How did you get into art?

It was actually while I was at uni studying for a physics degree. I acquired a copy of Photoshop and just started messing about in it. I was hooked pretty soon and haven't put it down since then. I think I've always been into the idea of creating cool visuals but until I found Photoshop had never had the means to do what I really wanted.

How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?

I have no idea to be honest, most of the time the ideas just pop into my head at random times. Sometimes I get a particular idea from some event or particular mood in my life, but more often than not they just appear fully formed. Pretty handy really.

What has been your best creation to date?

Although it's not my most popular picture by any means, it's a really old picture of mine called 'Peculiar'. I don't know why, but I think it best sums up what I like about digital art and feels the most 'me'.

How much do you think hype affects the public perception of what good art is?

I think trends play a very big part in what people like and don't like. When something is repeated often enough it becomes 'comfortable' and people are able to relate to it better, and hence like it. When something is a bit too new or different it can leave people cold to begin with.

Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?

The new Bloc Party album, just got it today but haven't listened to it yet. I liked the first so I'm hoping this'll give me a good few weeks listening.

When did you you realised that art could make you some money?

Cha-ching!

Why do so many people spend money on music yet so few buy art?

You can listen to music while walking about, driving, doing work etc etc Not something you can really do with a piece of art. I think music is a very different experience though, and there is something more fundamental about it that allows everybody to enjoy it. Art doesn't really have the equivalent of a beat which can get someone's foot tapping without them even thinking about it. I think a lot of people out there really don't care about art or design, although I bet they would miss it when it's gone.

How is your local art scene?

Crap. No, I have no idea really. I'm a digital artist and so my work lives online, and this is generally how I communicate and interact with other artists. It may sound odd as a type of artist myself but I'm generally of the opinion that more traditional artists are pretentious and would annoy me if I had to hang with them. This is probably completely untrue, I haven't had the opportunity to discover otherwise so far.

What makes you happy?

Hope.

What makes you sad?

Chemical imbalances.

Sex, drugs or rock n roll?

If you have to choose, rock n roll. Life without music is unimaginable.

Last book you read?

Some crap Steven King one, I had a long journey and bought it just before hand. Got me through it but I won't be reading it again.

Whats your favourite soup?

Leek and Potato.

Tell us a secret?

I have over 50 scars on my body.

Quote us your favourite song lyric?

I really couldn't pick one set... but I was listening to Pavement earlier and this bit from '... and Carrot Rope' tickles me:

Hey little boy, would you like to know
What's in my pocket or not
It's no ploy, it's no gimmick
It's the chance of a lifetime to see
Something that's never seen by mere mortals except me

In fact I'm going to have to go listen to it again now.

Is there a downside to being so talented?

Yeah I might start to believe my own press. Anyone could do what I do, it's just having the will.

What time did you get up?

9? I was late for work, I am most days.

Any close encounters with the law?

Not apart from being randomly drunk when I was young. I think it's surprisingly easy to avoid trouble with the police, as long as you're not an idiot.

What else do like other than art?

Music, films, sleeping in, laughing at birds (they crack me up). The usual stuff.

Any regrets?

Not starting this design malarkey earlier I guess. At 24 I'm practically old age in this industry and still not overly experienced.

Ask yourself (and answer) a question?

Where'd you leave your lighter?

I have no idea, but I'm about to get the matches in a minute.

Final thoughts...

Feel free to send me your praise, money, photographs of yourself naked or rabid abuse. I love it all.

Interview - Mr. Burrows 08/02/07