Mark Watkinson

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Animation

Architecture

Graphic

Infographic

Line

Maps

Medical

People

Technical

Vector

Bottle of Glycol with blue scientific background by Mark Watkinson

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Dog DNA test kit instructions with sample collection and processing steps by Mark Watkinson

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Swimming competition podium with children celebrating wins by Mark Watkinson

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Isometric map of University of Bristol Students' Union building by Mark Watkinson

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Maritime cargo shipping route diagram showing ships, ports, and docks by Mark Watkinson

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Tree shaped QR code artwork by Mark Watkinson

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Clear and simple — and in great variety

It is fair to say that Mark's early interest in mechanics comes through in his visual language.

But also that he made the right choice to have a career in art. Clean, crisp and powerful graphic illustrations are the strength of Lincolnshire based artist Mark Watkinson. He has been a successful freelance illustrator since the early 1980s when he graduated from Lincoln College of Art with a degree in graphic design. His influences include Gavin MacLeod and Mick Brownfield. Keeping it clean, clear, and simple is Mark's mantra. He works with both Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as traditional media. Mark's style is very graphic, with strong lines and geometry, and he often uses flat colors. His work is ideal for "how to" pictures, "behind-the-scenes" illustrations, and infographics, and he's a master of isometric viewpoints, cutaways, and the blueprint look. Mark loves dealing with technical challenges, but also produces more playful and conceptual work.

Impressions

Interview

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Interview

What drew you to illustration/design? I couldn’t get a job as a mechanic, then my art teacher suggested I should go to Art College. Thank you Mr Walsh. Do you have any formal design training? Lincoln College of Art; Diploma & Higher Diploma in Graphic design. Where are you originally from? Gloucestershire, then Lincolnshire from the age of four. Where do you live now & what drew you there? Lincolnshire – came back to get away from the traffic jams in London. Where is your studio and can you describe it for me? At home. I have 2; one with computers plus mess and one with a drawing board plus mess. Do you collect anything? Cars – my neighbours describe me as a rest home for old bangers. What are your interests outside of illustration? I didn’t think Harry allowed other interests! Don’t tell him but I play Congas/percussion in a band, I also play tennis, after which I have to visit the pub. What is the first record you bought? Mud – Tiger Feet. I’m trying to get it onto my band’s playlist. Tell us about a favourite project you’ve recently completed. How to put a condom on! Strange but its something I had always wanted to draw, no one wanted to model for it! Who is/are your illustration hero/es? No heroes, but when I first started illustrating I liked Gavin McLeod’s work. Whatever happened to him? Also Mick Brownfield. Who is/are your musical hero/es? I listen to music all day, the ipod is my musical hero. Have you any hidden talents? Since the ‘Erotic Massage’ commission, yes. What is the funniest thing you have ever done? The ‘Erotic Massage’ commission. No one wanted to model for this either! If you won the lottery what would you do with the money? Buy more cars and build more garages to put them in, with a music studio above and a flood lit tennis court.

Favourites

Café: I don’t do cafes, but pubs. The Wheatsheaf in Louth Art Equipment/Tool: Pencil and tracing paper Food: Mushrooms (but I’m not a veggie) Drink: Tea for work and alcohol for play Blog: Who is Blog? Magazine: Top Gear; Classic and Sports car