David was featured Feb/March 2021

1. When did you start illustrating (for clients professionally?)

My first illustration job was when I took up the position of editorial cartoonist and illustrator at a South African newspaper The Pretoria News in 1978.

2. Who are your biggest influences?

My early influences were mainly cartoonists and caricaturists such as Giles, Ronald Searle, David Levine and Al Hirschfeld. [There’s a good mix of British and American for you!] Giles with his very English sense of humour was brilliant at setting the scene with his incredible attention to detail portraying everyday suburban life. Searle, who had endured the horrors of a Japanese prisoner of war camp expressed himself with wild splattering lines and atmospheric washes and was to greatly influence people such as Scarfe and Steadman. Levine was a magnificent draughtsman and one of the greatest caricaturists of all time, while Hirschfeld’s control and economy of line while producing amazing likenesses is not only brilliant caricature but also very collectable art.

3. What is your work process?

I usually start with pencil on card. Sometimes I go over the initial sketch with pen and India ink but this is to a large extent a leftover from my editorial cartooning days and can be a little harsh and unforgiving. Mostly I stick with the pencil and colour either with watercolour or in Photoshop.

4. What would you name as the biggest strength of your illustrations?

I think my biggest strength comes from the fact that I am adaptable and can work to tight deadlines. [Working for daily newspapers was good training for that.

5. Do you have any formal education in art?

I studied graphic design for three years at art school.

6. Where do you see the future of illustration?

The world of illustration has become more challenging with the web having so much to offer. With this comes a lot of bad and ineffective imagery, so it is up to us to keep learning and also to promote what we have to offer on social media.

7. If you could offer one piece of advice to someone considering a career in illustration, what would it be?

Give it all you’ve got or don’t attempt it. There is a lot of competition out there but it can be very enjoyable and rewarding.

8. Last words?

Experiencing new things, places and people can only improve your work. Especially as a freelancer it’s easy to fall into a rut.