Quincy Sutton

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Cartoon & Humour

Character Design

Fashion

Food & Drink

Graphic

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Disney villain portraiture collection by Disney Publishing

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Exploring Disney Villains through a new series for Disney Publishing

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Stylized portrait of Disney villain Jafar by Quincy Sutton

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Caricatures from cute to bold

Strong, clear graphic forms characterize his illustration style

Originally from Ohio, Quincy trained as a caricature artist, honing his skills and his illustration style while also learning the ropes in graphic design, fashion and art direction. Painting at live events, he attracts huge crowds with people lining up for over an hour to receive their own personalised piece of Pop Art. While waiting, they’re mesmerised by his skills. Inspired by the music of Thelonious Monk and mid-century architecture, and fueled by sushi and Italian sandwiches, Quincy studied at the Columbus College of Art and Design.

Approach

Quincy has travelled the world looking for the perfect materials to work with, and uses paint markers, acrylics and ink on archival papers. Drawing live, he keeps it fun by bringing a touch of showmanship to the event through his attire while capturing each sitter’s likeness in less than 10 minutes.

Styles

Quincy’s illustration style is bold and minimal, using strong, graphical shapes to create a simple and striking portrait. Working live, his style is expressive and fun – painterly with a personal touch.

Impressions

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Interview

What led you to become an illustrator? Ever since I was a child all I ever wanted to do is draw. Did you study illustration in college? I studied art at The Columbus College of Art and Design Where did you grow up? Columbus Ohio Do you have a childhood memory relating to drawing/art that you hold dear? I remember watching Godzilla with my dad around the age of 5 or 6 and drawing Godzilla and the monsters afterwards. Where do you live now and what drew you there? I live in Los Angeles. I drove here from Ohio looking for work in animation but I found a career in illustration fashion and licensing. Describe your studio for us. I have two studios. One studio is in my house I have a home office with a cintique and an imac and plenty of reference books. My Garage studio is where I paint and draw, my garage is filled with paint, bookshelves filled with all kinds of paper, books, toys and vintage magazines. Describe the view from your window. I see my front yard 4 trees and lots of plants inside and out of my home. I have a view of the street so I see people walking by as well as the cars. Who or What is your biggest inspiration? I have many inspirations, not just one big one...my top five Ezra Jack Keats, Al Hirschfeld, Charles Harper, Philip Burke and J.C. Leyendecker. How do you get your ideas? Ideas are constantly coming to my head. I like to look at vintage books and illustrations, old ads, 80s movies and music videos but my focus of inspiration changes throughout the years. Years ago I used films from the 60s as inspiration. I have millions of ideas. The trouble I have is just picking one. Do you collect anything? I collect too many things...Vintage magazines from the 50s- 80s vintage books of illustration, vintage children's books, vintage catalogs vintage suitcases and any cool odd items vintage office supplies like old pencil staplers typewriter yard sticks and stationary. What are your interests outside of illustration? Fashion, film, basketball, collecting cool vintage clothes from the 60s and 80s. I'm a thrift store junkie I guess. Mid modern century design, furniture, big plants, Jazz Funk 80s R&B hip hop... What is the first record you bought? Two albums on the same day it was 1987, LLCool J Bad and Dj Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince Rock the House. What was your favourite assignment ever? I was commissioned to do a live chalk art mural at the Ace Hotel in LA for a Korean Drama miniseries. I got a free room and met cool Actors and Actresses while partying on the rooftop. What would be your dream commission? I would love to be paid to create my own story and characters for live action or animation. What is the best use of illustration you have ever seen? I don't know what the best use of illustration is. I just know how it effects me when I see it, I was most affected by children's book illustrations, when I was a child those images connected me with amazing stories which sparked a creative fire inside me. What makes a good client brief? When a client knows exactly what they want. How much of your work is hand drawn? I would say everything I do starts hand drawn even though a large percent of it ends up digital by finalization. If you were not an illustrator, what would you be? Musician, Actor, Writer. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Be the change you want to be. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? Back to Japan How would someone who knows you well describe you? Hardworking and Dedicated. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? In Peace. How do you keep on trend and up to date in our quickly changing industry? I follow my heart. and don't follow the trends. If I see a trend that is close to what I want to express. I try to find a connection that is natural and not forced. What was the last exhibition you saw and loved? Black is Beautiful The Photography of Kwame Brathwait at the Skirball Cultural Center. What do you do when you have creative block? Get out of the house and explore. What is your favourite way to fill free time? Any hobbies? Drawing something else. Is there any random thing you consider yourself an expert on? Identifying personalities and connecting with people.