UK: +44 (0)208 123 0243    USA: +1 (347)627 0243    [email protected]

How did you become a commercial illustrator?

I’ve been making pictures for as long as I can remember and knew from an early age that illustration was something I wanted to do when I grew up. I studied art through school, followed by a Foundation course and finally a BA Hons degree in illustration at Portsmouth University. I then spent 10 years patiently building up my illustration and client base while I worked full-time in various design jobs, including 7 years as Lead designer at Abbey Road Studios. I finally went freelance in 2006 as a commercial illustrator and motion designer and have never looked back.

What is your studio like?

I’ve been sharing a studio space with fellow freelance creatives in Shoreditch for 7 years. I could work at home but find it much more stimulating to have a studio filled with like-minded people to bounce ideas and banter off.

What have been some of the most significant campaigns you have worked on in your career?

I was lucky enough to score a large international IBM ad campaign, (What Makes You Special?) in 2006 which was a big factor in giving me the confidence to leave full time employment. I also created the main brand illustration for the BBC Proms from 2008-2010, a campaign for I Love New York tourist board and worked extensively with the RHS for a year. I’m currently rebranding all the music exam publications for ABRSM.

IBM:

BBC Proms:

I Love New York tourist board Fall campaign:

RHS Show Tatton Park:

Tell us about a recent project which you really enjoyed.

After many years of primarily illustration commissions, I’ve been working with motion much more this year, a skill I picked up in my previous day jobs. I was asked to create an animation based on the life of composer Claude Debussy for online classical site Sinfini Music. It was really satisfying discovering his music and also having the freedom to design it how I wished and bring my illustrations to life.

Contact Andy Potts:

UK: +44 (0)208 123 0243    USA: +1 (347)627 0243    [email protected]