In our today’s interview we have a talented artist, Dylan from Jones & Co Illustration. Jones & Co family run Illustration Studio based in Cape Town, South Africa. Dylan started his career as a Web / Graphic Designer, later he changed to digital art. We are very glad, he accepted our invitation for this interview. Check his interview & showcase and inspire yourself.
Could you please introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Dylan from Jones & co illustration. We are a small family run illustration studio based in Cape Town.
Segment
How did you start your career as a Illustrator?
No, I started my career as a graphic / web designer. I late changed to digital art direction and was also a creative director for 4 year before taking the leap into illustration full time.
The Golden Age
Design school never ends, at least for great designers. How do you learn and grow your knowledge and expertise?
Im always learning! I read a lot which helps me expand my general knowledge and im always looking for new interesting things to illustrate and try out. I also watch a fair amount of Youtube tutorials when im looking to upskill.
Skaterboarders
What’s your setup?
I have a Macbook Pro 15″, a desk and a office chair. Thats about it.
Dylan’s Work Station
What would you say is your strongest skill and how have you honed that skill over the years?
I really enjoy vector and character based work. I have practiced those two elements a lot over the year, but im always looking to expand and try new things.
Huckleberry app & gifs
What type of brief or project do you enjoy working on the most?
I really enjoy most briefs! im just super happy to be able to illustrate for a living. Obviously there are jobs that grab your attention more than others, but i genuinely try to apply the same enthusiasm to every brief.
Style frame / Dribble shot collection
What questions do you ask before you begin any illustration project?
Generally i try to get as much information upfront as possible, it really makes the illustrators life a lot easier if they have asked a lot of questions and have a good handle on the project / brief. I usually kick off a project with a Skype call, this helps me connect with the client face to face and get a better feel for what they want and what they like. I always try to keep these calls quite conversational as a lot of ideas come out in that process.
David and goliath tee
Please explain the three best projects from your portfolio?
I can’t pick 3 i like the most. I really only post work that im proud of so i guess i like all of it. If you are 100% happy with your work you shouldn’t post it. simple.
Happy Holidays
What would you say will be future of design? Or the next big thing?
Thats a interesting question and one i try to answer daily. I think there are so many different styles of illustration that there will always be a place for talented artists. Its quite easy to get caught in the trap of trying to illustrate what is “on trend” but those trends eventually end and you are left changing again. I think just doing work that you love and makes you and your clients happy is a good place to be.
Tour de France
What software do you use, and when?
I use Adobe Illustrator and AFX
Milestone Institute illustrations
What music do you listen to whilst designing?
I listen to all sorts 🙂 Hiphop, Punk, Jazz, Rocksteady, Ska
GIF Animations
Your favorite Apps?
Instagram and True skate.
ACHA Character Design
What’s your personal motto?
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Untold Story – Animation Frames
Where do you go to get inspired?
Behance 🙂
Book cover collection
Any advice for upcoming illustrators?
Work hard and practice ALL the time. You can never practice enough and you can never stop learning.
The minute you think you have arrived you start going backwards.
Graphic illustration collection
