Tim Easley won the World Illustration Awards 2019 Professional Design Category. We caught up with him to find out more about his award-winning project, and what’s happened since winning his Award.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your practice as an illustrator?
I’m an illustrator, designer and photographer from London, and I’ve been freelancing for nearly a decade now. I didn’t train in illustration or go to university, in fact I studied maths and physics at college, so my approach to work is maybe a little unorthodox and pulls from quite a wide range of influences. Before turning to illustration I’d been a games tester, record store owner, graphic designer, and co-founded a big sneaker website, so I think that all of those things come together and reveal parts of themselves in my work.
Can you explain a bit about the work you entered to the World Illustration Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
The work I entered was a 50cm x 50cm hand sculpted plasticine piece that I created and photographed, then used to design a record sleeve for electronic duo Modified Man. It was very labour intensive, and took over 80 hours in total to sculpt what is probably around 1,000 individual elements. I felt that it was very different to work that I’d previously seen in the awards over the years, so entered it in the hope that the judges would have a similar opinion.
How has winning an Award developed your practice/career?
I had a lot of positive feedback and press surrounding my entry, so it’s made me consider trying to incorporate more plasticine into my work in the future. I don’t think it’s a medium that’s used in illustration much, so I’d love to explore the different ways in which it can be used in place of digital or traditional illustrative styles.
What would your advice be for illustrators who might be thinking about entering this year’s Awards?
The most important piece of advice I can give is that you’ll never win if you don’t enter. Select your best work and get involved. Even if you don’t win it’s still a great opportunity to shout about your work, get it in front of people who matter, and promote yourself. On the other hand if you win it’s an ever greater opportunity to promote yourself, get noticed by new clients, and just solidify your reputation.
Can you tell us about any forthcoming projects or your future plans?
Right now I’m working on a holiday campaign for Foot Locker, that will be in 750+ stores around Europe, Israel and Asia over the Xmas period, so no doubt you’ll walk past my work doing your Xmas shopping. Next year I’d love to collaborate more with some brands I love, and do more large scale artwork.
Is there anything else you’d like to add or tell us about?
I’m always available to talk about projects so get in touch!
The World Illustration Awards 2020 are now open for entries until 18 February 2020.
Find out how to enter HERE