Interview with Joseph Carrington
What led you to become an illustrator?
I’ve always been a drawer since I was a kid. As I got older, realising that my hero Murray Ball didn’t just draw Footrot Flats for fun, but for a living. After studying and working as a graphic designer for over 10 years, I realised being a full-time illustrator sounded like a lot more fun.
Did you study illustration in college?
I studied as a Graphic Designer, but I always tried to use illustration in my work. I studied at the Auckland University of Technology in Auckland, New Zealand.
Where did you grow up?
Formerly the first city in the world to see the sun, Gisborne was where I was born and raised. It’s a small town, home to some great produce and surf.
Do you have a childhood memory relating to drawing/art that you hold dear?
Mastering the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle face has to be up there, but as an 9ish year old I painted the Tim Burton Batmobile at school over a cityscape of Gotham city that was selected for the local A&P Art show, which made me and my Mum very proud.
Where do you live now and what drew you there?
I live in Auckland, New Zealand. I moved here to study, found work, found my Wife, started my family, and broke out on my own as an illustrator. Not a bad run by any means.
Describe your studio for us
Since my youngest needed a room, I have relocated my office to a tiny home cabin in the back yard. It overlooks the park our house backs onto. It’s pretty serene.
Do you have a studio pet?
Two white fluffy Maltese (Barkley and Pepper), usually hang with me, but somehow running around with the kids is more appealing than the office these days.
If you had to write your own epitaph in one sentence, what would it say?
Died fighting a bear.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Draw more, get motivated to work for yourself earlier, study animation eagerly.
Is there a work lesson you’ve had to learn the hard way?
Under promise, over deliver.
What was your favorite assignment ever?
Working with Google has to be it.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
Beach with my Wife and kids. But, what’s a day off?
What's your most prized possession and why?
It’s probably my complete collection of ‘95 Fleer Ultra X-Men trading cars. But this 2020 27” iMac I’m using right now has helped me with some of the more transformative projects I’ve had in my career.
What causes are you passionate about?
Renewable Energy specifically, but Climate Change over all.
How do you separate your work life from your home life?
It’s probably my hardest obstacle. I don’t have an answer to be honest.
Do you adopt any environmental habits/practices to be more sustainable?
Composting, recycling, avoidance of palm oils, and overall focus on locally sources items.
Do you collect anything?
Too many things. Trading Cards. Game Boys. Stephen King 1970 hardback issues.
What is the first record you bought?
Big Willie Style. Will Smith. Bit of a sore subject these days.
What do you listen to when you work?
Spotify is always on. If it’s not, old favourite movies or Basketball podcasts.
Who is your art hero?
Murray Ball. Bruce Timm.
Who is your design hero?
Saul Bass has always been an obvious favourite. Paul Rand.
Who is your music hero?
Jurassic 5 or Lupe Fiasco.
If you were not an illustrator, what would you be?
Is it cheating to say Animator? Hopefully not.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Spend money, save time.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Still New York. One day.
Have you any hidden talents?
Don’t know about hidden, but I’m fantastically average at basketball.
How would someone who knows you well describe you?
Typically the tall, quiet, tired guy in the hat.
What is your go-to comfort food?
Sweet tooth is strong in me.
What movie can you watch over and over?
I can watch so many movies over and over, but the obvious answer is Ghostbusters or if I’m feel particularly serious, Rocky.
What is the last show you binged?
Andor. And I was warmly surprised as how it made me feel like a kid watching the OG trilogy again.
What was the last concert you went to?
My Father’s day present this year was a ticket to a NZ band The Beth’s. If you have two ears and a heart at haven’t heard them before - give them a spotify.
What is your favorite book?
The Shining.
What is your go-to karaoke song?
I will sing anything poorly, but with sober passion. Amy Grant's ‘Baby, Baby’ always made my wife laugh.
What is your favorite quote?
"The Horn of Helm Hammer hand shall sound in the Deep, one last time."
Do you have any tips/advice for other illustrators?
Observe all you can. Try new things. Draw anything and everything.
