic skills seem to know no bounds. We had the chance to interview this maverick and get some insight into who the creator of Studio Mass is. So listen up.
What attracted you to the world of typography and graffiti?
I’m interested in exploring the treatment of type, playing with style and techniques to discover the possibilities.
Best country to work in UK, HongKong or Netherlands?
They all have their charms but I’m enjoying working in The Netherlands, it’s a really culturally inspiring place to be and there is some talented people producing great work, which I find really motivating.
How did you even end up all the way in Hong Kong?
My wife was offered a job so we thought we would try Asia for a few years, it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
Sharpie / Copic / Prisma colour? Which do you choose?
Sharpies are great, but the pen I couldn’t do without is the Pentel pocket brush pen which I use for almost all of my drawings and lettering.
How did the Skullball design you’re so known for come about?
The Skullball is the element that I am most recognised for and it was some commercial work that inspired the movement into the floral works, at some point they just fell into a composition that I’m still exploring.
Favourite canvas?
I’m definitely most comfortable working in ink on paper, it’s also the medium that is most accessible (shout out to my sketchbook sponsor Pink Pig Sketchbooks!). I also enjoy working at a bigger scale on walls, and with studio work I usually work on wooden panels but have recently been experimenting with working with fabric.
Your typographic project “Your Name by Me” is such an awesome way to share your work with the world, how do you fit a name with a typo?
It’s difficult to specify a name with a style of type as generally I don’t know the people personally. I tend to have an idea of what style I would like to try and then choose a name from the list that would suit it aesthetically.
Would you consider yourself to be a design whore? We’ve seen your Instagram!
It’s a really useful tool to encourage interest in your work and engage with any audience you can attract. I like composing and sharing what I’m doing and seeing what other people are doing too. With Instagram and Snapchat you only see what you want to see so if you don’t like what someone is posting you just unfollow them, which is nice.
Any advice for young artists/designers getting in the game?
Try not to be influenced by trends, just make what you like and be inspired by others but don’t bite.
