Ask an (IGI) Illustrator no 12: Graham Corcoran - Graham Corcoran Illustration
Q: Hi Graham, tell us a little about yourself?
A: My name is Graham Corcoran, I'm an illustrator from Dublin, Ireland. I originally studied animation at Ballyfermot College. As well as working in illustration, I am also an art director and visual designer in the animation industry. I have been an illustrator for over 15 years. My style takes influence from mid-century illustration & design, and I always like to use lots of texture in my work.
A: My name is Graham Corcoran, I'm an illustrator from Dublin, Ireland. I originally studied animation at Ballyfermot College. As well as working in illustration, I am also an art director and visual designer in the animation industry. I have been an illustrator for over 15 years. My style takes influence from mid-century illustration & design, and I always like to use lots of texture in my work.
Q: Why did you become an illustrator?
A: A: I've always loved drawing and transferring my imagination to paper. So illustration always seemed like my dream job. Getting paid to do something you love is a real luxury, and I feel very lucky to be able to pursue that.
A: A: I've always loved drawing and transferring my imagination to paper. So illustration always seemed like my dream job. Getting paid to do something you love is a real luxury, and I feel very lucky to be able to pursue that.
This retro racer character was really fun to do.
Q: Do you enjoy / or specialise in a particular area of illustration?
I love illustrating maps. I've done quite a lot of them in my career, for numerous different clients, and they have always been fun jobs. I regularly create maps for Cara, the Aer Lingus in-flight magazine, and they are always very well received which is lovely to see.
I love illustrating maps. I've done quite a lot of them in my career, for numerous different clients, and they have always been fun jobs. I regularly create maps for Cara, the Aer Lingus in-flight magazine, and they are always very well received which is lovely to see.
I love how this book cover turned out, Little Island who published 'Bank' were brilliant to work with.
Q: What do you like to draw the most?
A: I always enjoy drawing people the most, I just really like to draw the human face, and find new ways to convey emotions and expressions.
A: I always enjoy drawing people the most, I just really like to draw the human face, and find new ways to convey emotions and expressions.
I did this around 2005, it was one of the first illustrations I did that set me on the path for the style I work in today.
Q: What tools do you use?
A: I work exclusively in Photoshop, from sketch to finished artwork. I use a wonderful range of Photoshop brushes from Kyle T Webster, which feel like real, tactile drawing materials. I draw everything with a Cintiq tablet. Although recently I have started using an iPad Pro, and have been playing with the Procreate drawing app. But Photoshop is still my main tool. When I am sketching just for fun, I like using the Pilot Parallel pen, it's an ink cartridge calligraphy pen, but it gives really spontaneous, wild drawing lines, it's a lot of fun.
A: I work exclusively in Photoshop, from sketch to finished artwork. I use a wonderful range of Photoshop brushes from Kyle T Webster, which feel like real, tactile drawing materials. I draw everything with a Cintiq tablet. Although recently I have started using an iPad Pro, and have been playing with the Procreate drawing app. But Photoshop is still my main tool. When I am sketching just for fun, I like using the Pilot Parallel pen, it's an ink cartridge calligraphy pen, but it gives really spontaneous, wild drawing lines, it's a lot of fun.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: At the moment I am working on a number of pieces for different exhibitions at Gallery 1988 in L.A. Gallery 1988 specialise in pop culture exhibits, and I've worked with them on a number of exhibits recently. They are great to work with, and it's fantastic to get my work seen at their regular high profile events.
A: At the moment I am working on a number of pieces for different exhibitions at Gallery 1988 in L.A. Gallery 1988 specialise in pop culture exhibits, and I've worked with them on a number of exhibits recently. They are great to work with, and it's fantastic to get my work seen at their regular high profile events.
Q: What would be your dream (illustration) job/commission?
A: My dream job would be to illustrate a children's picture book, my biggest influences are the children's illustrators Miroslav Sasek, Mary Blair and the Provensens, so to be asked to do a book in a similar vein to them would be amazing.
A: My dream job would be to illustrate a children's picture book, my biggest influences are the children's illustrators Miroslav Sasek, Mary Blair and the Provensens, so to be asked to do a book in a similar vein to them would be amazing.
Q: How do I go about commissioning you as an illustrator?
A: Simply drop me an e-mail (graham.corcoran@gmail.com) or message me through my contact form on my website, I'd love to hear from you!
A: Simply drop me an e-mail (graham.corcoran@gmail.com) or message me through my contact form on my website, I'd love to hear from you!
