Today our designer interview is with David Doran, a freelance illustrator currently based in Falmouth, UK. He graduated from Falmouth University in 2014 with a first class degree in illustration and has worked for international newspapers, magazines, brands, festivals and publishers on illustrations of all shapes and sizes. His client list includes The New York Times, Nobrow, The Wall Street Journal, WIRED and Monocle, among many others.
What’s your story? Can you share a brief history of how you’ve got to where you are now?
My name is David Doran, I’m 22 years old and currently live and work as an illustrator in Falmouth, Cornwall. I grew up in the South East of England (Kent) and studied Graphic Design at College. While studying there, I realised how much I enjoyed working with design, but always craved drawing more. I then discovered illustration and the course at Falmouth University, and knew that it was the perfect next step for me. Whilst studying at Falmouth, I explored lots of different techniques and discovered the wonders of screen-printing, which still largely informs the way that I work now (with the added use of a computer).
What was the first piece of work you ever sold? What was it and who did you sell it to? How did you feel?
One of my first commissions was for the UK magazine Oh Comely. Laura Callaghan (the art director at the time) contacted me out of the blue and offered me the job. It was a brilliant project too; to illustrate an imaginary book cover!
What has been the most important lesson you have learned along your design journey?
Have fun with the work you’re making and have goals – even if it’s a smaller goal of what you want to achieve in a day, I find it helps productivity.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working away on a few editorials and a very exciting 2016 calendar with the wonderful folks at WRAP, more will be revealed soon! I’m also enjoying a few spare moments to work on personal projects and delve into my sketchbook.
What is the big dream for you as an illustrator?
I’ve recently signed with Bernstein and Andriulli agency, based in NY and London. I’m excited to be working alongside them and to be developing as an illustrator. The big dream is to continue making images and exploring more contexts for illustration, through advertising, web, publishing and editorial, and to be as productive as possible, while having a good time doing so.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words
Let me think…
Can you share 3 random facts about yourself?
• I live in Cornwall but have only surfed twice in my lifetime, both times were on holiday nearly ten years ago.
• I enjoy sandwiches more than the average person.
• My nickname at school was Double D.
If you could have any super power what would it be and why?
I’d love to fly. After a childhood of dreaming I could fly and a lifetime of carefully considering this question, I would still love to be able to fly.
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David Doran is a freelance illustrator currently based in Falmouth, UK. He graduated from Falmouth University in 2014 with a first class degree in illustration and has worked for international newspapers, magazines, brands, festivals and publishers on illustrations of all shapes and sizes. His client list includes The New York Times, Nobrow, The Wall Street Journal, WIRED and Monocle, among many others.
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