a conversation with…

Perhaps you have already picked up on my admiration for the work of Anthony Peters of imeus design?! I have praised his illustration and design work several times already on All Kinds Of New (see my sneeky-peek post on Anthony here)..and guess what?!!…i’m gonna do it again!!!

Anthony is fast becoming one of our hottest contemporary illustrators of the moment. His work seems to be evolving by the minute…seriously! I can’t keep up with the pace of his creation! He has launched a brand-spanking-new website only recently, showing off a whole spectrum of designs in all of their glory. The site is lush too…easy to use and lovely-looking to boot… And the work needs no introduction really (though i’m gonna!)…Gorgeous screen-printy-esque designs, playful and colourful with a retro feel..and fun fun fun! Just really satisfying! A fantastic use of text, with a strong design-influence, and yet familiar and homely! I really really like it!

Anthony was kind enough to let us interview him to find out more about imeus! Read on, mon ami’s…Hope you enjoy!

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ke: Where do you live and work currently?

ap: Live in Luton and work in London & Luton. Retoucher by day, graphic artist / illustrator by night!

ke: How would you describe your work?

ap: Colourful and deceptively simple pieces often containing typography and illustration, a strong Pop Art / 50’s & 60’s design influence. Mostly done in Illustrator and Photoshop with the occasional foray into physical mixed media.

ke: Can you tell us some of the clients you have worked with over the recent years?

ap: The Art Group, L’Affiche Moderne, Habitat, Pure Design Group, GQ Magazine, Scarlet Magazine, Manna Records, The Real Art Co.

ke: If you had to choose, which would be your favourite piece or commission that you have worked upon?

ap: Often the most recently completed works are my favourites, as they are fresh and most often contain the use of new skills and techniques of which I am proud. I have recently been venturing into hand drawn typography, completing the Dr Seuss piece below as a private commission. The most recent pieces I am really happy with is the ‘Alpha-what?’ piece for the forthcoming East End Arts Club Alphabet show in May, and the self initiated works ‘Flight’ and ‘Tears of Ink For Beatle George’.

ke: Who, or what, would you say has been your biggest inspirations for your illustration work?

ap: Tom Wesselman, Slab Serif fonts, decay and damage, Sigmar Polke, Dr Seuss, Paul Rand, Charley Harper, Peepshow Collective, Stefan Sagmeister, Non Format, Jeff Koons, Spring & Summer, John Burgerman, Adrian Johnson, Richard Hamilton, Eric Carle, Audrey & Elliott, Mel Ramos, Alan Fletcher, Frank Stella, Bauhaus, Geoff Mcfettridge, Constructivism, Jean Widmer, Espo, Small Stakes, Aesthetic Apparatus, Josef Muller-Brockman, Jacques Villegle, El Lissitzky …..The list goes on forever!

ke: I always find it fascinating to see peoples’ working space..wether it be their studios or bedrooms, kitchens, garages.. or a tiny space on their living room floor! Please could you describe your working space, to give us a sense of where and how you work?

ap: Stacks of books, a turntable, toys, computer, graphics tablet, my children’s school artworks, wonderful solid oak desk, cat litter tray, stacks of vinyl, all crammed into a room also used as a family dining area!

ke: How difficult has it been for you to establish yourself as an artist?

ap: I am still far from established, which is probably why I still enjoy what I do so much! I think the secret to establishing yourself is to continue working on self initiated projects, whilst simultaneously keeping a keen eye out and actively seeking client work to grow your portfolio. Adhere to deadlines and produce work that fulfils the brief (and hopefully tickles you own aesthetic tastebuds) and you will find that the last client can be used as a springboard for the next.

ke: What advice would you give to anyone starting out in a similar field?

ap: Cynicism and sarcasm should be left at the door, you have to be prepared to do the little jobs, the free jobs and the jobs that you don’t really want to do. Enthusiasm is infectious and when mixed with good manners plus an original style you can’t go wrong, as the last client will remember you and pass you on to the next, before you know it you will have a bulky folio and a bright future.

ke: And finally…what are your aspirations for the future?!

ap: Would love to do a children’s book, get a lot more editorial work under my belt and exhibit more. Plus maybe try some new areas of work , such as animation and packaging design.

ke: Thanks Anthony!!! x

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You can get your hands on some of Anthony’s Limited Edition prints via Laffiche Moderne ( Laffiche Moderne sells work by some of the hottest and most original talent around at the moment!) so be sure to check what’s available! Also – make sure you come to the next East End Arts Club show in May, where Anthony will be exhibiting his favourite ‘Alpha-what?’ piece shown above! You might also get to meet him..which is kinda cool! He’s jolly nice!

Here are a few more final designs for your eyes to feast upon…before I sign off! x