If I Was You

2011-12-18T14:43:00.000-08:00

// Claire Senior

If I was Rachel Maria Taylor, I would build a giant earth defending robot from my bric a brac, and save the planet from evil one eyed space aliens. // Claire online

◆ Question time

What did you dream about last night?

Since taking a part time stock room job for Christmas, I've been so exhausted of late that I think the dreaming part of my brain has just shut off for a few weeks! I do tend to have quite vivid dreams as a general rule: I have lots where I'm wandering around trinket shops or flea markets looking at stalls displaying unimaginable wonders and beautifully made works of art. Of course, come morning I can only remember that they were exquisite and not exactly what they were! Lately though, all that I recall from my dreams is the same one or two Christmas songs that are played on a perpetual loop on the sound system at work, bah humbug!

Your favourite time of the year

I love Spring. The new growth and re-emerging colours and smells after winter is always long overdue in my opinion!

Your biggest inspiration

In terms of my artwork, the things that inspire my characters the most are the shapes, patterns and textures of everyday objects. I love bringing inanimate daily objects to life and looking at them in a different way. For all who can appreciate the reference (and for those who can't there's YouTube!) I think watching Button Moon at the age of seven must have had a far greater influence on my artistic style than I realised!

2011-11-30T05:38:00.001-08:00

// Rachel Maria Taylor

If i was Michelle i would climb into a huge envelope and travel the world.' // Rachel online

◆ Question time

The most memorable dream you ever had?
The most memorable dream I ever had was one from when I was a child that has reoccurred throughout my life. In a prehistoric lava streaming volcanic land I had to save my cat from falling between the cracks and perishing in the lava. We escaped.

Your daily inspiration.
My inspiration comes from so many sources, my mind works with narrative and storytelling. I am fascinated by objects that have a history, tell a story and that feel nostalgic. Items that allow you to conjure up elaborate stories of their past and previous owners. Because of this my home feels like a bric-a-brac store, but these are the things that keep feeding my imagination.

If I had wings I would fly... at night so that I could see a bird eye view of the lights of the city twinkling. I reckon it would feel so awesome and breathe taking, and a great way to escape the hussle and bussle.

2011-10-13T10:08:00.003-07:00

// Michelle Kondrich

'If I was Muxxi I would build a giant house with windows everywhere and a drawing table and reading chair in every room.' // Michelle online

◆ Question time

How did you come up with the idea for your piece?
I had the idea for this piece for a while and when the If I Was You project came along, it felt like the perfect avenue to get it down on paper. Where we live there are lots of old Victorian houses with different types of windows and embellishments and I like to imagine a studio with walls full of them.

Tell us about your wildest adventure.
My wildest adventure took place in Santorini, Greece when my husband and I were on our honeymoon. We were staying in Imerovigli, which is right in the middle of the caldera. The woman who ran the hotel told us that there was a path that would take us around to Oia, at one end of the caldera. It would take a couple of hours and it was supposed to be a beautiful walk.

After about an hour we found ourselves on a dirt path about 2 1/2 feet wide that curved around the side of the cliffs. To our right was a mountain and to our left was a straight drop down to the ocean! We concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other and, unfortunately, trying not to look out at the view and the perilous drop.

When we realized that the next half of the journey was going to take us around the side of another mountain we had the one-eyed, old Greek man who spoke no English call us a taxi. It was a lovely accidental adventure.

If I wasn't me I would be ... Steve Martin. Or Steve Martin's niece or something. His proficiency in comedy, acting, banjo playing, art collecting and writing have fascinated me my whole life.

2011-08-23T11:56:00.001-07:00

// Muxxi

"If I was Chloe I would fly with my friend Kromo to a secret place and play the most beautiful songs in our old piano, songs that transport us to new places and makes us live new adventures." // Muxxi online

If you could breathe under water and fly as well how would that change your life?
I surely would become a nomad, I would travel the world and know all the cultures. Nothing Would stop me.

Where do you take your inspiration from?
I like bizarre things, movies, photographs, music, random conversations with friends, etc. Everything around me makes it all come to my mind spontaneously.

What did you dream about last night?
I dreamt about 3 giant rocks rolling after me, I didn't want to be crushed by them so I was running as fast as I could. then I got to the edge of the cliff and take a leap because I didn't had another choice; the tickling in my tummy woke me up :D

2011-08-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

// Chloe Cook

'If I was Sally, I would magically merge my boyfriend with my cat so I wouldn't worry about people being bored when I talk about them, as a cat-man hybrid would be pretty amazing! I'd then have us all spend Christmas together in Narnia. Lovely!' // Chloe online

Perfect breakfast?

Cheerioooooos! They are my absolute favourite, and have been ever since I can remember. I go MENTAL for cheerios!

What did you dream about last night

I dreamt about cats (again...). I dreamt that I had one little kitten and over a few days loads more kittens and cats started coming round and staying over, and then eventually a LION came and that was the daddy cat, so I had to kick out one of my housemates so that the cats had their own room because there were so many of them! It was very overwhelming.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Maybe in my dream! Haha really though, I hope to live somewhere nice and perhaps near the seaside- like Brighton. I'm pretty sure I'll still be living with Haydn (my boyfriend of 5 years), a cat (or five!) and hopefully I'll be making a living screen printing and drawing. Simple but happy :)

2011-06-28T04:58:00.001-07:00

// Sally Renshaw

'If i were stacie, I would just get loads of pets and chillax with them, getting rid of all of my problems and anxieties.'// Sally online

What do you love most in the whole wide world?
Going to try and not sound too obvious by mentioning my boyfriend and cat here. Ok, probably my little brother. We have been through a lot together, come through some bad family times, helped each other out with relationship issues and are like best buddies. He also loves tea and tattoos as much as I do.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration in my work are surreal and dark parts of my imagination mixed with cute and funny things that I find IRL. My biggest inspiration in life are divas like Beyonce and Mariah Carey. I like very camp things, I think I'm basically a gay man in a woman's body.

What did you dream about last night?
Narnia wardrobes and how fun this Christmas is going to be in Oslo.

2011-06-20T11:57:00.001-07:00

// Stacie Swift

'If I were Michelle I would have a midsummer moustache party with everyone wearing bells to provide the music.'// Stacie online

◆ Question time

Could you make up a fantastical creature? The perfect one for you!

The perfect fantastical creature for me would be something small and cute. Some kind of pet the size of a mouse so I could always carry it around with me. I’d like it to be curious and a little bit naughty, very fluffy with soft floppy ears and a waggy tail, a bit of a cross between all the best qualities of dogs and cats and rabbits! Its favourite thing to do would be to nibble away the little stress cloud that appears throughout each day. That way all the silly everyday things that have to be worried about, and the bigger problems too, would disappear into the belly of my creature and I would have no worries to distract me from drawing.

What inspires you most when creating imagery?

Making people smile inspires me the most. I try to create images with a sense of humour and particularly enjoy drawing animals in amusing situations or with odd proportions. I like to create work that can be enjoyed by everyone so find it extremely satisfying when I see both adults and children having a positive reaction to my drawings.

Tell me something random about yourself.

I refuse to eat any seafood. The thought of it freaks me out completely despite enjoying it when I was little and being really interested in cookery now I couldn’t even bear to eat a fish finger.

2011-05-31T12:59:00.001-07:00

// michelle price

'If i was Hayley i would start a club where only people who had fisheyes were allowed in to play.'

// Michelle online

◆ Question time
Most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment is a combination of memories. When i was little and lived in Germany we used to have a static caravan in this site called Varenholz. Our caravan was right behind my Oma and Opa's and i have such happy memories from those years i find it hard to single one out. From putting a bell on my sister so she wouldn't wander off, following a caterpillar around the site, to street parties where we surrounded ourselves with hundreds of tea-lights i just can't decide!

Biggest inspiration?
Being able to hear my own crazy thoughts! I see drawings in everything. Faces in curtain patterns, things i overhear people say, conversations i have with my sister. I have this thought process where i play word association games and draw what makes me laugh the most.
In terms of people inspiring me, Marc Johns is amazing. Someone suggested i look at his work a few years ago because i did this weird post-it project and my stuff reminded them of him. I was blown away, his work is hilarious, i love it, especially the moustache drawings. I do love a good moustache.

Randomness!
When i was little i watched 'Ernest scared stupid' and it was the biggest mistake of my life! I remember one part where a girl leans off her bed to check that the troll that's catching kids isn't under there, it's not, but when she sits back up the camera pans out and BAM!! The troll is ON her bed, next to her!! After seeing that i couldn't sleep without a teddy physically touching my back so i knew the troll wasn't behind me! I might still sleep with a teddy or two now.....

2011-05-08T06:04:00.001-07:00

// Hayley Warnham

"If I was Maria, I would quit this city and head for the stars."
// Hayley online

◆ Question time

Would you rather be the Queen/King of a country or the scariest monster there is?
I reckon both of those roles would have their ups and downs, but I'd probably go with being the Queen of a country because I'd get my face on a coin.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
I get my inspiration from so many different sources, whether it be the music I listen to, the people I meet or the places I've seen. My head is constantly being exposed to such amazing things, I sometimes wonder how I manage to store it all.

If you could be anyone or anything what would that be?
Of course I'd love to have a successful career in Illustration, or if that fails I wouldn't mind being the guy who invented facebook - he must be rolling in it.

2011-04-14T07:13:00.001-07:00

// Maria Bogade

"If I was Murray, I would doodle the walls of my bedroom with my girlfriend and create a imaginary monster garden with her."
// Maria online

◆ Question time

What's you most memorable moment?
Well, that would certainly be the birth of both of my daughters. There is nothing more memorable and astounding then the beginning of a new life.

What is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is life itself and nature. Of course my kids are a big inspiration too but also everyone around me and everyone who catches my eye sometimes for no reason on the street. And I am an addict to daydreaming, which gets lots of ideas going in my head, which often end up being drawn on paper.

Tell me something random!
I really need a coffee right now and some chocolat. Wish I could have some magic machine that hands me a cup of fresh coffee every hour with just the right amount of chocolat to go with it. Hmm, maybe I should invent one. And if I could have that very coffee somewhere close to a lake with the mountains in view, that would be just too wonderful to imagine.

2011-03-05T08:08:00.001-08:00

// Murray Somerville

"If I was Ackbar Ali, I would make the first space zoo, to draw even more animals!!!"

// Murray online

◆ Question time

What do I Love most in the whole wide world?

I Love Irn-Bru!!! It's THE best drink ever! Could happily drink that forever! Or it would be my favourite possum, my imaginary pet!!

Who or What is my biggest inspiration?

Tricky one as it always changes, but I would say the chapman brothers are up there as one of my big inspirations, they're mental/weird and have explored art through a whole variety of amazing ways!

What did I dream about last night?

I dreamt that I was still at a live drawing session and when my girlfriend came home when i was asleep I asked her if we would be drawing on her bedsheets as part of the live drawing- she thought I was mental!

2011-02-05T06:04:00.001-08:00

// Akbar Ali

'If I was Jack, I would throw on my best wolf costume and help someone, no matter the weather.'

// Akbar Ai online

◆ Question time

Where would you love to be right now?

In my bed, I love my warm familiar bed.

What inspires you most?

A lot of things inspire me like a lot of artists but I pay particular attention to animals. There’s nothing like studying a sinuous cat.

Your weirdest dream:

I’ve had many peculiar dreams! I’ll share this one with you, although you never quite fathom where a dream starts and where it ends. It might sound a little out of context, but I once found myself grasping a freshly dismembered human arm in my mouth. My eyes where ablaze like a rabid dog. Sounds very destructive!

2011-01-25T13:59:00.001-08:00

// Jack Gilliland

"If I was Meera Lee, I would grow an impossibly big beard to keep all my favourite memories in."

// Jack online

◆ Question time

Would you rather kiss a bear or a wolf?

After watching the documentary ‘The Bear family and me’ I will go for Bear. They seem pretty chilled, as long as I have grapes to keep them sweet, what could go wrong? And until I see a documentary with a guy hanging out with wolves ill stick to this answer.

What do you call your biggest inspiration?
I think anything that I like is a big inspiration. But when it comes to drawing stuff I just like to draw things that amuse me, like old people swearing and animals acting like humans, or just things that are a bit different I guess. I don’t take things too seriously.

Is there anything that you would like us to know about?

I love Morrissey

2011-01-11T21:53:00.001-08:00

// Meera Lee

"If I was Heidi Burton, I'd be the ELEPHANT QUEEN."

// Meera's website

◆ Question time

Can you tell us about the image you created for the IF I WAS YOU project!

I portrayed Heidi as the elephant queen! Her dreams and luck-filled minions are intertwined in her hair and carried with her always.

What is your biggest inspiration when creating art?

I am largely inspired by the impossible- I like creating the images I see when I close my eyes, the amalgamations that I wish were real paired with words that should be spoken.

Tell us your favourite memory ever!

One of my favorites: on my 18th birthday, my dearest friends took me to the beach where we hunted for seashells and watched the water ricochet off the rocks. My best friend made me a collaged-book which traced all of our times together and featured Jesse Katsopolis (John Stamos) on the cover. I was happy and had Uncle Jesse in a box. ..amazing

2011-01-01T06:45:00.001-08:00

// Heidi Burton

If I was Amy I would don lederhosen and go for a jaunt with Peter in the mountains.

// Heidi Online

◆ Question time

What brought you to illustration?

A life-long drawing obsession combined with an overactive imagination and some creative genetic wonderment.

If you could be anything or anyone what would it be?

How does one choose, from monsters to monarchy? I'd be curious to spend a month back in the year 1848, and hang out with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood at the dawn of their movement. Failing that, I'd love the show Happy Days to be real so I could spend some quality time with Richie Cunningham and Fonzie.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Perched by bonfire, playing the spoons, surrounded by funny animals.

2010-12-27T17:06:00.001-08:00

// Amy Rhian

If I was Abigail I would re-think my Christmas list and ask for this hat.

// Amy online

◆ Question time

Tell us a joke.

I'm sick of Russian dolls. They are so full of themselves.

If you could be anyone or anything what would it be?

I would be a shiny pound coin that someone gets to find on the floor.

What inspires you most in the world?

Other peoples conversations overheard in snippets and by accident.

2010-12-04T13:11:00.001-08:00

// Abigail Wright

If I was Danielle I would carry my boyfriend with me everywhere, so he was always there for inspiration!

// Abby online

◆ Question time

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
Other illustrators are really inspiring to me. So many of the other illustrators taking part in this project inspire me daily on twitter! Also, the other ladies joining me to make Tea & Crayons collective inspire me greatly! My family have always been a great inspiration, they are all so creative. My dad used to make beautiful art from wood, and he build us a full sized horse when we were young. He was one of the most inspiring men you could ever meet.

If you could be anyone or anything what would you be?
I'd love to be a cat! Imagine spending your days sleeping, eating, wondering around aimlessly and generally having no cares in the world! I'd like to attach a camera to my cats to see what they really get up to though! I like to think they meet up and draw :)

What attracted you most about the iF I WAS YOU project?
Other than the other fabulous contributors, the main attraction for me was being able to draw another illustrator! It's a little scary wondering if they'll be happy with what i've come up with, but drawing people is certainly my favourite area of illustration, so I wanted to join in!

2010-11-17T03:18:00.001-08:00

// Danielle Complin

If I was Daryl Morris I would dress up as a giant cat, and eat fish and milk all day.

// Danielle online

◆ Question time

Animals or Humans?

Animals everytime, as horrible as it sounds, I'll almost always donate to an animal charity over a human charity, the adverts just make me feel so guilty. Also I much prefer to illustrate animals over humans, mainly because I suck at drawing humans, but also because I just love to draw cute things!

Describe your favourite place (even if it is imaginary)!

In 2004, I went on my last proper family holiday to a little place called Olu Deniz in Turkey, and that truly has to be my favourite place in the world. I've been to quite a few places on holiday, but no where has ever compared. It's such a beautiful little town, with lagoons, and sea, and so many lovely little bars and restaurants. If you have the money, then I really do recommend having a visit there. :)

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

I take so much of my inspiration from the book 'Print & Pattern', it's pretty much my bible. It's just ram-packed full of amazing designs and ideas, so that has to be one of my biggest inspirations. My beautiful mum, dad and boyfriend all inspire me on a day to day basis! :)

2010-11-07T14:12:00.001-08:00

// Daryl Morris

"If I was Mohan Ballard I would try and catch a big angular cab."

// Daryl Morris

◆ Question time

Trousers or skirts?
Do you mean for me or anyone? I tend not to wear skirts, what with being a non-scottish man 'n' all, not that I don't look sexy in a pair of tights and a sweet a-line, but come the inevitable zombocolypse I would reccomend that women stay away from skirts. Less sexy equals less likely to get bitten on the legs.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

No one person or thing really, I tend to see things I really like and say to myself "I want to be able to do things like that" then I try to improve my skills until I can do it for myself. The animation of Steve Moore is really good, that was the reason I got into using vector graphics in the first place, also the works of Mike Judge got me through some tough times, mostly Beavis and Butt-head.

Would you really trade your life with someone else?

You say "really" like I brought it up myself, but I wouldn't mind being someone with a full head of hair for once, or maybe an attractive woman. Come to think of it attractive women tend to have hair so I'll go ahead and say yes, a woman. Unless you mean lifestyle in which case I'd rather just edit out most of the alone time from what I'm currently doing and go for that rather than a flat out swap. Or a cat, cats have it pretty good.

2010-11-05T08:20:00.001-07:00

// Mohan Ballard

"If I was Miss Pearl Grey, I would open my own classic Cinema and hold Back to the future Movie marathon's...."

// Mohan Ballard

◆ Question time

What do you love most in the whole wide world?
I absolutely love my family, who have inspired me to do what I want to do, friends, and of course, Pizza. The best thing the Italians have ever given us. I could eat it all day, everyday!.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration are my parents, who have given me free reign with what I want to do career-wise, and them loving my work is by far the best feeling in the world. Illustrator-wise, I absolutely love the work of Jonny Hannah. I had the privilige of being taught by him on my degree course in Southampton and I learned so much from him, and a gentleman to boot!.

What did you dream about last night?

I'm afriad I have to be really boring on this one and say I didnt have a dream last night and I rarely do! or I just don't remember them. I have had a dream in the past though where me and my friends were fighting off hordes of zombies, we had amazing guns and it was so fun, then I woke up.

2010-11-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

// Kellie Black

"If I was Kayleigh... I would travel about collecting stray cats like the Pied Piper, so I could take them home and give them a better life!"

// Pearl Grey Illustration

◆ Question time
Animals or humans?
There are lots of wonderful things about both. I don't think they are so far removed from us... but I would probably say I favour animals in general, along with some exceptional humans.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is real life. I find lots of things that I want to work into drawings every day, be it a funny news story or a person I see on the street who is simply sporting an interesting hat. I also find other artists and music to be very inspiring, too.

Describe your favourite place (even if it is imaginary)!

My favourite places are Paris, and anywhere I can spend some time with my family and/or friends!

2010-10-19T13:34:00.001-07:00

//Kayleigh Bluck

"If I was Natasha, I would take a little break to relax with a lovely cup of tea""

// Kayleigh's website

◆ Question time

What did you dream about last night?

I can't really remember what I dreamt about last night but when my alarm went off I remember the music blending in to the dream... I then pressed snooze every five minutes for about half an hour!

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Lots of different things inspire me. Whether that be the work of other illustrators/designers, music, or day-to-day life. I enjoy the simple things such as being cosy at home when it's raining outside... the things we don't take much notice of.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

The dream is to be freelancing full-time but in reality I'll probably still have a 'day job' to pay the bills! As long as my loved ones and I are happy and healthy then that's all that matters.

2010-10-08T11:04:00.001-07:00

// Natasha T

"If I Was Matthew, I would have an X Factor party, serving sweet jelly snakes to show them who was boss"

// Nataha T's website

◆ Question time

What is your dad's favourite animal?

His favourite animal, which he took a long time thinking about, is a bear. I was surprised actually, I thought he'd say a Labrador as we have a lovable one called Phoebe, or perhaps a kestrel as his favourite film is Kes. But he is full of surprises!

Tell us about your weirdest, most fantastical or scariest dream!

My scariest dreams consist of moths and butterflies as I have a phobia of them and they are so often in my subconscious which must be why they make it into my dreams sometimes. A weird dream I had the other night had me folding and pinching the tiny chocolate croissants Nigella Lawson makes, I woke up and thought I'd dropped the tray with them on and was looking for them next to my bed, convinced they were real. I think I have been watching way too much Nigella.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

I'm inspired by fairy tales, disney films, pink paper, neon peach pens, afternoon teas, wearing peter pan collar dresses, Sofia Coppola films, Marie Antoinette is my favourite, film soundtracks- I love Whip It so that's constantly on repeat at the moment.

2010-09-20T11:01:00.001-07:00

// Matthew Ellero

"If I was Joy, I would sit in the forest with my animal friends playing computer games"

// Matthew Ellero's website

◆ Question time

What did you dream about last night?

Can't remember what i dreamed about last night but i remember a dream from a few nights ago. I was chasing someone through some woods. It was autumn so there were lots of leaves of the ground. I slipped down a leafy slope and at the bottom found that there were lots of snakes slithering about in the fallen leaves. Then i woke up needing the loo but was afraid to go because i thought there'd be lots of snakes on the floor!

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

I dont really have a single person who is my biggest inspiration. I love lots of illustrators- Amy Sol, Jon Burgerman, Camilla D’Errico and they all inspire me in some way.

I do feel that I need to prove to people that I can be successful as a freelancer, so that kind of inspires me and keeps me going.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Option A: Living in a nice apartment on the outskirts of a nice city, freelancing as an illustrator.

Option B: Having won X-Factor, breaking records and womens hearts as a pop star.

2010-09-09T12:24:00.001-07:00

// Joy Chokchai

"If I Was Benconservato, I would have tea with my foxy friend by the sea."

// Joy Chokchai's website

◆ Question time

What do you love most in the whole wide world?

Being able to wake up every morning and know its a clean slate. Everyday can be an adventure if you make it to be!

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Oh there's so many things! I love cinema, music, books, games, my cats, and just looking outside the window can give you ideas.

What did you dream about last night?

I had a dream that I was locked up in a massive library, volumes of books layered as high and as far as my eyes can see. It was quite dusty but it didn't mind it too much.