Toilet roll...
My love of art began as a child. I used to take toilet roll (yes - the sharp, tracing paper variety) and trace comics. I would get felt tip pen sets too and HUGE, cheesy colouring in "bumper" books for Christmas. I now buy them for my children.
At school, GCSE art went very well, but I never really reached my full potential. As for A level art, well, the art was fine, but I could never quite understand why the works of dead artists had any influence on my work today or in the future? My art came into its own as more of a hobby. I began by using my computer skills, combined with whatever Desktop Design package was available to produce Invitations and greeting cards. Mostly for friends and family, this wasn't a job I could do full time, so I did this outside of work.
My break came when I was at the Town & Country Festival one year and saw a pop art style painting of Han Solo from Star Wars. I thought how poor it was for the price tag. So I thought, "I can do better than that". I started off with a painting that I would enjoy doing and like to hang on my own wall. It wasn't long after I'd been to a Thomas Dolby concert in London. I took an image from the gig, played around in Photoshop to get the style I wanted and painted a 36" square canvas.
I charted the progress of the painting on the Thomas Dolby forum and it was great to get feedback of fellow fans along the way.
After many requests on the forum, I decided to sell the painting. I now look fondly upon it as the first money making piece of art I have produced.
I have recently completed an Illustration & Graphics degree at Coventry University. I still need a day job whilst studying, so I also freelance as an IT Consultant, which means I need to be very organised.
All of my work is unique. I produce art & crafts that I love and would buy myself. I put my heart and soul into each item I make.
Please contact me for more examples or to discuss your needs.
PM me or email me at richard [!at] funkyartist.co.uk
