Mr. Brett Ryder is an illustrator that had a fascination with bygone medical journals, dusty advertising boards. He have worked with many major coorporations such as BP, The Observer, Natwest, The Guardian, Penguin Books, NB Studios, BMP, The Independent & The Times. We managed to contact Mr. Ryder and asked him some questions regarding his art and inspiration.

Q. How do you describe your style?
A. Eclectic, I think?

Q. Have you done collaboration with artist before? If not, who do you like to work with?
A. On certain jobs I have worked closely with a designer, which has been a really refreshing change from the norm and the isolation of working on ones own.

The idea of working closely with another creative does appeal ,but it isn’t something i have tried to pursue, but if i had to pick one person it would be Milton Glaser ,he has been a great influence and I admire him hugely.

Q. Do you have any formal training in art and design?
A. Yes, I Studied Illustration and Graphic Design at Camberwell college, London , then did a 2 year part time post grad course in Illustration at Central St Martins,London

Q. So far, what are some of your most notable achievements?
A. Awards-Winning the V&A illustration award in 2007, American Illustration Selected Winner.
Commissions- Dr Stuart’s Tea boxes- Designs for the Glastonbury Festival were both very enjoyable jobs

Q. What are your other interest beside art and doing illustrations?
A. I have a passion for old motorcycles from the 50’s and 60’s , I brought, sold and restored quite a few old relics in the last 16 years or so and own a couple now ,one with a sidecar which is hilarious fun ,but quite lethal.

My other interest is climbing which i got into about 12 years ago, i do this mainly to get myself off this seat and away from my desk , its really good fun ,it takes you to some great places and you meet some lovely people.

Q. Who or what are your inspirations?
A. I use other peoples illustrations as a bench mark as something to aspire to, their is so much good work out their ,you’re permanently reminded to up your game, and not slack off, i was judging the students award at the V&A recently and thought ,’blimey if this is the work they are producing now, I’ve really got to keep my eye on the ball’ which is great ,that’s how it should be, we live in an incredible time, culturally and creatively, with everything at our fingertips ,it makes for one big melting pot, some brilliant work and some absolutely terrible. I’m surprised at how many people are saying lets get back to basics, abandon the computer and draw, i don’t understand this, my only conclusion is they don’t actually work within commercial arts, all mediums should be celebrated equally .

Q. Have you ever been in a situation where you abandone your style and philosophy for the sake of money?
A. I have’nt been in the situation where the money has been so huge and the job so unsuitable that i have had that dilemma, i have turned down relatively large jobs as i didn’t like the ideas they had,and they weren’t going to listen to alternatives. I hope I wouldn’t work for a company i didn’t agree with their philosophy what ever the money ,I’d be really be disappointed with myself if i did.

Q. What are your future plan?
A. To improve i hope. I’d also love to see my work properly animated, In the past I’d done some fabric designs for a clothing company, i’d like to some more alternative jobs like this.

Website : http://www.brettryder.co.uk

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