Dominic Kesterton

Notes from the talk: 

• Using images to create a world rather than a linear story.
• After uni he was doing print fairs including elcaf. 
• His worlds were language-less, images are universal, there's no need for explanation.
• Risograph printing - set up Workhorse press which was a printing service he used to make money. Through this he also made contacts and had a studio space. Quit this when freelance illustration work took off. 
• First big job after university - converse, drawing over photographs of launch. 
• Pick Me Up, Somerset House
• His work spans pattern design and illustration for specific things. These are the main things people ask for. 
• Works loosely in sketchbooks, professional work is more controlled so its good to have a space to loosen up. 
• Arrangements/compositions - finding balance in an image. 
• His practice is split between commissioned work and developing personal work into sellable products. 
• Big projects for big companies may seem like the ultimate dream but they are often the most pressured. He finds he's happiest when developing his personal work. 

I wouldn't say Dominic's drawing style is particularly relevant to the way I work but I could see a parallel between Dominic's practice and how I can see my own practice functioning in the future. The idea of splitting his practice into commissioned work and personal work is something I can see working for me. I think using commercial briefs as the money making projects which allow you to do what you really want to do is a nice way for things to balance. Also, the personal work will be a constant that you can continue develop long term while shorter commercial briefs are require your attention in shorter, more intense bursts.