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Biography:
Elliott Golden is a freelance illustrator living and working
in New York's East Village. He is published regularly in
a diverse assortment of national and international publications.
Elliott's work was included in the Communication Arts 2004
and the 2006 3x3 illustration annuals and he has had work
showcased in Graphis magazine.
Elliott sees illustration as a balance between concept and
aesthetic. He understands a successful illustration as one
where the concept serves as the foundation for the image's
visual tone. The creation of a strong idea paired
with an engaging aesthetic is the goal.
The illustrations begin as acrylic paintings, they are then
finished digitally in the computer. This process is what
gives them their unique appearance. The digital final product
also provides the flexibility of e-mailing out finished
assignments.
Website:
elliottgolden.com
How did you get started in the
illustration field?
One of my first college art professors was also an illustrator.
His work was a funky collage and assemblage combination.
It was inspiring to see some one make a living being creative
and shooting stylistically from the hip. I wanted a slice
of the pie too. |
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How did you find
your style? Has it changed since you started?
I was working with a lot of collage for several years before
I actually
started illustrating. I went to SVA for a bit and
there I had to take a
"painting for illustration
course". I wasn't receptive at first, but then
I fell in love with directness of painting. I could create
any narrative I wanted without having to search thru 5 boxes
of scraps to find the right thing.
What
is your process when working with clients? Can you run us
through a typical job?
- Get the call.
- Discuss project, timeline, usage and fees.
- E-mail a couple sketches.
- Get sketch approval.
- Make the art.
- Get paid 2 months later. |
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What is your creation
process (start with sketches, etc…)?
After the sketches have been approved, I do the acrylic
painting on
illustration board and then finish things up in Photoshop.
Thats where the magic really happens, but don't tell anyone. |
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How do you market/promote
your work?
Basically direct national mail campaigns, the big illustration
sites and occasional add pages. I had an agent in the U.S.
for a good while but she retired, I still have one in London
to handle international projects.
Do
you have a rep? Why/why not?
I am actually looking for someone new in the States, preferably
here in NY to help with the acquisition and management of
larger projects. |
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What was one of
your favorite assignments?
I did a 22 image series earlier this year for The New York
Times Magazine for a special section on "diversity
in the workplace". They were very receptive to
my ideas and I was able to create a cohesive suite of nice
images in one fell swoop.
What
is the best part about what you do?
Running my own show and extended vacations. |
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Describe your work
setting.
I share studio space in a great space in the East Village.
7 other
freelance artist-designer types are in the space as well.
Working from
home reached its end for me a while back, this set-up is
much better.
Do you have side projects you work on?
I do the occasional fine art show.
How
do you maintain balance in your life between work and play?
No real formula. I really like what I do so I stay pretty
busy. But when
that reaches it's limit I just get out and spend time with
friends doing
things in the city or Brooklyn. I'm never bored. |
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Do you ever have
creative slumps? What do you do then?
Fortunately I haven't had a slump in years? For the most
part I think momentum plays a huge role in coming up with
ideas. Thats what I do, so I make sure I just don't get
in slump. Its mainly a matter of focus for me. When I have
to come up with something I just do.
What
do you do for fun/when you're not working?
I go out a quite a bit in both the city and Brooklyn. There's
almost
always something going on, whether it has to do with music
or some kinda party thing.
What
has been inspiring you lately?
Hippy nature shit and DaDa.
Any
advice for others who are pursuing creative goals?
It's a full time job. It's hard to make it happen with out
putting in the time. If you really like what you do, it
shouldn't "always" be a laborious task to do what
you need to.
Thanks, Elliott! |
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