Erann: Lets get going! Was art something you loved at school or was it not top of you list?

John: Yeah it was, I always wanted to do something visual, like be a graphic designer making posters or something, I was rubbish at drawing so I took my art class in 3d, making things out of clay and stuff, which meant I was able to do textiles in college, I just liked making nice looking things, but I messed about a lot at school.

Erann: So what's your secret? How have you managed to get to were you are now?

John: I don't have a secret really, just do what I do and don't worry if people like it or not, just do what I think I should and if anything comes from it that's great.

Erann: Everyone always has a dream job when they're little, was being an artist yours?

John: Mechanic, Bin man, I also loved tractors back then so I wanted to be a tractor driver. Then when I was about ten I decided I wanted to be a property developer, I still do, I'd like to have a go at that some day, but I'd probably end up liking the house too much and staying there.

Erann: When you get stuck for ideas is there anything that triggers your imagination and sets the cogs spinning?

John: Erm, just jotting ideas down and doodling, or playing about with ideas, if I decide to sit down I usually do something, or having a break and a cigarette usually works. I can go a few days without doing any visual stuff, then like a whole day of it in one go.

Erann: I know artists back in the day used pretty ladies in funny dresses as thir inspiration, what inspires you to create?

John: That reminds me of somebody!

Erann: I can sit and doodle for ages with a biro and paper but whats you absolute favourite tool for doodling?

John: Same! I like drawing in pencil then completing it in biro, well when using paper. Not the most artistic of 'tools' but it doesn't smudge when i use my ruler, like paint pens and markers sometimes does.

Erann: We've seen your computer aided work and also what you've done with t-shirts so whats next on your list to put your work on?

John: Anything really, I like putting my work on lots of different things to get it around and in people's lives, as long as I like it I'll do it, I have lots of plans of what I want my work on so we will see.

Erann: After asking loads of people this, I'm still drawing blank, what is the big difference between computer and hand drawn art, do you have a favourite?

John: I use both, when I do my computer-first work, I purposely make it so I can do it in real life, and when I do my doodles they're relatively easy for me to recreate on the computer by scanning the image. So I do it both, and both ways round, I do prefer doing it on paper first and having an "original" from each piece.

Erann: There are tons of artists out there today trying to make their own way but what do you think sets you apart from the rest?

John: Nothing really, I just like doing it like everyone else, we'll see what happens. A lot of artists do it mainly as a hobby, and that's great, everyone can be an artist and do their work as an artist, but it's hard and unpredictable.

Erann: Along your journey so far, as it been an easy ride, has anything set you back, most importantly are you enjoying it?

John: No not an easy ride, and still a lot to achieve, but I do enjoy it yes, and get excited a lot when things seem to be happening.

Erann: So whats on the cards for you now, so their anything your biting your tongue excited about?

John: Lots yeah, but I'm still in basic talks with a lot of the things, but they're great ideas and would be fun for everyone involved.

Erann: You say it'll take you about 2 years to get where you truly want to be, where is that and how do you plan on getting there?

John: I want rboyu to become big for the artists involved, like if you see a Nike advert and it's on about "Rboyu vs. Nike" - You know it's going to be a great release and include great artists, I'd like it to be very noticeable to help lots of other up and coming artists to get work with their favourite brands through rboyu with full recognition of their work, unlike some graphic designers when you don't know who on earth designed this t-shirt and so on, and even established artists who may not know how to go about it, that and the fun exhibitions and events, I just want to have a lot of fun. I know it'll be around 2 years before it gets fully running and we're with the number of brands we want to be working with, and it'll be awesome once we have all this sorted, dozens and dozens of artists and working with the biggest brands around to create really fun stuff - In limited editions!

Erann: Thanks for taking the time to speak to me!

John: Haha, you're welcome, lets go get dinner.

Erann: Hey Matthew!

Matthew: Hello Erann

Erann: A few questions, are you ready?

Matthew: Yes I am

Erann: Okay, to start - were you the arty kid at school or did you prefer other stuff?

Matthew: I went to school in the country-side so my main aim was to appear as bohemian as possible. This involved art a lot yes, as well as weird haircuts and bad wooden jewelry.

Erann: We've seen your current work but how did you get to where you are now?

Matthew: Drawing lots. Looking and thinking. I did a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration at Bath Spa university. It gave me the opportunity to really get stuck into drawing, without having to think too much about real life. But in terms of learning how to actually be an illustrator, you have to do that on your own. Just draw and want and look and make mistakes.

Matthew: Was art something you've always wanted to do or did it just develop as an interest?

Matthew: Always. The only other things I'd like to do are things I'd like to do in a romantic arty kind of way. Like be a fisherman or a zoo keeper. In reality, I imagine these jobs aren't romantic, they are hard core.

Erann: I can imagine sometimes it can be hard to think of ideas, have you got a favourite place to stop by or hang out to come up with your ideas or to work?

Matthew: No. I just keep records of things I like. Draw a lot. Make discoveries with your pencil. You can do that anywhere.

A lot of artists talk about their influences for this piece and that piece, who or what has been your influence in the past or have you never really needed one?

Matthew: There are lots of other illustrators and artists who have been a massive influence on me, in terms of becoming an illustrator. But my work isn't really influenced by too much. It's hard to say. I like animals and nature and language and silliness. If I had to sum it up, I guess there is a certain British surreal eccentricity that I strive for, but it is incredibly hard to get it right - watch Bang Bang It's Reeves & Mortimer.

Erann: Loads of different things are used to create art with, do you have any favourite tools?

Matthew: Pencil.

Erann: There are loads of different things to put art on these days, is there anything special you'd recreate your art on if given the chance?

Matthew: People's hearts.

Erann: A lot of art work has moved into the computer screen in stead of on a canvas, do you prefer the old or the new or a bit of both?

Matthew: I don't mind as long as it is seen by someone who enjoys it.

Just like musicians are influenced by musicians that have come before them, is there any artist from the past or present that has inspired you to produce any of your work?

Matthew: Marcus Oakley is the greatest. Geoff McFetdridge. Will Sweeny. Kim Hiorthoy. Mike Dolan.

Erann: Throughout the time that you've been an artist is there anything that stands out as being the best thing you've done or the best thing that's happened to you?

Matthew: The best thing that has happened is that I haven't given up yet.

Erann: Can we expect to see your work in any exhibitions or events soon, have you got anything interesting planned or that you are planning that you can tell us about?

Matthew: Rough Trade Records. 2nd Oct [2008]. Joyful Bewilderment.

Erann: Clearly your loving what your doing right now, what would you like to have achieved in a few years time?

Matthew: I've only just got going. I'm not even that good. I just want to keep going and getting better. As long as I'm still drawing, that's fine.

Erann: Thanks for taking the time to speak to me!

Matthew: No worries.

Well we think he's just great, make sure to stay tuned for some cool work from Matthew for rboyu!

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