Introducing Nick Diggory. Illustrating for 30+ years, he's completed more than 20,000 commissions for advertising agencies, designers and publishes all around the world.
Do you have an art practice outside of illustration?
I started The Illustrators Agency in the UK in 1997.
Who and what inspires your art and creativity?
Everyday life! Someone, somewhere in the world is always up to something that's worth scribbling about.
What excites you about illustration?
Meeting designers and illustrators from all around the world and realising we all share the same passions, fears and idiosyncracies.
What do you love illustrating?
I love creating characters and working in different styles to suit a brief.
What’s your favourite weird colour (or weird paint shade) name?
Electric Blue.
What’s a typical day for you as an illustrator?
Start at 6am, check and reply to emails. A quick cup of Chai and back in front of the Mac. The day ends when the job ends.
Do you regularly exhibit your work? Why or why not?
No. I once won Manchester Creative Circle's Illustrator of the year Award after an exhibition I had, but that was 25 years ago and I'm still convinced they got the winners name wrong.
What are your thoughts on social networking and marketing yourself online as an artist? How has this helped you gain a following or given you opportunities?
Love it or loathe it, it's here to stay! There was a time when illustrators had to pay a fortune to advertise their wares. Now it's free and far wider reaching. Embrace it, I say.
Given what you know now, do you have any advice for yourself in those early stages?
Don't put ambition before friends and family.
Could you give some experience of roles with clients (how you came about them and your overall experience)?
I think it pays to treat every client, big or small, with the same respect and professionalism that you'd expect to be treated with yourself. First impressions last and a good reputation takes years to earn. A bad one takes a few seconds.
Do you have any advice for illustrators interested in joining Illustrators Australia?
Do it!
Just enjoy the world of illustration and the people in it. There's no better way to earn a living than to get paid for doing something you love.
Curious to see more of Nick's work? Check out his Illustrators Australia profile here.
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