1) So Mr. Bingo, how did you first get into illustration?

I was studying Graphic Design at university and then we had the chance to do illustration and the class voted that I should do it so I did. When I left university I wanted to be an animator, but ended up getting more and more illustration work, so I just concentrated all my efforts on that and turned it into a full time job. I guess it makes sense as from an early age I’ve always been good at drawing and humour, nothing else really stood out as a ‘skill’, so there’s not many other jobs I could do I don’t think..

2) How would you describe yourself as an illustrator?

I like to look at the lighter side of life, and the aim of the pictures is to make people smile. I’m more interested in entertaining and making people laugh than pretty pictures, so the idea is always the main thing, but I try and make it look aesthetically pleasing too.

3) How did you come up with the name “Mr. Bingo”?

When I was 19, I did an art project on Bingo (the game) and the old ladies who play it. On my first research trip to the Bingo hall I won £121. I’ve been known as ‘Bingo’ ever since, so I decided to start calling myself Mr Bingo when I started out as an illustrator. I just thought it sounded nice.

4) Who or what inspires you the most?

Humans, unintelligent humans, fat humans, dogs in clothes, china cats, found type, hand made signs, vintage postcards, 1970’s Letraset catalogue, seaside towns, train journeys, businessmen, overheard conversations, offices, newspaper headlines.

5) How do you normally start work on a project?

It depends on the type of work. If it’s something that requires a fair amount of thinking, I’ll go to a nice pub on my own during the day with a sketchbook and a pen and just empty my brain onto the pages. This is one of the best ways to spend time I find.

6) How do you normally get new clients? Do they contact you direct or do you work with an agency?

I don’t have an agent, I prefer to just do things on my own, it works better for me like that. I’m not sure how I get new clients really? I don’t tend to ask them how they found me. I guess it’s through the usual channels like word of mouth or just simply finding your work somewhere on the internet.

7) Do you get a lot of creative freedom when working with clients?

Generally, yes. If there’s no creative freedom I wouldn’t take on the job in the first place. As I’m sure most illustrators and graphic designers would agree/sympathise with, there’s a general rule that the higher the budget, the less creative freedom you’ll get. So occasionally if someone waves a big enough carrot in front of my face I’ll do what they want, but with 90% of the jobs I do, I draw what I think is good and then convince the client that it’s good for them too.

8) What kind of hobbies do you have besides illustrating?

I collect vintage postcards, Letraset annuals, Modern Publicity annuals, stamps and novelty erasers. I enjoy watching documentaries about crime and I’m a keen Beatbusker.

9) What kind of music do you listen to when you work?

Anything really. Today I listened to Friendly Fires, Kate Bush, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Diplo, Ghostface Killa, Bonnie Prince Billy and Girls Aloud..

10) What plans do you have for the future?

To keep doing what I’m doing now. I’d like to make some music before I die. Play table tennis with my friend Dave at some point. Delete my Facebook account. Become a more accomplished body popper. Buy a car based purely on looks. Have a house which overlooks some sea. Keep my wife. Spend more on socks. Never grow up.

11) Do you have plans to release a book with a collection of your work?

No, I don’t think I’m quite book worthy yet…I’ve only been playing this game properly for about 6 years. Maybe a postcard book, that would a be a bit more my level.

12) Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring illustrators?

Find out who would possibly commission the kind of work you do, then put what you do under their noses.

Thank you Mr. Bingo for this interview, it was a pleasure having you!

Thank you for having me sir.