Preferred Pronoun?
He/him/his
Why did you choose to enter this work?
This project really helped me clarify who I am as an artist. I'm extremely proud of the results and feel that it is an important milestone in my creative development.
What’s your favourite thing about your shortlisted project?
I loved playing with the juxtaposition of cool and warm tones and using light sources to guide the eye through the painting.
What excites you most about being shortlisted?
The feeling that other people like my work and enjoy the same things that I'm visually excited about.
Where do you usually work?
I work in lots of different places - on the bus, at home, in the library - and enjoy changing my environment. My setup is pretty simple and I only need a desk and somewhere to lay out my paints.
How long did it take to complete your project?
The overall project took approximately 6 months to complete - the image I submitted, probably took about 4 weeks to complete (from initial sketches through to the final painting.
What is your dream commission?
I love folktales and themes that are a little bit scary - my dream commission would definitely feature these elements and take place in some crazy, fantastical world of my own devising.
What’s your favourite thing to draw?
I love drawing anthropomorphized animals. The little details are really important to me and I love creating quirky, fantastical environments for my characters to inhabit.
What is your best tip for other illustrators?
Draw what you love and draw all the time.
What are your plans for the future?
I'm hoping to go on to study for an MA in children's illustration.
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Matthew ColeMatt Cole Portrait (4 of 4)
Matthew ColeTreehouse