Spilsbury was a very interesting man and seemed to have a very traditional upbringing. His dad ran an art school which meant he was never bored and, if he was, he had to draw something. He had to draw new images every day and then by messing around he found his style and passion for the arts. This started from copying what he saw and drawing very realistic imagery.
He went to Cambridge to study classic art, which he explained was a lot of life drawing and going out drawing every day. I can see how this has impacted myself as some of my best work is when I’m in the studio and surrounded by art and constantly drawing. You can definitely tell he’s come from a family of artists.
Illustration appeared in his life when he was drawing for humour. He started in his first job for advertising that then led on to illustrating.
He said the thing he learnt from advertising was a lesson in collaboration, as illustrators have to work with so many people from art directors to clients.
He also went on to say to remain sustained in arts as a career you need to try to be you, which I found I’m trying to conquer within the Specialist Practise module, as I find I enjoy and can get the most successful work when it’s more authentically me.
I loved how Spilsbury did drawing while we were in the lecturer showing us his method when it comes to illustration. “React to what people are saying on the phone to an art director” he said, when I personally get criticism I always write it down so I can process it and not mis-interpret it.
TIME THERE ISN’T ANY
Spilsbury said “Don’t believe in the hype when you leave University. When you have no ideas push yourself. The Brain likes its comfort zone, so push yourself, our job is to find the ideas most simplest.”
As Illustrators we are in a battle to communicate for clients and your image has to tick all their boxes.
As he is drawing away he explains “always draw how things happen”. Draw an eyeline, if someone is screaming draw the scream before the body. Draw what you’re doing first. I really hadn’t realised/ figure out his simple way of drawing, but this means his work is always correctly proportioned.
Helena_illustrates 