His website’s assertion that his work has been published in every continent (except Antarctica) is little surprise when browsing his portfolio, as clients from BBC to Microsoft, Persil to The Guardian concur; the young illustrator’s heavily editorial aesthetic ensures he’ll surely always be in demand. Flirting with vintage iconography, applying heavy doses of Americana, and exercising an effortless panache with colour palettes, Owen Davey‘s work is a shoe in for kids’ books, publishing, advertising… well, pretty much everything that demands illustration. Who wouldn’t want to drift off into his warm, fuzzy, retro-tinged world?
We caught up with Owen to talk forests, British creativity, sport and classic British puddings…
Where’s your hometown, and where are you based now?
Born near Brighton and I’m living here again, after Uni in Falmouth, and living briefly in Bristol too.
Do you think location affects creativity?
Yes definitely. Nature is one of my biggest inspirations and always sparks off my creativity. Most of my best ideas come from sitting by the sea or wandering around forests.
Is Britain’s creative industry too London-centric?
Not necessarily. There’s quite a lot going on in different cities anyway… it’s just that you tend to hear about stuff in London, wherever you are.
If we could replace the Queen on bank notes with one iconic British design, which would you choose?
I think I’d prefer a change of style to a change of subject. A modern graphic banknote would be awesome. Wouldn’t care if it showed the Queen, Stephen Fry or a scottie dog.
Has being British had an effect on your discipline?
I actually don’t think that the country you are living in makes much difference when you’re an illustrator. You work mostly online anyway.
The Swinging ’60s, punk, Hacienda-era Manchester… is there one period of intense British creativity that you’d like to have been a part of, and why?
Oh definitely early to mid-20th century would be my ideal time for creativity. The aesthetics of everyday life were so well crafted and considered.
Where in Britain do you feel most inspired?
It would probably have to be Cornwall. There’s a different pace when you live in Cornwall. You’re kept in a beautiful little bubble that can’t help but feed your creativity.
Will you be watching the Olympics?
Hell yeah! I love it. I don’t tend to watch everyday sports but my family are really sports-orientated, so big events like the Olympics or the Euros always give me a sense of nostalgia. I have many, many memories of sitting in a cottage, playing cards with my brothers and watching the Olympics on TV. I’m also actually going to the Paralympics too.
Which sport would you like to compete in at London 2012?
Modern pentathlon. I’d like to have a go at shooting, fencing and show-jumping. I also love swimming. I’d miserably fail at the cross-country run though.
You couldn’t live without…
Music. It improves any activity, no matter how mundane.
What makes you smile?
Animals.
Fish and chips, Cornish pasties… what’s your favourite British dish?
Oooh a roast. Every time. Made one this evening actually. Although if I were allowed a British pudding, I’d go for a sweet apple and blackberry pasty; one of the biggest things I miss about Falmouth.
We’re going to the pub and we’re buying, what are you drinking?
Hehe. Sparkling elderflower. I never got around to drinking alcohol.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully a lot more work, a few more picture books, and ideally a big advertising job or two :)
