vickykempillustration: Interview with Jamel Akib

Here is an interview I did via email with illustrator Jamel Akib:

1 .A lot of your work looks hand rendered .Do you also use digital process to put work together?

I work in chalk pastel for illustration, and in oil for paintings. Digitally, I take photographs of the artwork and colour correct in photoshop. I then send a digital version over to the client.

I prefer to work on the easel than digitally, as I seem to have a better balance to the image. Enlarging a detail and working on it in isolation, just loses the balance. Nothing beats standing back from the easel to get perspective.

2. How long does it normally take to produce your work?

I’m very quick if working by hand. When working digitally, I tend to procrastinate . This week I’ve put up an exhibition on Saturday and Sunday, delivered roughs for a 37 page book on Monday and completed two editorial illustrations Thursday and Friday. But that is a particularly busy week. I also taught three classes. How long the artwork takes depends on the concept. I spent a day on each illustration this week.

But my paintings can take weeks.

3.What are your plans for future application of your work?

I see illustration playing a much smaller part. There seems to be a lack of “art” in illustration now. Concepts and the “what are you trying to say” element in illustration is almost absent nowadays. My agents seem to be representing either the “kooky” illustrators or the “ 3 d renderers”. I think if Sue Coe was working in illustration today she’d struggle to get work!

4.There is varying opinion about what illustration is ( I read where is the comment, where is the content in creative review ) What is illustration to you?

Sorry, kind of preempted this question above. I don’t think illustration is an outlet for personal expression anymore as what you say is so controlled by art directors and suits. As a student it seemed to be the most amazing avenue to get your work seen. I managed to land a cover for the Observer while still at college and I worked for them every week while a student. So it was the perfect start! I don’t think it’s so easy now. I compete against illustrators in China for jobs. I think illustration is now about the “look” of things. You’re very rarely asked to be inspired by an article and come up with an idea.

5.As an aspiring illustrator, what is the best advice you could give me?

Depends on your work... animation and the opportunities computers can offer in this area look interesting. If I enjoyed painting by hand I would look towards selling through the gallery route.