Gus Scott
Welcome Gus Scott, a bold, playful illustrator who strives to raise smiles through his work. Explore Gus's insights on passion projects, industry challenges, and the rise of generative AI.
Website
@gusscottillustration
1. How would you describe your style?
I love to create bold, playful work and always aim to bring a smile to peoples faces. I like using block shapes and try to create images that are full of movement. I’ve also recently enjoyed getting some texture back into my illustrations, using more limited colour palettes and mixing more line work into my stuff, I feel like its good to always experiment!
“…I’ve been working with a friend on some 3d sculptural pieces. I’m really excited to push them this year and get them released, its super fun getting out of the 2d world!”
2. What is the one tool or piece of software you can't live without in your illustration process? Are there any mediums you'd like to explore further?
I would say my iPad. I draw on it using procreate. For ages I used to only work in illustrator from a pencil/paper sketch but I started to feel like I wasn’t “drawing” as much as I wanted to whilst creating the final design and since getting the iPad I haven’t looked back! Sometimes I have to crack out the pencil/paper though to get the ideas flowing, it helps me if I’m in a bit of a creative block.
In terms of mediums to explore more, I’ve been working with a friend on some 3d sculptural pieces. I’m really excited to push them this year and get them released, its super fun getting out of the 2d world!
3. What’s a project that really pushed your creative boundaries, or one that you learned a lot from, even if it wasn't necessarily the most 'successful'?
It was a long time ago now, but one of the books I did with DK taught me a lot. The workload was massive, thousands of illustrations in quite a tight timeframe. But it was great, working with a big team of designers and a fast constant pace. Getting everything completed gave me a lot of confidence and insight when I was new to freelancing. Its great when your in that work flow state!
4. If you had to choose one piece from your portfolio that best represents who you are as an artist right now, which would it be and why?
I actually think I’m going to go with a recent self directed piece. It’s always been my dream to do the branding for a brewery, so I came up with a visual identity for an imagined brewery called Gulp. I used this amazing home brewer’s beers as a starting point (shout out @hoplooklisten, love your stuff!), and had loads of fun creating various designs across the brand.
It’s so much fun when you are illustrating a subject you are passionate about, hit me up if your starting a brewery!
5. Who are your creative heroes... from illustrators and beyond?
I’ve always loved Alec Doherty’s work, his illustrations are great but I also love that he extends his creativity to other formats. I love all the stuff that Jay Cover does for beak as well, dream job! His Woset world collection looks amazing. Big shout out to the magical musical world of Ivor Cutler too.
“With the rise of AI I think Art directors and brands/clients are valuing the story and journey behind an illustration, and if its something you really care about that will come across.”
6. What advice would you give to aspiring illustrators who are just starting out?
I think if you are just starting out then illustrate things that you are passionate about. That passion and knowledge will come through in your work and help you stand out. With the rise of AI I think Art directors and brands/clients are valuing the story and journey behind an illustration, and if its something you really care about that will come across. Also watch James Hughes’ videos on YouTube “The illustrators Guide”. He’s put loads of tips together for aspiring illustrators I would have loved to have some of these when I was just starting out.
7. What's been the toughest hurdle you've had to clear in your illustration career, and what did you learn from it?
I think its always really tough when you go through a quiet period work wise. I’ve learned to always keep creating, and keep pushing my work during those periods, be really proactive and persist with reaching out to people. You never know where an email, or insta message will take you.
8. What's your favorite part of the illustration process, from concept to completion?
My favourite bit is after the concepts approved and you’ve got the go ahead from the client. I love that feeling of being in that flow state, creating the work, tweaking and refining it till its perfect!
9. What role do you think illustration plays in society today?
It feels a bit like an uphill battle at the moment for illustrators, with the rise of generative ai, the tightening of budgets etc. I think we will see a push back against this, people looking for authenticity and artists who have worked on years honing their craft.
It will be interesting to see what the Government decide with the copyright laws, I’ve got my fingers crossed they see sense, otherwise it seems like it will be pretty impossible for us as illustrators to retain control over our work.
10. Is there anything you'd like to share with our audience that you haven't talked about yet?
Always check if you’ve hit reply all in emails! Me and my mate were pitching for a project once and I accidentally sent everyone involved in the project a very strange gif of Phil Mitchell instead of just my pal. Luckily they saw the funny side