The Import

With a beautifully crafted, unique style, New York based artist Devin McGrath bashes out darkly inspirational artworks with an enviable ease. Obsessed with his stunning work, we decided to catch up with the man himself to find out how he works, his inspirations and, erm, his “night swimming with sharks”…..

Who are you and where are you?

My name is Devin, and Im located in NYC.

Do you work from your own office or as part of a collective?

I work at home.

Where do you feel most inspired?

The Cooper Hewitt, I dont know what it is about that strange old people smell in there that I find so inspirational. I think it just triggers my imagination.

Where does your work come from – clients direct, agency, large studios?

Usually direct clients. People who find me, or just people who I’ve tracked down that I wanted to work with.

Devin McGrath’s Home Studio

What mediums do you work in?

Graphite, Ink, Acrylic, Photoshop.

What are you working on right now?

I have a project that Im working on right now for a dream client……but I cant really say anything about it. I’m also working on a personal series called “Animals With Lazers”

What’s the most enjoyable project you’ve worked on?

The project that Im not allowed to talk about….

Have you ever had a design fail?

Constantly.

What’s your dream project/client?

I would love to work with Flaunt magazine, their illustrated covers and layouts are always so beautifully designed.

Talk us quickly through your approach to a new project and the processes it will go through before it’s complete….

Usually just a lot of staring at my computer screen trying to think of ideas. Then I stress eat for a little bit and think some more. I try to take the pitch and resolve it in a way thats unexpected, thoughtful, and visually interesting.

What importance do you place on researching new technologies and the potential for designing with/for them?

I want a cintiq from wacom, but they’re too expensive.

Can over reliance on modern software hamper the design process?

Yes, definitely.

Who, or what, are your biggest inspirations?

Music.

Which contemporary designers/artists do you admire?

Mario Hugo, Vania Zouravliov, Jules Julien, Tomer Hanuka, James Jean, Matthew Woodson, Bison,

What do you get up to in your spare time? Does it influence your work?

Not unless I’ve been out to galleries, museums, or seen a really interesting film. I do come up with a lot of ideas when I’m hungover though….so I guess my extra curricular activities do influence my work.

Tell us something about you that will surprise us….

I’ve been night swimming with sharks

5 things you love….

Cheese

Booze

Friends

Large bodies of water

My really annoying cat

5 things you hate…..

The way New York city smells in the summer

Truffles (the mushroom)

Feet

Mosquitoes

My really annoying cat

Devin McGrath

What’s on your stereo right now?

Here We Go Magic – Fangela

What’s your favourite album cover?

Natalie Portmans Shaved Head – Glistening Pleasure. Its so ridiculous, I love it.

What direction do you see your work going in the future?

Less digital.

Artists Graphic Design Horror Illustration New York Weird