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Imagine for one moment you have trained in Illustration and have left full time education with a 1st class honours degree. It is our pleasure to welcome Antony Bridge who for the last five years has been through all the above and not only survived but is now well established amongst his peers. |
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Antony when did you first realize that you wanted to be an illustrator? I first realized at around 17 years old, when I starting to paint more commercial subjects. Did anyone try to put you off that career path? Not specific people in general but situations always put you off the path you want to go in, that is why only a few make it, as it is a constant battle to get to where you want to be. How relevant did you find your university training and did it give you the right skills for freelance work? University I found was an opportunity and time for students to focus 100%, the training you do is only because of yourself wanting to work not being pushed to, as so many people are and I thought many shouldn't have been there. I had one part time tutor that I found to be inspiring which helped, as he is successful in the industry and I could learn a lot from him. What tools and art mediums do you work in? I work in all mediums but keep them separate; I go through stages of working in my painting studio then a few months in the computer studio that is a nice break up.
What software do you use? Photoshop mostly, illustrator, notepad, after effects, flash. What advantages do they give you? They give me all the freedom I need to produce my vision and ideas. So what was your first move in the industry? I worked as a freelance designer in the TV industry for 3 days a week and spent my other time trying to earn money to buy more equipment. Was it a success? A success is something you are happy with and feel like you have moved on as a creative. Yes. 
How did you find your first clients? You start of working for the people you know when you leave university then your portfolio and contact library grows and then your details are passed on. Did you find you had to prove a lot to your first clients? Not at all, your work should say everything about you; the client is after a product that they are paying for you to achieve. Do those initial clients still send you work? I still get some work from the initial clients yes but as time goes on rates go up and clients become bigger. How much work do you have to do for free for clients? Nothing is for free!!
Was balancing the business and creative side a challenge? The business side of things gets in the way most of the time but it depends on how you structure your week, I tend to leave all of that to one period and at a set time. What other promotional work do you do? I tend to pass my details around a lot and try to make new contacts. I run a few sites which helps pull contacts from all sectors into what I offer. Does it have a big effect on your business? Promotion work tends to take ages to get back to you I find, but it is worthwhile. Can you describe your workflow from concept to final client approval? I tend to think on an idea for a few days, then mock this up quickly and come back to it a few days later with fresh eyes and make changes. Then after the client is happy refine the concept to final design/artwork. Can managing clients' expectations be a challenge? Managing clients tends to be hard work but most are understanding as we are all in business and realize the limitations. What has been your biggest success over the last five years? Having just had a painting in the Royal western academy is a good success. 
What has been your biggest challenge? To spend time working on my own ideas when I don't have any money and put all my time into them rather than looking for work or doing work. Ever tempted to go for a salary job rather than freelance? Not at all. What is so good about being a freelance artist? You have the freedom to work when you want, do things when you want within reason and spend time and becoming better each day. How competitive is it out there at the moment? Some sectors are doing well but industries like Television, which I have worked in, are in a bad way. What advice would you give to those entering such a competitive market? Be prepared to work 18hour days 7days a week, be stressed, be excited, have no money but just know that you are happy to create. Who are your favourite artists or those that inspire you? I like any artist that shows good use of colour firstly, then technique, then idea. I used to follow Chuck Closes work, when young was inspired by Dali and now I love the Cornish painters like Neil Davies. Illustrator wise I prefer people like Connor Harrington. And finally, I know you have an interest in Pochade; can you explain to our readers what it is? The Pochade is a quick study using a Pochade box in oil paint on board. Everything is within the box so it can be easily taken anywhere. More information can be found on the Pochade site http://www.pochade.co.uk that is growing at a huge rate.
Thank you Antony for spending this time with us and providing such an honest insight. http://www.antonybridge.co.uk
Interview by Daryn Fitz |
