Interview of Ellis van der Does by Sophie Pellegrini // During the foundation course, I got a taste of the many different disciplines that are taught at art school, and as soon as I got to know the illustration department and the type of work that was made there, I was set on going there.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hello! I’m Ellis van der Does, a Dutch illustrator who’s been living in London for over three years now.
How did you get started in illustration?
When I was 16, I enrolled in a foundation course that took place every Saturday at the art school in Utrecht, The Netherlands. At the time, I knew that I liked making things, but didn’t know exactly what direction I should take. During the foundation course, I got a taste of the many different disciplines that are taught at art school, and as soon as I got to know the illustration department and the type of work that was made there, I was set on going there.
What does your work process look like?
If I work on a brief, I will read the text carefully and write down all associations that come to mind and try to find ways to express the message of the article without being to literal. I’ll work on some sketches and play around with colour options, which I will send off to the client. After I hear back from the client, I might send an amended sketch version in which I incorporate feedback he/she might have given, before starting on the final illustration.
What do you find most difficult about illustration?
Sometimes it’s difficult to find the right balance between commercial and more personal projects.
Do you do any other art?
Last May I went to Japan for a month. Just before the trip I bought an analog camera as I wanted to document the trip with more than just a smartphone. Since then, I’ve really enjoyed taking this camera on little trips and documenting whatever is happening around me. I especially like photographing reflections!
Highlights of your creative journey so far?
Working on fun editorial briefs is always a pleasure! I also really enjoyed being part of the London Illustration Fair last year.
Tell us one artist you admire and are inspired by, and why.
At the moment I’ve been revisiting the work of Martin Parr, as I really like his photos. The compositions are great; often the colours are bold and the pictures are full of humour and interesting characters.
Are there any projects you’re currently working on that you can tell us about?
I’ve been asked by two different people to design a tattoo for them. This is exciting and such a honour, but at the same time it’s also a bit daunting as it’s so permanent.
Are there any songs/films/books that have had a real impact on your creative processes or work?
Whenever I’m past the ‘thinking phase’ and in the ‘making phase,’ I listen to music, ideally something upbeat that keeps me going. Recently it’s been Japanese Boogie & Disco Vol. 2.
I really like reading and love books that have a surreal element to them. Murakami is great, but I also enjoy work by Han Kang and by the Dutch author Arnon Grunberg.
If you could have lunch with anyone, real or imaginary, dead or alive, who would it be?
Miranda July! I love her work and find it very inspiring how she uses her voice in many different disciplines. So I think she’d have interesting point to make, but she also seems very funny so I’m sure I’d have a good time.
How can we keep up with your work?
Website: www.ellisvanderdoes.com
Instagram: @ellis__.d
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ellisvanderdoes
Blog with pictures: https://ellis–d.tumblr.com/
