Above the Fold: Jonathan Ball, Illustrator
Enter a caption (optional)In Above the Fold, we spotlight individual members of Coroflot's vibrant creative community. The idea is to take you behind the scenes and inside the minds of talented Coroflot members who we think are doing exceptional work. Coroflot was created by designers, for designers, and Above the Fold is the place where we can talk to creatives about work that we not only love, but think you'll love too!
This week we are talking with Jonathan Ball, the Illustrator behind Cardiff, UK-based pokedstudio, the creative agency he founded. With Jonathan Ball at the helm, pokedstudio is known for creating wildly colorful characters, brands, packaging, logos, illustrations, animations, adverts, display fonts, game concepts, and storyboards. Jonathan's work is immediately recognizable for the delicious sensory overload you get when viewing it, and his illustrations often have a dazzling, child-like feel to them that bring to mind Nintendo games if they were painstakingly detailed and even more surreal. Whether he's working for clients like Microsoft, Playstation, or Doritos, or simply creating art for fun, Ball adds his distinctive style to everything.
Who are your design heroes?
Jonathan Ball: Growing up, I used to copy cartoon characters from various comics we had in the UK [like] The Beano and Whizzer and Chips. I never knew who drew them but they influenced much of my early style. I remember seeing Akira for the first time in the late 80's and it blew my mind. I'd never seen that type of style before.
Can you share some details about your most recent project?
Some recent projects include an illustrated poster for a tech start-up. It's a visualization of the hyperloop, which is a new type of train like transport system currently in development.
Enter a caption (optional)Are you currently working on any projects?
I'm working with a few local designers on a short animation about a cloud. We are still experimenting with the exact style but have a great story to tell.
Walk us through some of your process for creating.
With my personal work, it often starts as a doodle. I doodle best when doing something else, usually when talking on the phone or something. I think the subconscious kicks in. I work the best ones up a little more and then choose the medium I think is best suited to the work. My work often goes through quite a number of revisions before I'm happy.
What is your favorite project that you've completed and why?
One of my favourites was doing a project for Affinity Designer - a vector app - and then having that work featured at an Apple conference and on the Apple website.
What tools (physical or digital) do you find yourself using repeatedly?
My favourite software choices are Blender, Affinity Designer, and Photoshop. I can't do without them. I also amass piles and piles of rough doodles and sketches; I keep the best and have a big clear-out every few months. I can't get the hang of touch pads and screens so I stick with pens and paper.
Enter a caption (optional)Is there any work out there that you've come across recently that you've really loved?
I love so much art, I'm always on the lookout for new styles and ideas. I love the works of James Jeanand Yoko d'Holbachie.
Do you have a ritual for getting in work mode aka a productivity tip?
It's always good to have some exercise first thing in the morning, gets you going. I tend to eat a light lunch as otherwise I'll be asleep all afternoon. I don't drink much coffee either or I won't sleep at night. I tend to start early around 7-7:30AM and I am finished by 6PM, and I try to avoid working late the best I can. There is the occasional late night conference call though.
Outside of your professional life, do you have any other creative outlets or hobbies?
Currently, I am renovating my house, which is sucking up all of my spare time. It's very rewarding though.
If you're stuck on a desert island and can only bring three tools, what are they?
Pen, paper, and a hard backed book to put the paper on.
Do you have any tips for getting the most out of your Coroflot portfolio?
With portfolios, it's best to update regularly and show your best work. People also love to see your process, so some sketches and other causes and shots of work in progress help generate interest.
To see more of Jonathan's work, check out his Coroflot portfolio!
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