HELLOVON
Exquisite, patiently crafted illustrations, both powerfully energetic yet gently quiet, are instantly recognizable: they are made by Von, a London-based illustrator and the founder of HelloVon studio. Influenced by nature and popular culture, Von creates highly detailed and abstract images, which never lose their appeal. An abundance of empty space in Von’s work stresses the importance of its substance, and hits the viewer precisely at the spot where it’s intended. No wonder his work has been demanded by clients like Nike, Esquire, 4AD, Wallpaper, The New York Times, and American Express.
This extremely talented artist, working mostly in a traditional hand drawn manner – a rarity these days – managed to take his time between launching a new website and running a few exhibitions to answer
interview by Yuan Zhou
…The objects from your illustrations look realistic and very surreal at the same time. Do you draw from photos?
For a lot of commercial work I am supplied with reference photography to work from. Otherwise, it’s a mixture of my own photography, found imagery, imagination,etc.
What would you do if you were not a designer or illustrator?
I have no idea! It would have to be something creative. I’m sure if my job wasn’t what it is, I’d spend all my free time drawing and trying to make it my career ‒ much like I did before setting up studio three years ago. When I was a kid I wanted to be a stuntman, but in hindsight, I don’t think I’d last five minutes…
