Interview with illustrator Aaron Pocock
Aaron Pocock designed a set of fantasy inspired postage stamps that has just been published by Australia Post.
Concept and fantasy illustrator Aaron Pocock has awesome dream-like work. It reminds me of childhood stories and fairy tales. And it’s even better to know that Aaron’s a cool Dad that (in his words) plays a mean guitar!
Aaron moved from Reeding, England to Brisbane ten years ago and is now settled here with his family. He’s worked across many genres including CD covers, to children’s books and magazine editorials. Now a days, Aaron’s known for his fantasy themed illustrations and works with an array of mediums including watercolour, oils, acrylics, gouache, pen and ink, pencil and digital.
He’s been a popular guy of late too! Aaron was recently published on the front page of a local Brisbane newspaper, and has an awesome set of fantasy inspired stamps being published and distributed by Australia Post.
To see larger images of the stamps and for more of Aaron’s work, check out his website and blog.
How have you got to where you are today?
I was a very shy child who read a lot of books, comics, watched cartoons and made up my own fantasy worlds. I really haven’t changed apart from the fact that I’m not as shy as I once was.
Art became somewhat of an escape for me, and it made me more popular than I otherwise might have been at school.
In a few words, describe yourself…
I’m a father who draws pictures and plays a mean guitar.
I’m extremely creative, drink lots of coffee and suffer the usual moods one expects from an artist.
What are you spending your time on at the moment?
Artwork for my new portfolio!
I’ve recently had a set of stamps published by Australia Post – The ‘Mythical Creatures’ stamps commemorating stamp-collecting month 2011, so I’m working on more fantasy art to hopefully attract more publishers and editors to my work.
Do you have a ritual for getting into the creative mindset? Or a creative process?
Not really. I play ambient music and keep distractions down to a minimum but I have absolutely no problems turning the creative tap on (turning it off is more of a problem).
What or who inspires you? A great question, but the answer would take a month and more space than we have here… But in a few words I’d have to say… beauty, my artistic heroes, great music and love.
What are you most proud of?
My sons. I look at them sometimes and am completely overwhelmed with love. Most parents I’m sure would understand. Artistically, I suppose I’m most proud of how quickly I learn and integrate new things, it keeps art fresh and intersting for me.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An illustrator. It’s true… I’m living my dream.
