In the studio with… Tony Allen
Can you tell us about your journey into illustration and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
I have always loved art and drawing for as long as I can remember. When I finished school, I enrolled in an art and design course at York College. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, I just knew I wanted to pursue something creative. After exploring different disciplines, I enrolled in a National Diploma course in illustration. At that point, I had only a vague idea of what illustration entailed, but I felt a stronger connection to the work being produced in the illustration course compared to fine art. I also became interested in illustration through skateboarding and skateboard graphics, which played a big role in shaping my artistic interests. After college, I went to Middlesex University, where I earned a BA in Illustration.
How would you describe your unique style, and how has it evolved over time?
I work in a flat, digital illustration style inspired by mid-century illustration, outsider art, and contemporary illustration. My style is playful, bold, and character-based. I enjoy experimenting with proportions to create fun and dynamic compositions. My style continues to evolve as I experiment with different techniques and refine my approach. Lately, I have been particularly interested in hand lettering, and I would love to incorporate more of it into my work.
What role does your home environment or cultural background play in influencing your artwork, if any?
I don’t consciously think about my environment or background when working, but elements of it naturally find their way into my art. On a more conscious level, my two black cats, Diva and Buster, have definitely inspired some of the cats that appear in my illustrations. 4. Are there any specific themes or subjects you find yourself drawn to when illustrating? I am especially drawn to illustrating people and animals. I love creating expressive characters with exaggerated proportions and playful compositions that bring personality and movement to my work.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from concept to final piece?
I begin by brainstorming ideas to get into a focused and creative state before sketching. Next, I create very loose thumbnail sketches to explore different possibilities. I then review them to see which ones have the most potential. From there, I iterate and refine the sketches. If it is a commissioned project, I send a sketch deck to the client for feedback. Once a sketch is approved, I open Adobe Fresco and start inking the final illustration. I love listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts while I work, as it helps me get into the creative flow.
What tools and mediums do you prefer to work with, and why?
I use an iPad and Adobe Fresco to create my illustrations. I have brush sets from RetroSupply and True Grit Texture Supply, and I keep a folder with my favourite brushes. One reason I prefer Fresco over other drawing apps like Procreate is that my files sync with the cloud, making it easy to access them in Photoshop on my laptop. I also use Affinity Designer for sketch decks and, occasionally, as an alternative to Photoshop since I find it more intuitive for certain tasks. 7. Who are your biggest influences, and how have they shaped your approach to illustration?
I am a huge fan of illustration and constantly find inspiration from illustrators whose work I follow. I think they know who they are. One of my biggest influences is the 1950s poster artist Hervé Morvan. I love the bold playfulness, strong colours, and clever concepts in his work. His approach has definitely influenced how I think about composition and visual storytelling.
How do you stay inspired and overcome creative blocks?
If possible, I take a step back from my work. Going for a walk often helps get ideas flowing. If I am really stuck, I focus on what I can do, like brainstorming ideas, creating a mood board, or sketching without any pressure to produce a final piece.
What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators looking to build a career in this field?
Before landing client work, a great way to practice is by creating mock briefs. This not only helps you develop your skills but also shows potential clients how your artwork can be used commercially.
Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to brands, agencies, or illustrators you admire. Rejection is a normal part of the process and isn’t personal. 10. What can we look forward to from you in the future? Are there any exciting projects or collaborations you would like to pursue? Who are your dream clients?
I would love to explore animation, as it is exciting to see my characters come to life. I am also interested in creating screen-printed merch, like t-shirts and tote bags, and getting my online shop back up and running with a new collection of prints.
Rather than focusing on specific clients, I am most excited by projects that challenge me creatively and allow me to experiment and grow as an illustrator
