Big Heads; Jon Burgerman

Big Heads with Jon Burgerman (photo source)

Due to his large internet presence, Jon Burgerman did not wish to be filmed for the Big Heads YoutTube channel

From England but lives in NYC now

Studio in Broklyn NYC, about 30 different artists occupy the space (Invisible Dog)

Range of artists and disciplines in one studio, allows for collaboration which is "Quick, fun and cheap" and meeting various types of 'workers'

He tries to make "interesting things"

"Having an idea and perusing it in the best medium"

Most of his work is self driven

Studied Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University

Overlapping of his works through medias "From mural to mugs"

Believes in having a balance between earning money and making a living and having morals

Encourages people to make their "own versions of things"

Make things that are open, not secretive. Entertain, enlighten, inspire people "You can do this too"

The point isn't to make perfect things

Is open to share his process

"Open source philosophy"

"To feel like part of the fabric of popular culture"

Brands want to tap into what is 'authentic' and 'cool' which is why they employ illustrators

"Practice grows through testing your work on different formats and scales"

Happy accidents help you to develop and learn new things, allows new things to happen; "It's nice to screw up"

Take a pen and paper with you wherever you go, have a studio on the move, be spontaneous with your work. Messing around, trusting your instincts, making things without quite knowing why; play can be good!

Didn't want to be typecast "Each album can have a different sound, it's still by the same artist"

"Success is waking up really happy to do stuff"

Enjoys pushing against the grain, being naughty

Everything starts with a drawing

Keep a notebook with you wherever you go

Drawings is a form of writing

Intimacy and immediacy with sketchbook drawings

ADVICE

"Enjoy just making illustrations without restraint

Would rather have his first year university self talk to him and give him advice now rather than the other way around

Collaborate

Enjoy

Take advantage of every opportunity

Work through art block

Allow for play"

WHAT MAKES REALLY GREAT IMAGE-MAKING?

"Just know good work, feel it, know friends will appriciate it, not always imidiate but you just know, enjoy it, working on it a lot, work seems easier because you enjoy it.

Something that makes you FEEL"