New Yorker David Ayllon has a penchant for comic book style art, and loves a good bit of retro to boot. In his work for the likes of Kid Cudi and Lupe Fiasco, Batman-wannabe Ayllon comes across like the superhero he wants to be; bold, brave, fearless, and doused with just enough humour to drop the occasional corny one-liner. Horror, zombies, mythical creatures.. they all play a part too, in this designer/illustrator’s gleefully fanciful world. If David can’t be Batman – and he can’t, it’s just not an option – then he’ll have as much bloody fun as he can trying.
When he’s not throwing together effortlessly stylish gig posters for hip hop’s finest, or problem solving for clients with very different aesthetics to his own, we may well find him front row at a drag show – he didn’t specify whether this involves men dressed as women, or really fast cars, but either’s fine by us. We learnt this, and more, when we caught up with David for a quick chat…
David, where are you from, and where do you live/work from now?
I grew up on Long Island, New York, but now I live and work in New Jersey.
Do you think location effects creativity?
I think it does, but I’m more concerned with who I’m surrounded by. My friends are my favorite form of currency, and surrounding myself with a community of artists and geniuses forces me to strive for greater work. I constantly find myself on my tippy-toes standing next to these creative giants and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What were you doing before graphic design?
I’ve always wanted to have some sort of creative job in the area of art/design. Even when I was little, while the other kids wanted to be firefighters and police officers, I wanted to be an artist. Part of me still thinks it would be glamorous to Van Gogh my ear off, but let’s be real: I’ve got bills. In high school I made the mental switch from artiste (include fancy french accent here) to designer. Honestly, I don’t think the two are exclusive. At least that’s what I tell myself so I don’t feel like I sold out THAT much. Oh, I lied. I did want to be Batman before an artist. I mean still. I STILL want to be Batman.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever worked at?
I had a retail job for a brief time that I absolutely hated. I couldn’t handle grown-ups who didn’t understand the concept of putting things back where they found them. It’s as if they NEVER watched Sesame Street. The day I was asked to be promoted, I quit.
Retro themes seem to play a large part in your aesthetic, can you tell us a little about your style and where it comes from?
I’m very inspired by things like comic books, tabloids, and pop culture in general. I feel that these things are our modern mythology. In my brain, celebrities are as flawed as ancient Greek gods and vintage cereal boxes are artifacts. Those bright colors and fun illustrations are the things that make my pupils dilate with excitement, so if I have enough creative leeway those influences inevitably burrow themselves into designs.
On the flipside, I’m currently working at an agency called East House Creative where some of the clients have the complete opposite aesthetic. I love the challenge of forcing my brain to solve problems in new ways. I think it’s a real test for designers when you encounter clients who don’t think like you. It’s one of the most exciting parts of what I do, and it usually brings about unexpected results.
Where do you feel most inspired?
A lot of times it’s in my bed when I’m desperately trying to fall asleep. Those are the moments when I’m furiously jotting down ideas before they fall out of my head, while simultaneously cursing this wretched brain of mine for not having an epiphany at a more convenient hour.
Can you define good design?
My best attempt at a definition would be that good design should go almost unnoticed. When you look at a concert poster, for example, you should have a reaction. Your first thought should be, “I cannot WAIT to see this band perform,” not, “That kerning is FABULOUS!” (admittedly I do think this from time to time). It should be so effortless that it simply makes sense.
What annoys you?
Traffic jams, toe jam, commercial breaks, the waiting time between comic book issues of The Walking Dead, PG-13 “horror” movies, and designers who talk too much about themselves.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be doing?
Fighting crime. Dressed like a bat.
When you’re not illustrating and designing, where could we expect to find you?
A poetry slam, a drag show, harassing my local comic book shop owner, or stuffing my face at a diner.
Any forthcoming projects or exhibitions you’d care to share with us?
Right now I’m collaborating with poet Topher Cusumano on a book, designing some spiffy t-shirts, and working with the toy/product design company Brutherford Industries on some exciting new stuff. And apparently not sleeping.
