We chat with the talented Sunshine Coast based illustrator Lachlan Olive. He shares with us who his dream mentors are, what side projects he has on the go and his photo collection of Kim Kardashian crying!
Which three people in the design industry would you pick as mentors and why?
Oh man I'm gunna pick three artists that I have loved for a long time because – for me - their work has stood the test of time. Reg Mombassa – His work is iconic and he has such a distinct style. I constantly strive to create my own style in my work because I have been inspired by his work from a young age. Also because he's a national treasure, duh! Ben Brown – Another Australian icon within the art/design industry. His style is super punk rock and there is so much style and finesse cramped into his work, it makes me sick. His career is basically the kind I want for myself. Thomas Campbell – I grew up watching Thomas’ films, being jealous of his painting style and loving any issue of monster children that featured his work. It makes me stoked to see an artist that lives and breathes his art. I hope I’m doing the same for many years to come.
Oh man I'm gunna pick three artists that I have loved for a long time because – for me - their work has stood the test of time. Reg Mombassa – His work is iconic and he has such a distinct style. I constantly strive to create my own style in my work because I have been inspired by his work from a young age. Also because he's a national treasure, duh! Ben Brown – Another Australian icon within the art/design industry. His style is super punk rock and there is so much style and finesse cramped into his work, it makes me sick. His career is basically the kind I want for myself. Thomas Campbell – I grew up watching Thomas’ films, being jealous of his painting style and loving any issue of monster children that featured his work. It makes me stoked to see an artist that lives and breathes his art. I hope I’m doing the same for many years to come.
What has been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt along the way?
1. You should listen to your teachers and learn what you can from them, but remember, their taste may be vastly different from yours. If they don't like some of your work, it doesn't necessarily mean it's bad!
2. Collect things that you like (books, mags, music, pictures of Kim Kardashian crying) and keep them around your workspace for inspiration.
3. Fuck the naysayers!
4. Back up your files!!!!! You think your computer can't crash? It can. It will. And it will make you cry.
5. Don't be a dick. Karma's a bitch.
Ultimately I want to build a client base that allows me to do design work full time and to do that I continue to develope my own style so that clients come to me for a distinct look in their designs. I know I would burn myself out if I was doing shitty corporate logos all day.
How do you deal with non creative clients that don’t see your vision?
To be honest, I don't! I tried freelance when I graduated uni and hated it. I work a day job and then do design jobs I actually enjoy by night. Ultimately I want to build a client base that allows me to do design work full time and to do that I continue to develope my own style so that clients come to me for a distinct look in their designs. I know I would burn myself out if I was doing shitty corporate logos all day.
Any personal projects you would like to share?
I just finished designing a photo zine with brightyoungthingz that was released at the Noosa surf fest last week. Right now I’m doing design work for several different projects as well as some personal paintings that I’m preparing for an artshow later on this year. I’ve been particularly excited about creating art for to be put on display. I did three artshows last year including a personal show at The Snake Hole in Victoria and I’m aiming to do more that that this year!
Where do you gather inspiration, on and off the web?
Tumblr, Monster Children, desillusion mag. I find that listening to music that has good lyrics inspires me the most (QOTSA, Modest Mouse, Bass Drum of Death, Black Sabbath and on and on). I have started collecting all kinds of books that have good content for inspiration. Tattoo flash books, cook books, zines, graphic novels and art books are all equally a great source of inspiration to me. Also designspiration.net is great!
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