artist showcase #1

This is something I've been wanting to do for a while - highlight the incredible skills of the talented people I know. Who better to start with, than disgusting illustrator, one third of Total Jerk, oh and, yeah, he also happens to be my boyfriend... The first artist showcase concentrates on Elliott, working under the name Eli James.

1. Can you give us a little bit of your background?

Nothing special - school, college, uni. It wasn't until uni that I really got into illustration and started taking myself as a person seriously.

2. Did anything in particular make you go into illustration?

I'd always been into drawing and stuff - even back in pre-school I was drawing pretty dark. I guess it was just a passion that got stronger. It kind of started with my Dad - he used to buy little note books and draw old war uniforms in them, and I'd copy him. He also had me watching horror films at an early age. I used to love drawing the aliens, monsters and severed heads I'd see on the screen. That didn't go down well in school.

3. What inspires you?

Inspiration is a hard thing to pinpoint. I'm still inspired by horror films, but now it's more other artists and illustrators. Music can also give me a burst of inspiration - right now I'm really into Danny Elfman.

4. How do you work?

Cup of tea, biscuits, Byther Smith and an idea good enough to tear me away from doing nothing. I usually know when I'm done if I can do better, and most times I do it better. I have a LOT of shit I wouldn't dare show anyone.

5. What's your favourite medium to work with?

Easy - watercolour and ink. When I'm working on designs for Total Jerk I'll be using strictly digital media though. I'm hoping to get into acrylics soon.

6. Which piece of work are you most proud of?

That's hard to answer. I'm proud of my best work as a collection, and the fact that it's passed my own test. I don't have much that has, but if I had to choose I'd say Now, as it was my turning point.

7. What are you upto right now?

I actually have a lot going on at the moment. I have band artwork, three paintings for a gallery and illustrations for two different authors to do... and barely any time to do it.

8. Anything else you think we should know?

I'm not sure. I'm currently working on an art book called Botchjobs and Bio Hazards, and a baby book in my own style - so if you know anyone who's expecting, give them something different. Both will be available at the start of the new year. There will also be some creepy Christmas cards for sale in a couple of months.


Visit his facebook page, or email him at elijamesart@gmail.com for more information and illustrations. Also, hire him so that he can buy me loads of presents.