Tonight I thought I’d take a break from talking about Superfex and share some of my own personal heroes. These people inspire and motivate me on a daily basis and deserve so much recognition and respect for their sheer talent and hard work!

Gavin Strange (Jamfactory)

Location : Bristol, UK

I’ve been a huge fan of this guy ever since I first came across his work in Computer Arts Projects back in 2008. Since then I have literally been in awe of the guy… He’s relentless! Always putting in the hours, working on mad projects and constantly trying his hand at new mediums. Needless to say he perfects every one of them. Gav is one of the main reasons I got so heavily into character design and I was lucky enough to actually meet him recently.

Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Longfox (Iain Sellar & Barbie Lowenberg)

Location : Bristol, UK

Now I know Barbie isn’t a bloke but she’s just as important in the awesome partnership that is Longfox. Iain also happens to be my tattoo artist and a bloody nice guy! Together these two phenomenal human beings constantly crank out artwork that blows my mind. In fact, I think half of my place is covered in their drawings and prints.

They have taken on so many varied projects all over the country, collaborated with huge names and always seem to absolutely smash it!

All in all, a hugely motivational couple and I am so happy to see them thrive.

Iain : Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Barbie : Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Alan Wardle (Anyforty)

Location : London, UK

Like I’ve said before, I owe this guy a lot. Whilst working as the Art Director at Computer Arts Projects Magazine back in 2010, Alan commissioned me to create a character for the character design issue. I was so excited by the opportunity that I started working on it straight away and all through the night. Thus, Barnaby Bluefuzz was born! It was the first major publication I had the chance to be involved in and even to this day I’m super proud of it. 

Whilst working as a freelance graphic designer, Al is often found working his fingers to the bone trying to push his clothing label, Anyforty, onwards and upwards. And like I said to him at Boxpark the other day, it’s really great to see it doing so well and always moving forward. Everything is really falling into place and I can’t wait to see what his next move is.

Web | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Guy McKinley

Location : Manchester, UK

I would describe Guy as a bit of dark horse. His skill with a paintbrush is truly insane and I first discovered his work whilst over in New York on a ‘school-trip’. On return of my trip I eagerly tried to find him online only to find that he was actually based in the UK!

His style is very different to anyone else’s I’ve seen and I love the angular nature of his characters. Though he is constantly posting up new work or sketches and initial drawings, he doesn’t seem to promote himself all that much. Then again if you’re that good then I guess you don’t need to.

Web | Twitter | Instagram

Daniel Broadley

Location : Plymouth, UK

This little gem has recently fallen back into my life after having met him at university four or so years ago. Dan is known to be a bit of a work-a-holic but then people with big dreams often are.

SHOWREEL (for some reason tumblr wouldn’t let me embed it)

He is both a very talented Video Director and Musician. I would love to speak about his films in a technical fashion but the truth of it is that I’m not really up to speed to do it justice. What I can tell you is that he sees the world in such a beautiful light and tries bloody hard to create his stunning pieces of cinematic wonder. The determination, drive and tenacity of this chap is really something to behold and definitely encourages me to better myself and work harder.

Web | Facebook | Twitter | Meadowlark

Joshua Saunders

Location : Frome, UK

I say this fella is based in Frome but to be honest it could be Berlin. I’ve never known someone to be so on the go all the time. His Instagram feed mainly consists of beautifully crafted graphic design, the ever-changing contents of his luggage bag or pictures of cats.

He’s just over a year out of the graduation gate and has already produced a pretty substantial portfolio for himself. Working for some big names and some smaller ones, he always refines each project down to the last detail for that high quality feel. It’s a no-brainer why people are constantly asking for branding, as that’s definitely something he excels in. If I were you I’d keep an eye on this one as he’s going to go far!

Web | Facebook | Instagram

Well hello there! This is a quick shout out to all my fellow creative folk. My good friend Tony Cannings of We Heart Arts is kick starting a project this year called The AwesomeBet and we want people to get involved!

As you know there are 26 letters in the alphabet. Each one will be assigned to an artist to illustrate or design in some way to make it ‘awesome’. They will then be produced as A3 prints with the profits going towards young peoples creative arts projects. Cool huh?

The artwork produced will then be made into a wonderful little picture book to help children learn their A-Z. Tony has also said that for every five copies sold he will donate one to a local school.

There is also talk of an exhibition but details on that are tbc.

This is such an amazing opportunity to get involved in something truly memorable with such a great cause behind it. It’s a chance to promote the creative arts and inspire the next generation.

If you want to get on-board then drop Tony a message either via hello@weheartarts.com or @weheartarts