Inside out - Greg Terry
By Jean • Aug 25th, 2009 • Category: Special Report
I am absolutely thrilled to interview the self-professed graphic artist & illustrator.
Young and passionate designer UK-based Greg Terry is the first artist chosen from the Krftd + Society 6 grant. Created to empower the artists of the world, this is an opportunity for creative individuals to evoke and share their passion.
Hi Greg, could you tell us more about yourself?
Well first off thanks for having me on Krftd.com it’s such a great source of inspiration and utopia of creativity going on and I’m glad to be a part of it all. So back to your original question, myself I’m a young freelance graphic artist, illustrator and all round maker of imagery. I live and work in the United Kingdom only a short train ride away from the late great London. I work on a variety of projects on a daily basis, client bases, self-initiated and a few collaborative.
We love to have you with us too. So, what inspired you to be a designer and illustrator?
Well just from a very young age I was always fascinated by cartoons, not so much watching them for the story themselves but for more of the animation, colours and my personal favorite ‘the repeating backdrop’. In my eyes Hanna Barbera is the single one thing that got me into creative mind set, after an episode of what ever I was watching from The Flintstones to Top Cat or Tom and Jerry I would quickly get jotting down plans and designs for my own cartoon strip and what I would add or take away from it all. You could most properly call me a geek by the age of six or seven.
Of course as far as what inspired me to be a designer/illustrator was down to my family, they always encouraged me to do what makes me happy and this just seemed to be right. (And also enviably brought the TV into the household which broadcasted these cartoons straight into my eye sockets)
Aw that’s sweet. What to you, is most important doing what you do?
Just being creative everyday makes me a happy little bunny, I try to do a lot of different mediums. So I go from doing a poster print series to customizing Russian dolls for an exhibition for instance. For me two days are never the same, and that’s just how I like it. I like being busy, so I’ve always got something to think about and plan either on the train or just laying in the bath, always plotting my next move like a good chess player I suppose.
Alright bunny, could you take us through your design process. Where do you begin?
I think through a lot of different processes, many hours of just doing, trying, experimenting, but also many hours in the library looking at the history of the chosen subject matter. I normally always start with the subject matter in mind, and either research into it or make initial sketches and blue prints of how I would like it to look with main objects penciled out. I then select main features in the piece and sketch out detailed parts in isolated pages; this would either be type faces or pattern repetitions. Surrounding this point is then varied shapes and weathered textures and objects, which I either make or source from different places such as boutique shops or just the local charity shop down the road. These then get cut out and digitalized with my trusty scanner and then sculpted into my final art.
How do you overcome a creative block?
When creative blocks do come around and believe me they spring up now and again, I just do what comes naturally to me… doodle and draw away the problem. I think I’ve got about five or six sketchbooks on the go so when I do get in a hissy fit I grab my box of sharpies and all my problems go away.
Which is your favourite and most memorable piece of work?
To me, the process of my work is more important then an actual solo spotlight feature piece. My favorite work will always be the latest creation, as I can see myself progress from my former work, in-terms of techniques aspect, execution and so on. But saying that I did love drawing and doodling all over Russian dolls for an exhibition back in June, it was like a blank canvas to do what ever I wanted and really was a lot of fun. Took a good couple of days and lost three sharpies in the process, I might just do it again soon and maybe there be popping up in my online store for sale too.
Are there any particular designers/artists/illustrators that you admire?
Well there’s a lot of people who spring to mind, but if I had to pick the big hitters in my baseball card collection they would have to be Takashi Murakami, Milton Glaser, Charley Harper, Paul Rand and Saul bass. Very much the graphic gods in there own right.
What style of music do you mostly listen to while you are working?
Funnily enough I was having this discussion with one of my good artist friends the other day. I don’t really keep up to date with the new era of music, I don’t have a clue who’s ‘hot or not’ so to speak. I don’t even know who’s number one anymore.. and to be honest life is bliss not knowing. For me I listen to either jazz or bluesy soul, I create different playlists for when I’m working, one day I’ll be listening to Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerlad, Miles Davis and John Coltrane the next Curtis Mayfield with a hint of Marvin Gaye. I’m abit old fashioned in a sense but I think they wrote better songs and had a lot more meaning to the songs compared to today which are made for a cheap buck and are gone before you know it.
Finally, what can we look forward to from your work in the next three to five years?
Well It’s in constant development and then re-development from one project to the next, but I think it’s about having consistencies within my work such as the line work and form etc which gives it its overall style. For now at the moment I’m working on a couple more collarge pieces and some small illustrations for zines, also a secret project which involves making my own vinyl toy range.. but you did not hear that from me!
Greg Terry
www.gregterry.co.uk
07540844150
