interview with an illustrator
Sam Bevington
The digital illustrator
and printmaker tells of
the inspiration he finds
in graffiti and the
Mission School . . .
u SB What drew you to illustration? Sam: My dad was a designer,
he came to the UK from Canada in the late 70’s on a scholarship
to the RCA. So drawing and making things was always
encouraged at home. u SB Any formal design training? Sam: A
BA (Hons) in illustration from UWE in Bristol. u SB Where do
you live now and why? Sam: In a little townhouse in Collingwood,
Central Melbourne with my girlfriend Ashley. It was our last stop
after travelling in India and SE Asia for six months. u SB What is
your biggest inspiration? Sam: It used to be graffiti, skateboard
graphics and gig posters, and a lot from the mission school in the
90’s, but now it’s the graphic design and illustration of advertising
in the 40’s and 50’s. I really like the simple honesty and positivity
of the images and slogans made in those days. u SB How do you
get your ideas? Sam: Usually by random scribblings/notes on a
piece of paper, experiment with colours and composition - I save
hundreds of images, photos, typography etc that I like off the
internet then trawl through these for ideas, as well as old work. u
SB What would be your dream commission? Sam: I’d love to
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