Tom Blackford was born in London 1981, where he currently lives and works as a freelance illustrator/concept artist as well as exhibiting his paintings and mural work in gallery shows and related events throughout the London area and beyond.

In 2005, fed up with trying to convince UK comic publishers to publish his stories and jaded by the lack of creative freedom he was given through commercial illustration jobs at that time, he self published his first comic entitled ‘No Strings’- a dark and surreal take on the much celebrated story of Pinocchio.

Over the next few years his minor cult status increased after unleashing his twisted characters onto the walls of the city and beyond via the medium of spray paint, enabling him to realise his work on a much larger scale and giving the general public a portal into his world. Through learning how to paint with aerosol, he naturally progressed into canvas using techniques he’d learnt through graffiti and adopting them into the practice of rendering his paintings with acrylics. In doing so, his work has found It’s way into galleries across London exhibiting along side others within the ‘low brow’ fraternity. In September 2008 he was selected as part of a group of 200 artists from across the world to exhibit at the Pixar Animation studios in San Francisco as part of a show based on the iconic movie ‘My Neighbour Totoro’ by acclaimed Animator/Director Hayao Miyazaki.

Today Tom finds himself sitting comfortably as an accomplished illustrator and artist, his distinct colour palette, often twisted subject matter, technique and bold themes continuing to resonate with a growing audience.

Clients include: Marvel, MTV (Europe), Nike, Carhaart, Vanity Fair (Italy), Manga Entertainment and EA Games amongst others.

So how long have you been an artist?

Started drawing when I was old enough to grip a pencil and never looked back.

What was your inspiration to become an artist?

It’s always been a very natural outlet for me. It’s not till I got into my early 20′s that I really started looking at what was going on around me.

Where do you do your work?

I’m without a real studio at the moment, so my flat if I’m working on illustration or canvases and obviously the street if I’m painting walls.

Is being an artist a full-time career for you?

I guess so. I might sound strange but I don’t really think about it. I’ve always managed to avoid the dreaded 9-5 through hustling.

How long does it take you to complete a piece?

How long is a piece of string? A canvas takes as long as it takes unless I have a deadline. Walls generally take about 5-6 hours if it’s personal work.

Do you work from life, or from photographs or from imagination?

95% of the the imagery is from my head. Occasionally I’ll photograph friends striking certain poses for me if it’s an angle or position I’m struggling with and use them for reference material.

Can you describe the process you go through when creating a piece?

Uncertainty – Self-loathing – Clarity – Arousal.

I see you’ve worked with many famous big clients such as Marvel, MTV, Nike, Carhaart, Vanity Fair, Manga Entertainment and EA Games… what was this like? Did you approach these jobs differently?

The most important thing is retaining my artistic integrity when working for a recognized client. So much of what I do comes for a love for a certain type of art that wasn’t created with the intent of being commercially viable so I’m very protective of it. I like to be approached by clients that have a genuine interest and understand my work rather than just wanting a piece of something they consider to be ‘trendy’. Fuck that.

What has been your favorite experience thus far in your career?

Exhibiting at the Pixar animation studios in San Francisco last year was a definite high. Painting in Barcelona at the Bread and Butter festival was a good time too. I’m hoping my best experience is still to come.

What’s been your biggest challenge being an artist?

Just being an artist is a challenge!

What moves you most in life, either to inspire or upset you?

Interesting question. It’s going to sound a bit ‘cliche tortured artist’, but I probably create my best/most interesting work when I’m feeling pissed off about something or other. Raw honesty inspires me, whether it’s in a movie, photograph or real life. Certain music definitely taps me into a certain zone. I’ve been listening to Sigur Ros whilst working on my recent stuff…They’re the ’soundrack’ to a lot of my paintings…I love the fact that their songs have vocals but no actual lyrics, enabling the listener to interpret the songs in their own way…I’d like to think that the viewer can experience my paintings in the same way.

Which is more important to you, the subject of your painting/artwork, or the way it is executed?

I think it’s about balance. I’m not interested in these artists that work in an intentionally ‘naive style’ and yak on about how it’s all about the idea, and on the flip, something that has no concept or story behind it can feel soulless no matter how well executed.

Where do you feel art is going?

That’s a big question. I have no idea, but that’s what makes it exciting for me.

In a world saturated by images and with the speed of communications now, is two-dimensional painting relevant?

It’s interesting. Take Japan for example, although at the forefront of modern technology when it comes to digital animation still have an extremely healthy animation industry focused on 2D animation/painting. I think you can dress up an image with a dozen digital effects but if the framework hasn’t been learnt it will always show. I just finished cover artwork for 2 new singles and the client actually requested that I hand-painted the imagery which was refreshing.

Finally, Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or other support?

Thanks to everyone that’s supported me thus-far. Stay tuned…

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