Interview with Jon McNair

Jon Mcnair, artist and Illustrator born in Seoul, South Korea, his limitless imagination takes us to sceneries filled with characters with a very peculiar mysticism. After hearing people say “you should be an artist” he decided to study in The Maryland Institute College of Art, where he earned a Bachelors of Fine Art in illustration. Currently he’s working in diverse projects as a freelance for many editorial publications and has exhibited his work in various galleries around his country. Let’s know a bit more about this brilliant artist.

Where are you from:
I was born in South Korea, but grew up in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Before starting a project:
Before starting I do the (sometimes necessary) brainstorming and inspiration seeking. I write ideas down, surf the net for reference images, look through books I have etc. Sometimes an idea comes to me right away, and other times it takes much longer. Just depends…….

Craziest thing you’ve done during a project:
Not much crazy stuff has happened (yet) in my experience, unless you count stuff going wrong, which is usually a job getting cancelled or technology failing you at the last minute. That’s always nerve wracking…

Tunes while working:
The Smiths/Morrissey, Belle & Sebastian, Fleet Foxes, Grizzly Bear, Arcade Fire, Sigur Ros, Elliott Smith, Sufjan Stevens and pretty much anything classical. I also listen to a lot of podcasts like This American Life, The Moth, Wiretap, Escape from Illustration Island and Stuff You Missed in History Class.

Favorite place on earth:
Well, I haven’t traveled much outside of the country, so I’m sure there are many places I would love but haven’t discovered yet. That said,  I really love Vermont. I’m always happy to spend time there during the summer, on the lake or in the mountains. It’s a very peaceful and beautiful state.

Last object you bought:
A book. “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote.

If you illustrate a book, what would the title be:
I really have no idea. I would probably have to get an idea for a story first and then base it on that. More likely, I’d be envisioning what the illustrations would look like. One day I hope to put out a picture book. I envision it to have very limited text and a good amount of ambiguity.

Technology or handmade:
Both are great in their own ways, but handmade will always probably appeal to me a little more. You can tell so much by the marks a person makes. It’s like handwriting.

Favorite toy as a kid:
Couch cushions and cardboard boxes. The couch cushions were used to build forts in the living room, and the boxes were used as spaceships, airplanes, boats, or any number of imaginary vehicles. “Watch out for the hot lava!”

Coffee or Tea:
I like both, but probably tea a little more. So much variety : )

Favorite Blogs:
Booooooom, The Lumper, Design Sponge, Hard Feelings, My Parents Were Awesome

Candyman:
I guess we’re talking about the movie here (?) which I have never seen, although I have a friend who says he watched it all the time as a kid. As for candy, I love Dots. You know, the fruit flavored gumdrops.

Heroes:
Henri Fuseli, Remedios Varo, William Blake, Paul Delvaux, Kikki Smith, Gustaf Tenggren, Arthur Rackham, Shirley Jackson (love her stories), Jan Svankmajer and Yasujiro Ozu (great filmakers).

Words of advice:
Don’t let anyone discourage you from doing what you want in life : )