KIEL TILLMAN

1. At what point did you decide the artist and design life was for you?

I was always inspired by surf and skate culture and the t-shirt, board graphics and logos that came with those scenes. In my final year of high school (1999) I found out that there was this career called "Graphic Design" that you could actually make a living from doing logos and drawing stuff. So I ditched my plans to be an architect and moved to the Gold Coast to study Graphic Design. The rest is history.

2. Do you think you have a design style and how do you think it developed?

It has only been the past 2 years that I have realised that I do have a style. People used to tell me that they could recognise my work, but I never saw that myself. From time and confidence in my abilities I recognised I did have a style and that allowed me to own it.

3. Of all the tools and software available in creative industry, what couldn’t you work without?

I couldn't work without my pencil, my notebook. Thats where it all starts. Then I would need my Wacom, my Macbook pro and Adobe illustrator to bring my sketches to life.

4. What work have you done that you rate as your best work to date? (be sure to add a link if you have one!)

I've worked with some amazing clients and on some awesome projects but I think my personal favourite was a mural I created for a small street art festival. I think it was because I could just do whatever I wanted. I also feel like this was the moment I really solidified and owned my design style. https://www.tillmancreative.co/project/robina-detour-street-art-festival

5. What was the inspiration for your MVRK design(/s)?

For my flash design, I was inspired by tattoo flash and old school sailor jerry style elements. Instead of using traditional tattoo elements, I had a bit of fun with it. I've always loved those toned back colours too. My New Wave design I definitely took inspiration from my love of old school 80's and 90's surf and skate graphics. Fun and punk rock!

6. If you could see any design on a pair of boardshorts, what would it be?

The 2 that I designed for sure!

7. If you could see anyone rocking your MVRK boardies, who would it be?

I'd love to see Bill Murray playing golf in them. That would be a career highlight for me. In reality though, I would love to see anyone at all rocking them. I love seeing my designs out in the wild. So if I saw someone enjoying themselves in a pair of boardies I designed, I'm stoked.

8. Boardshorts at weddings have been a thing, what's the weirdest boardies combo you've ever seen?

Boardshort and balaclava.

9. Of all the places, clients, mediums and locations in the world; where would you love to see your work shown?

Either one of my murals that are in a public space for everyone to see OR just randomly seeing a t-shirt or boardies I designed worn by someone I don't know.

10. Where can people find you?

Instagram @kieltillman and @tillmancreativeco Website www.tillmancreative.co