With his new book Champagne and Wax Crayons: Riding the Madness of the Creative Industry just about to drop, we caught up with illustrator and art director Ben Tallon to find out more about the project, his creative process and his top tips for those thinking of going freelance.  (more…)

We recently screen printed some seriously awesome t-shirts for London based Illustrator, What Katie Drew. Her illustrations really caught our eye, so we thought we’d do a little Q&A with Katie to find out a bit more about her. And what a lovely little chat we had!

Your illustrations are both charming and thought provoking – especially the pieces related to health. What work are you most proud of?
All my work is fun to work on and makes me proud but most recently my work with Mark Owen was especially special to me as I was part of the full process. I worked with him on the more creative visual side of his solo album The Art of Doing Nothing. He had such good ideas and I was able to be part of that with him. It was an amazing brief as he was open to my silly ideas, which meant I could push much of my personality into the illustrations.

Who is someone you would love to work with?
I just did the cover of the Big Issue which has given me the bug to do more editorial work. New Scientist and Vogue are both dream Clients – they both parallel my style nicely I’d say – contemporary, intelligent and like to push things.

What made you break away from a career in Advertising to pursue your passion?
Like my mum says.. don’t just dream your dreams.

“When I was growing up I wanted to be…”
..A zoologist. I have instead settled for two naughty cats.

‘BEARDY’ Boys t-shirt. Limited edition screen printed tee.

What sets you apart from other people in your profession?
Arrgh, that’s a mean one! Well I like to think of what I do as an extension and expression of me so what I do is inevitably unique. My stuff can be pretty, pretty silly, pretty dark, pretty well thrown together and occasionally smart.

What music do you like to work to?
I listen to all types of music when I’m drawing. This week I’ve been listening to the new Vampire Weekend album and Josephine Oniyama but you can’t beat a bit of Johnny Cash and Rodriguez, they’re great lyricists which sometimes can spark ideas.

What can you not live without?
Yoga and you can’t beat a bit of pink lippy.

Best advice you have ever been given?
Aim with your heart, steer with your mind, and know that it always works.

We’ve recently had the pleasure of screen printing two of your beautiful illustrations onto some t-shirts. Our favourite being the hairy-legging skirt lifter! So great! What else can we expect to see available in your online shop?
Yes, two of my illustrations are now available on tees, a couple more tee designs are in the pipeline as well as some What Katie Drew screen prints. I’m really excited about the current designs and T-shirts. I hope everyone else loves them, you can buy them here if you do! (hint hint) haha… www.whatkatiedrew.com

You’ve worked with some awesome clients so far, what else are you working on at the moment?
Aside from getting prints together for the What Katie Drew shop I’m currently working on some artwork for an exciting new album cover, more work for the NHS and some illustrations for a children’
s book. Its all go!.. My desk is looking shamefully messy. Well actually, it always is.

‘HAIRY’ Girls t-shirt. Limited edition screen printed tee.

Great stuff! Thanks so much for catching up with us Katie. Make sure you head over to her Facebook page, as there is a special introductory offer on these printed t-shirts for Facebook likers!

Icon Printing are a screen printing t-shirt supplier based in Shoreditch. For more an instant quote, please visit our website. Call on: 0207 183 8431