New Affiliate Member Mr The Beef

How would you describe your creative practice? 

I’m an artist, illustrator and creative educator. My practice is built on hand drawn characters, emerging from a daily sketchbook discipline of looking, noticing, drawing and redrawing. My work can take many forms from painting, drawing, prints, t shirts, badges, zines, murals, and workshops. Authenticity of voice and style, bringing people together through creativity. 

 

 

Can you tell us the story behind why you started your business/practice and your journey so far. 

Everything came from drawing. There was no real plan in the beginning, just a need to create, practice and make things. I had other jobs along the way but never felt satisfied by them. I spent years drawing and mastering marker pens, without much belief a career would come from it, picking up freelance illustration and commissions here and there. Getting a studio in Nottingham in 2011 changed everything as it put my work in front of new people, and led to a couple of prizes, a solo exhibition, and joining an art collective (Brothers of the Stripe). That’s also when I started running workshops and sharing skills, which in turn led me into teaching via an art technician role. Twenty years on, I now combine a freelance illustration and art practice with lecturing on BCU’s BA Illustration course. 

 

 

Did you study at University? If so, where did you graduate from and what course did you study? 

Yes, BA Hons Illustration at Lincoln university. 

 

What do you hope that being part of the Banks Mill community will do for your creative practice? Is there one thing in particular that you’re looking forward to? 

 

Having a dedicated studio space again (it’s been over ten years) is huge on its own. Beyond that, I’m excited to explore new audiences for my work, and the chance to connect and get involved with and support other artists, students and makers in the community. Simply having a dedicated studio space of my own again after so long without one.