interview with an illustrator
Vince Ray
Drawing inspiration
from Butlins, Gretsches,
Elvis, the Ace Cafe,
Denis McLoughlin and
Viva Las Vegas . . .
u SB What first drew you to illustration? Vince: Butlins. I had an
uncle who designed for the holiday camp in the sixties and a trip
to his studio was a real treat when I was a kid. u SB Do you have
any formal design training? Vince: I studied Fine Art at Maidstone
for a BA and then I went to the Slade School in London for an MA
course. u SB You live in London. Does the city have an influence
on your creativity? Vince: I have a love/hate relationship with
the city. It’s a crazy, unique place and having lived here for thirty
years, its dust and grime are etched into my soul. u SB What is
your biggest inspiration? Vince: I’ve been part of the rockabilly/
psychobilly scene since the start and watched it develop over the
years. It’s always been very colourful with cool cars, great clothes
and great music. u SB How do you get your ideas? Vince: I guess
it’s a combination of working an idea through in my head. Usually it
emerges as I’d imagined, other times it develops through sketches
and Photoshop tomfoolery! u SB Do you collect anything? Vince:
Yes, lots of stupid old guitars and amplifiers. I’ve five Gretsches and
love ‘em all! u SB What are your interests outside of illustration?
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