DD2000: David Hughes visit

My peers and I (and most of graphic design, too) were visited by David Hughes, who can be considered one of the most experienced local illustrators in the business. Hughes began the talk by admitting that there was a 13 year gap in which he didn't work, which shows that none of us should expect work as soon as we leave uni. Sure, I imagine most of us will, but I digress. Hughes claims he began his art and design career at about 16 years old, a circumstance I can relate to. I never really considered becoming a designer or illustrator until the last year or two of high school; truth be told, I would have probably ended up on a science career path.

Hughes showed us a slideshow of his work throughout the talk, showing the contrast between his more complex detailed work, and the simple nature of his book 'Walking the Dog', etc. Hughes heavily insisted that the best work comes from artists and designers that have fun and indulge themselves, as opposed to those who treat their discipline as a sort of chore. One such example of this, Hughes told us, is when he would collect the carcasses of sea birds, and pieces of flotsam and driftwood, to use in his work. Amusingly, one of these pieces had to be thrown out, due to the dead gull being full of maggots and other writhing creatures.

Hughes' work is universal in the way that it can be used for anything, from advertising, to editorial, to children's books, and so on. Whilst still retaining the Hughes look, the way in which the work is presented, coloured, etc, can change the tone of a piece instantly.

To say that we were privileged to have Hughes come in and talk to us, is a gross understatement. Even the tutors present said it was probably the most important talk I will ever hear in terms of illustration, and with complete honesty, I agree.