Interview
Ben Hollinshead
Ben is an illustrator based in UK. He’s always had a passion for cartoon-based illustration and character design.
He creates his work using both traditional and digital methods.
Ben has worked on a number of children’s book illustration projects, and has also exhibited his work in London and local exhibitions.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My interest in art started at a young age. I was always passionate about watching cartoons, which inspired me to create my own characters that I wanted to bring to life. Of course, I always drew the classic characters like Homer Simpson or Tom and Jerry, putting my own stamp on them.
I did graphic design at college, and animation and illustration at Bolton University. It was through this that I thought freelance illustration would be the right path for me, and that’s what I’m trying to pursue.”
What inspires you most?
“Growing up, watching cartoons was always a big inspiration for me. However, this has shifted over time to pop culture in general. The benefit of having a creative mindset is that anything and everything can inspire you. When I watch a program or TV show, I create my own little narrative from that.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My style has changed over the years from relatively humorous to a darker, more foreboding tone.
Through my comic work, I attempt to reflect what’s going on in the world today, whether it’s a political issue or something that we can all relate to.”
“I’m working on a personal project where I visualize my colleagues from my day job as monsters and supervillains.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is part of me. It’s a manifestation of my imagination, as most art usually is. I’ve always believed my work doesn’t conform to others, in a sense. I’m not a fine artist like most other artists, so if I were to participate in an exhibition, my work would stand out.”
What is your creative process like?
“There are times where I’m given an idea and I try to picture the best possible outcome in my mind. But it doesn’t always end up the way I imagined it! However, when I get a vague picture in my mind of what the client might want, I whip out a thumbnail that is relatively close to what they might want. Then I get their opinion on it. I’m a perfectionist, which can be a disadvantage because I want the end result to be exactly the way I imagined it.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist’s role is to create. Art comes in many different forms, shapes and sizes, so all artists play a pivotal role in society. A children’s book illustrator plays a crucial part because a child understands pictures better than words.
Illustration is always moving forward because we’re now in the digital era. I remember someone in my university course saying that we’re going to have to be familiar with the likes of 3D software such as Maya, because 2D animation will soon be a thing of the past.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My first exhibition was in London at a local exhibition called Illustrated.
I’ve also exhibited at Parallax Art Fair in London.
Every year in my hometown, I do the Wilmslow Art Trail, which is a local exhibition. I’m currently preparing for the next one which will take place from the beginning of October 2022.”
Instagram: @hollinshead.ben
Other: Facebook
