Interview with BoomArtwork

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Eric Van Den Boom (who works under the name BoomArtwork) who is an extremely talented artist, specializing in illustration and custom lettering.  I found Erics work via Instagram and was immediately drawn to his stylish, detailed work. Eric kindly took the time to answer some questions and share some information behind his work!

What project have you been working on recently?

I've just finished a personal work, a portrait of David Bowie. This one and other prints are for sale in my webshop . David Bowie is one of my all time heroes. I've been creating a lot of work whilst listening to Bowie albums. So I thought it would make sense to do a portrait of him.

 Do you have a preferred style of music to listen to whilst working?

This really depends on the mood I'm in, and the time of the day, but I find music very important. I won't start doing anything before there's music on. Could be something really relaxed, or dark, uplifting or loud. When I'm doing album design or a festival poster I always listen to the band or acts. It helps me to get into the right vibe. I used to be in a punk band for years, so my roots is guitar based music. At the same time I've been enjoying all sorts of styles of music. From very experimental jazz electro to plain in your face oldschool punk. I'm always searching for new music, and like discovering new stuff.

 What do you enjoy most about your work?

When I'm totally in a flow, when things are going well with a project, and listening to my favourite music.When I'm really concentrated and mindful I can feel really privileged to be doing something I really like, and then realising it's my job.

Having previously completed work in Brighton, are there any other towns or cities you'd like to spend time in?

I love Utrecht, the city I'm currently living, but wouldn't mind spending working a summer in Barcelona. Or in Brighton again, as I had a great time there.

I particularly love your custom lettering, where do you draw inspiration from for new styles of fonts? 

Thanks! Mostly old packaging that I collect on flea markets, or second hand stores. Nowadays all this stuff is also on available on Pinterest, if you follow the right people, but it still is more fun to find something special in a store somewhere when I'm on a trip. It reminds my of my trip.

To view more visit Erics website and Instagram

Skull & Heart presents The Colour Series

Skull & Heart describe themselves as a small collective based in East London that direct and produce limited edition screen print series, alongside exhibitions and events within the low brow art world. Displaying the work of the best UK and international artists, designers and illustrators around, I dropped by to the latest exhibition 'The Colour Series' to take a look. 

 The gallery is showcasing both emerging and established talent from national and international artists. 

 Mr Gauky - A Yorkshire born, London based artist described as creating superbly fantastic and intricate character based pieces.  Mr Gauky Website

 Tom J Newell hails from Sheffield and has a distinctive black and white style. He creates images by hand and pen.  Tom J Newell Website

The End Of My Cigar

 David Bray is a London based artist/illustrator. His preferred medium is pen/pencil on paper but he is always up for experimenting with new mark making techniques. David Bray Website

Queen Bee

 Brian Ewing fuses his own creative explorations of perspective, colour and space with more classic, beloved imagery from rebellious American youth culture: hot punk girls, totally rad skulls and fields of colour aflame. Brian Ewing Website

Serpent Messenger

 Palehorse (Chris Parks) resides in Florida USA where he runs a gallery which he works out of. Palehorse is constantly experimenting and pushing the boundaries of his work, blurring the lines between digital illustration and fine art.  Palehorse Website

The Skull Mistress

 Iain Macarthur resides in London and creates stunningly beautiful pencil and pen work pieces using mostly pencil, water colours and pigment pens. He creates portraits of ordinary people but with emebellished patterns and watercolour effects, transforming their faces from something plain to something bizarre and wonderful at the same time. Iain Macarthur Website

 Mr Gauky  

 Iain Macarthur 

Dan Mumford is a freelance illustrator/designer/screenprinter working out of Studio 100 in central London. Dan Mumford has become one of the more prominent names in the alternative music and design scene. He has worked with many brands and clients including Nike, Adidas and Red Bull. When I arrived at the gallery I was lucky enough to see Dan completing this piece! Dan Mumford Website

The Colour Series runs until the 7th April in Brick Lane Gallery Annexe, London. Check out their website for a full list of artists and follow them on Twitter for updates in the design world. I loved the style of the work and highly recommend a trip to see the exhibition!