Artist Spotlight: David Airey
January 3, 2020
Everyone’s work is deeply idiosyncratic: in our regular Spotlight segment we explore artists’ experiences and inspiration to understand what defines and inspires their unique styles.
Can you give us a brief background on yourself?
I was always fond of art classes in school. That led me to spending four years at college studying art and design before moving from Bangor, Northern Ireland, to Edinburgh, Scotland, where I got my degree in graphic communications management. Following an internship in the States, a post-grad diploma in Belfast, and some work experience as a designer for an Edinburgh-based cancer charity, I decided to take up self-employment specialising in brand identity work (what I most enjoyed). That was back in 2005, and since then things have gone very well. I still have a lot to learn, though.
Working from home, as I have done since 2005, means my commute is a few seconds rather than an hour or so each day. Add it up and that’s about 20 hours extra every month to spend with family, to spend outdoors, reading, relaxing, but also extra time to focus on doing the work I’m paid to do. So you could say my life’s more balanced, and clients benefit, too.
What is your greatest source of inspiration?
Reminding myself of how fortunate I’ve been growing up in a settled, loving family, always sheltered, fed, and clothed. I’ve seen a lot of people living on the streets or in tents, through no fault of their own — people who’d give almost anything to be in my situation. I hope I never take for granted that I spend a lot of my time in a job I love.
Could you pick one piece of art that has made a lasting influence on you, and if so why?
I can’t. Art has an influence on me, but it’s more of a continual appreciation when I see something new rather than remembering just one piece above the rest.
What skills or techniques do you find most useful in your line of work? Do you use primarily traditional or digital methods to create your artwork?
Curiosity — the ability to get interested in the work I’m doing, and to retain that interest throughout the course of a project, is the biggest factor in the success of my designs. I’ll always have a pen and paper at hand, and I’ll use them before a computer. I just find it easier to record ideas when sketching. But when it comes to a polished presentation using a computer obviously makes all the difference.
Can you give our readers a tip or trick you have come across that you have come across that has made your work a lot easier?
Let your clients do the talking. If you ask the right questions and if you listen for long enough they’ll tell you everything you need to know to get the job done.
David’s branding book, Logo Design Love, is also available on Amazon.
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