THOMAS KEELEY
ILLUSTRATOR
http://thomaskeeley.net/index.html

Hi Thomas and thanks for talking to us today.

My pleasure.

Thomas, tell us a little about where you grew up and what inspired you to pursue a career in the arts?

I’ve always wanted to make art, I think. I grew up in Connecticut… this wasn’t really interesting. I suppose, as a child, I was most excited when I could see progress in my drawing. I remember the moment I figured out how to color in the lines… I was quite proud of myself. I remember always saying I wanted to be an artist when I grew up… for me, I think it was a way to say I don’t want to be anything… I just wanted to draw all day… and I was very pleased that people accepted this as a viable occupation. Anyway, it has always been what I’ve wanted and I’m thankful for that…

Did you go you school for this sorta thing?

Yes… I have earned a BFA in Illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI and before that an AA in Graphic Design from Tunxis Community College in Farmington, CT. RISD was a great school… I learned a lot there.

While in school were you ever worried about having to eventually leave a get a job?

Of course… I’m still worried about getting work. School put me in a seemingly insurmountable amount of debt… so I was always worried. But fear is an excellent source of motivation… it helps you keep things in perspective. Adversity makes you appreciate what you have… and I am very fortunate (and thankful). I’ve been given an opportunity to do what I love and get paid for it. We should all be so lucky…

Was networking up a bustling social web an important part of being an art student?

sure… it can’t hurt. I was quiet in school. I only made a handful of friends. I really didn’t give much thought to networking while in school, I was too busy… and that hasn’t really affected me very much… it’s absolutely necessary once you’ve left school, I think. Anyway, It is important to keep in touch with other artists for many reasons… mainly to have someone to talk with about concepts, or for critique… and situations will arise in which you, and those in your circle, are able to help each other out and this is a great thing. It is very rewarding in many ways. It never hurts to make new contacts or to keep in touch with old friends…

What kind of challenges did you face after you graduated?

Money was an issue. It’s hard to find a balance between the job and you career (art). When I graduated, I needed money badly… so I took two full-time jobs (cooking)… I worked too many hours and it left me no time to work, network, or apply for jobs. After some time I started to panic… so I quit them and lived a scant existence for some months, during which I focused on promoting myself.

If I could give any advice about this… I’d say be as prepared as possible upon leaving school… try to have some jobs/shows under your belt already and (if you have the means) leave yourself a cushion ($$$)… you’ll need it if you’re getting an internship, and even if you’re not… you’ll most likely be looking for work for a bit. If you find yourself working a job that has nothing to do with art… find a way out as quickly as possible.

We all took a vote (I stuff the ballet box), our favs are “Communication” and that crazy “Brush” of yours. Your work definitely has a surreal feel, with everyday objects being transformed into ‘characters’ that feel like they could get up and walk away. Did your work always take on this interpretive style? Where do you come up with such creative pieces?

I tend to work in three dimensions… It’s more rewarding for me… and most of my concepts demand it. I’ve always been interested in objects. They have a unique ability to be very subjective while maintaining impartiality… they can be deeply personal for the individual while remaining unbiased… so they leave a lot of room for interpretation.

I guess a large portion of my work deals with subversion of expectation through subtle alteration of form. I’m quite fond of subtlety… delicate adjustments of reality are much more effective, I think… everybody likes surprises.

So, I’ve been working in this way for a very long time… but mostly I’m just concerned with generating original concepts… no matter what form the execution requires.
I also do design work, and I paint and draw…

What process do you go through in creating an original piece?

It varies in reference to the project… but it always ends up the same. There is a struggle for some time and then it comes together. The fight is the fun part, and if you are really enjoying the process… there will be evidence of this in the result.

This, of course, with all the standards in between… sketching, reading, writing, research, coffee etc…

And what has inspired you along the way?

Everything really…

What is the most valuable tip or experience you can pass along about how to handle the business side of being an artist?

There are a few I guess…

As an artist, almost everything you buy is tax-deductible… keep receipts.

If you’re doing client work, always include in an invoice that your fee covers first reproduction rights only and that the artwork remains your property… unless you’ve negotiated otherwise.

Never be late… it pisses people off.

What are the best and worst parts of being a full time/part time working artist?

You get paid to do what you would be doing anyway… It’s a very nice arrangement.

Time for the question we’ve all been waiting for; any advice for those aspiring to be a true artist?

If you’re interested in fine art… get an internship at a gallery to familiarize yourself with all its facets. This is also a great way to network and meet curators and gallery owners… then apply everywhere… also, never stop working.

It is very important to educate yourself… look at art, read critiques, go to openings, study theory, and pay close attention… it is important that your examine your own work as well. Be responsible when you create… be certain that your concepts are unique, meaningful, and consistent with your intentions.

I don’t equate success with money, so… if you are dedicated, you’ll never stop learning and developing… this is should be rewarding enough, I think.

5 years from now, where do you see yourself and your work?

I would like my work to support ethical purposes… I would like to help others… in any way possible. I believe that creative individuals have a responsibility to use their talent to contribute to the betterment of society… and I hope to do so as soon as possible.

Thanks again Thomas!

Thank you…

Posted: January 2nd, 2008 under Thomas Keeley.
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