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London based Oscar Bolton Green is the subject for this edition of the colectivo futurist feature. using a very simple and graphic approach led by icons and faceless characters, Oscar has done a variety of work for a host of clients including Rolling Stone, GE Energy, Edizioni Corraini, and Fetrinelli to name a few. While sporting a portfolio mainly focused on made-for-print illustrations, Oscar also delves into the realm of animation and sound design, which is something he insists he’d like to explore more of in the future. for the time being enjoy our interview with Oscar below, alongside some of our favorite pieces from his work.
OSCAR BOLTON GREEN (Illustrator, London)
* how did you get started with illustration? when did you realize you wanted to become an illustrator full time?
From an early age I have spent most of my time drawing. When I was a child my bedroom walls were covered in drawings I had done. Then when I was a teenager graffiti became a huge part of my life. Then at art college I was introduced to illustration and graphic design.
* where do you normally get your inspiration from?
Inspiration comes from all kinds of things but ultimately it’s all about observation.
* your illustrations often feature sort of warped, caricatured characters. for lack of a better word, they are almost “elmer fuddian”. what can you tell us about them and why they feature so often on your pieces?
The simplicity of my characters stem from the graphic way I work. They have a quietness, which gives them a versatility but also gives them a humorous potential. As a child I read a lot of Asterix so I think thats where the big noses come from.
* if you could soundtrack your work, what would you choose?
I think the sound effects in my ‘Alphabet Animation’ – a project I did at college – really captures the mood of my drawings. It’s a mixture of edited voice and audio samples, which I recorded with a friend of mine. It’s a process I really enjoyed doing, so I’ve been thinking about doing another version at some point.
* what is your favorite thing about living in London?
For me the best thing about London is the beautiful parks – perfect for football, relaxation and watching funny dogs.
* what are you currently working on? are there any projects in particular you would like to get your hands on in the future?
At the moment I’m working on some big drawings, alongside commercial projects. I regularly do album of the month for Rolling Stone. Another children’s book for Corraini is in the pipeline also. But yeah, of course there are lots of things I dream about doing – like a public mural, animated visuals for a live music event, designs for products, a London Underground poster.
