The Familiar Strangers

Priscilla Wilson (valorandvellum) is an illustrator based in California. Her unique hand textured illustrations have appeared in many renowned websites and magazines such as Threadless, Design By Humans, and Computer Arts China. She is also one of the creative forces from The Black Rock Collective (BRC). In this interview, Priscilla shares her insights and process about her illustrations and designs.

TFS: The Familiar Strangers
P: Priscilla Wilson

TFS: The imageries in your illustrations are very fantasy like. How do you usually come up with these concepts?

P: I usually just get ideas at random times – I like to think about how certain things might connect to each other. Once I get the initial spark, I work out how it will look compositionally in my head before I even get anything on paper. A few of my ideas stemmed from just going out on a hike and seeing something that looks like something else, such as trees looking like animals or hills that look like blankets covering sleeping giants.

TFS: You have such a distinctive style with your unique hand drawn texture to your illustrations. In general, do you feel that such trait is like a double edged sword because people will recognize the artist’s work without looking at the name but the artist limited themselves from experimenting with other approach to their work?

P: In the field of Illustration, it actually really helps to have a distinctive style. People who are looking for design work that like your style will know what they’re getting beforehand. I wouldn’t consider people being able to recognize your work, even when it’s new, a bad thing. If people can recognize your style then it’s nice to know that they remember you and are following what you do.

I can see what you mean about not being able to experiment though. When people start to expect a certain style from you, there can be a bit of backlash if you start going in a different direction. I don’t think this has to handicap artistic growth. There’s always to option of adopting a pseudonym and doing something completely different under a new name. You can get truthful feedback that way.

BRC Monstermash Print @ Threadless

BRC Altitude Sickness @ Design By Humans

TFS: You’re one of the minds behind the Black Rock Collective. What are the tasks like working with such a big group of artists? With so many artists and designers, creative directions disagreements are bound to happen, no?

P: Working with a large group of people in general can be a daunting task! I think BRC has learned a lot (and are still learning) about the best ways to organize group projects and large collaborations so that it can go as smoothly as possible.

Typically, each project begins when somebody throws out an idea. That person, if they wish, can become the creative director of the project and keep things on track. If they don’t want that task, then somebody else will usually step up as the leader. They will give some direction, and yes, there are times where there’s some disagreement. However, we all respect each other and we respect the director. Ultimately, it’s the director’s call and that’s that.

TFS: Your tee designs have been selected for print by Threadless and Design By Humans. Do you feel such medium have any effects on your illustrations? Also, do you feel there are any differences being an illustrator and a tee designer?

P: I think it definitely has an effect on my illustrations. When I come up with ideas for shirts, I try to keep the composition pretty organic in form. It tends to look better on a tee than something boxy. There’s also usually a limited color palette which is challenging, but at the same time I like the unified look of it.

In terms of differences in illustrative mediums, there seem to be certain freedoms and constraints depending on what your design will be on. If you’re designing a poster, you don’t have to think of how forms on the outer areas of the composition will look – you have the ability to just cut them off. Things like posters, cards, prints, etc. are usually printed in four color process which means you have as many colors as the human eye can see. You can add in as many details as you wish because chances are, the viewer will spend more time looking at it. When designing for a shirt, you have to figure that viewers may only glance at the design. They might look at it for a few seconds max, otherwise the shirt wearer might get a little creeped out. Knowing this, it’s usually best if the design is a fast read.

TFS: Currently, you’re working at a local design company. Have the thought of going freelance fulltime ever occurred for you?

P: Ha, I’ve had other people ask me about this before. I don’t think I’m ready to make the big switch to full time freelance just yet. I feel like I still have a lot more to learn, and I’m continually picking up new things from my co-workers. There’s also less stress having to think about when a new job will be coming in, worrying about big clients paying up and making sure I have all of my ducks in a row come tax season. Eventually, it might be nice to make the switch, but I’m pretty content with my current set up.

TFS: Any major projects you’re working on?

P: Over the summer I did some work for Dave Matthews Band, Farm Aid and Hellogoodbye. There’s another big project coming up, but I it’s so epic that I’m probably going to pass it off to the design firm that I work for.

TFS: Lastly, any advices for aspiring illustrators who wants to make it big?

P: It seems like t-shirt competition sites, like Threadless, are a great way to get your foot in the door. If nothing else, you can at least get a ton of great feedback on your designs. I’ve heard from friends that tried to get an agent first, but that whole deal is pretty backwards. You can get an agent unless you’re already established so it’s really no help at all if you’re a noob. If you get a print from Threadless, you’ll start getting offers – it’s really a great way to establish a sort of online portfolio. I haven’t quite made it big myself so if anybody knows the secret to success, you should tell me!

I’m chatting with speedyjvw on AIM right now and he seems to think you can make it big if you talk to him. I don’t know if that’s true, but I guess it’s worth a shot.