interview with an illustrator
Ben Tallon
Finding inspiration in
Eminem, Leeds United
and a guilty pleasure in
professional wrestling, we
get inside Ben’s brain box . . .
u SB What drew you to illustration? Ben: I’ve drawn pretty much
since I stopped wearing nappies so it was just a case of deciding
whether to pursue art or sport as a career. As soon as I realized
I wasn’t going to play for Leeds United then it was just a case
of working my way up. u SB Do you have any formal design
training? Ben: I took a BTEC in Graphic Design, then studied the
first year of a Graphic Media Communications before switching
to a BA Hons Degree in Illustration at the University of Central
Lancashire. u SB Where is your studio? Ben: “The Snoozing
Ken” which is actually named after a Victorian brothel. It’s also
Danny Allison’s spare room and I should place on record that the
title is merely for our amusement, no reflection on the nature
of Danny’s establishment, ha ha! u SB What is your biggest
inspiration? Ben: I am a massive fan of many sports, if I’m not
stressing about my work I’m watching Football, Rugby League
or my guilty pleasure - professional wrestling, WWE. My two
biggest influences right now are Eminem and Ric Flair, considered
the greatest wrestler there’s been. u SB How do you get your
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