Artist Interview with Jack Daly
After achieving a degree in Graphic Design, Jack spent the next ten years at a selection of design agencies across the UK, where he worked with clients such as the BBC, National Trust and Royal Bank of Scotland. In 2015 Jack followed his true passion and became a full-time illustrator, he now happily spends his days at his studio in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City, where he produces work for a worldwide client list including Adele, Foreign Affairs Magazine and InVision.
1. What has been your favourite recent project?
There’s been a few, however having the opportunity to work with friends on the packaging for the Loch Lomond Brewery, based near Balloch – my home town – was a special one for me.
2. If you hadn’t been an illustrator…?
Well, I was a graphic designer for ten years before transitioning to illustration – mainly because I hadn’t yet worked out it was possible to draw for a living – so that’s boring, but probably, most likely my answer.
However, recently having had a son, I’ve rediscovered my own childhood love of dinosaurs, which I’m now reliving vicariously through him. Basically every object or item of clothing we’ve bought for him seems to have a T-Rex or Titanosaur on it! So, who knows maybe I’d have been a palaeontologist?
3. If you could relocate your studio for a year, where would you go?
Jeez, this is a tough one. I love Amsterdam and Berlin, they’re both very cool cities with vibrant creative scenes, so I’d be very happy in either of them.
4. What was the first piece of art that you remember having an impact on you?
Good question. Hmm, another tough one. I guess it must have been something I’d have seen while I was at school. The piece that sticks in my mind is Christ of Saint John of the Cross, by Salvador Dali. It’s displayed in Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Glasgow, my home city, and I remember being really fascinated with it as a kid. It’s dramatic perspective and lighting was striking to me, while the surrealist image of Jesus on the cross essentially floating in outer space was unlike anything else I’d seen.
5. How do you relax away from the drawing board?
I enjoy rock-climbing, I took it up over a year ago and I’ve found it a great way to relax. It encourages a natural state of mindfulness, as you’re always focused on the present moment (and not falling off!)
6. How did you develop your distinctive visual language?
Coming from a design background, my style has always been quite graphic. Using limited colour palettes and clean bold lines. In the beginning, it was very geometric and quite flat, however over the years as my skill set has evolved, I’ve incorporated more expression, depth and perspective to the work.
7. What is your workspace like?
I’m currently working from my home studio in Glasgow, having given up my space in the city centre earlier this year when my son was born. The ever-presents on my desk are my sketchbook; a Wacom tablet; my laptop; an artist’s model hand & body, and, most importantly… a strong cup of coffee!
8. What would be your dream project or client?
I’m not sure I really have a dream project or client. Part of what I love about freelance illustration is the variety of work and the exciting possibilities that crop up which you never expected. However... go big or go home, so let’s say an international advertising campaign for Space X’s human mission to Mars!
9. What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?
"If you have a problem, can you fix it? If yes, then don't worry. If no, then also don't worry."
If you’ve got a project on the boil and need some inspiration, be sure to get on our site, check out our Instagram or give us an email at info@centralillustration.com