We’re interviewing Diana Boyle, whose gorgeous illustrations of day-to-day sights pf Britain – tea and fags! - can be found on her intriguingly designed, multi-layered website Rooftop Illustrations.
1) Where do you think your style comes from? Your childhood, your culture, your training, your friends and peers perhaps?
Across the board, I’ve always been interested in/obsessed with detail. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not OCD just yet – though I can’t brush my teeth whilst standing on a carpet. That’s a story for another time I think.
I was always the last at school to finish a still-life drawing. I mean, come on! – the inside of an onion was so fascinating, why rush it to draw a pear?
2) Who are your favourite artists and illustrators?
Dali’s brilliant. I’m not a surrealist myself, but his house in Portlligat still oozes his personality. I love that. Seeing personality in work, not just doing what’s expected.
Also, Charley Harper is brilliant. He’s one of those guys where you think, bugger, I wish I’d thought of that.
3) Where do you work? In a studio or at home? At a desk, at a computer?
I work in my lounge; on my lap, at my desk/brekkie table. Starting with coffee, then tea, my day normally begins with being entertained by a particularly stumpy-tailed squirrel frolicking in the garden. I like seeing life outside my patio doors, it reminds me that life’s not centred around me & what I’m doing.
4) Do you start working on paper when inspiration strikes or do you go straight to the computer? How do your preferred method and materials inform your work?
My phone’s notebook is filled with ideas that hit me at inopportune moments. From there, it’s beavering in my sketch book, and then, only when it’s near final, it graduates to the mac. I love working with fine-line pens, colour pencils & felt-tips.
5) Do you collaborate with others or prefer to work alone? Why?
I hate to admit it, but sometimes people have better ideas than me, or know how to move something to the next stage when I’m stumped. So the work I have done in collaboration has worked out well. It’s hard letting go, but hey, I wasn’t born an only child so I’m used to it.
6) Your website is lovely. How important is it to you to have a strong web presence? Do you use Twitter or social networks? How do you promote your work?
Web presence is stupidly important. I’m lucky, I knew what I wanted, and I knew who I wanted to build it; my designeree boyfriend, Matt Dent. Paying in wine, cheese & chocolate is a small price to pay for a site I’ve learnt to maintain, and one I’m very proud of.
I must admit, I’m not a Twitterer. I find it hard to keep up with everyone, but admire those who can. Self-promotion is the biggest hurdle for any illustrator, and I’m not sure I’ve cracked it yet.
7) What would be your dream commission?
To be let loose on a massively detailed drawing, big scale, big budget, comfortable turn-around time, and a free dog (preferably whippet) thrown in. I really want a dog. Let me know if you hear of one available.
Tags:
Diana Boyle, illustration, Rooftop Illustrations
