Issue 13 is on the way. Here is a special insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes in order to create the unique running magazine that is Like The Wind.
There are two key elements on each page of Like The Wind; both words and images are equally as important to us – firstly, the contributors who run all the miles and write up their experiences. In addition, we find the best illustrators and photographers around to perfect the presentation of each story. Images and words in perfect harmony to tell the perfect running story. The contributor and illustrator may not know each other; however, their creativities work hand in hand so that each story becomes a unique collaboration – each artist bringing their own input to the table.
We spoke to a few of the contributors and illustrators for Issue 13 to learn more about their personality, inspiration, and ambition.
Illustrator Spotlight: Ellis Van Der Does
- What’s your story? Where are you from and how did you find your love for illustrating?
I grew up in the Netherlands in a small town called Soest and moved to Utrecht when I was 19 to study illustration. In September 2014, I moved to London to study for an MA in Graphic Design Communication and stayed after graduation.
From a young age, I’ve always loved making things but when I was 16 I attended an arts foundation course and I knew I wanted to do illustration. The Illustration professor really made me enthusiastic to follow this path, because he showed me the broad range of illustration styles and ways of storytelling that are out there.
- Talk us through your artistic process.
Whenever I work on a commissioned or self-initiated project I first start researching the topic and look for interesting angles. Often, I write down words or phrases that I associate with the theme. Then I start making sketches and try out different ideas. As soon as I’m enthusiastic about a certain idea I’ll make the actual drawing with fine liner and scan it. Once I have the digital copy of the drawing I’ll finish it off digitally, adding textures and colours.
- Who or what inspires your work and why?
What: wordplay, animals, (popping) colour combinations I see around me, Japanese culture, and watching people.
Who: David Hockney, Patrick Caulfield, Martin Parr among many others.
- What are your goals within your artistic career?
After graduating I have been focussing on freelance illustrating, I really enjoy making editorial illustrations and would love to work with newspapers. However, I really enjoy doing different jobs for various types of clients. So hopefully I can take on projects ranging from editorial to textile design and keep on making time for self-initiated projects.
- What else do you spend time doing? Hobbies?
Recently I brought a point-and-shoot analogue camera and I have been enjoying capturing my spring / summer with it.
- Do you have a piece of artwork that you are most proud of?
Hmm… hard to say! Often, I’m quite happy with a piece of work when I hand it in, but change my mind over time and would like to make a few adjustments.
- What is your favourite: book, band, film
Book: Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami
Music: currently I’m listening to Right by David Bowie
Film: hard to pick a favourite, but last year I really enjoyed Toni Erdmann directed by Maren Ade
- What do you aim to achieve with your illustrations?
I hope to tell a story, make people think and whenever appropriate bring a smile onto someone’s face.
- What makes your illustrations unique? What defines your aesthetic?
Popping colours, textures and hopefully the idea behind the work.
Ellis Van Der Does illustrated the piece Great Expectations written by ultra-runner Becky Walters for Like The Wind Issue #13.
Check her out on twitter @ellis__d and her website showcases her other artwork.