Liam Lefr - Pt. 2

You regularly create illustrations for Cunning Folk Magazine - congratulations! How difficult is it to create a drawing from a writer’s mind and literary vision?

- Sometimes an idea comes to me straight away when reading a text, other times it is more of a struggle. I find that highlighting all the visual and emotional words within a text usually reveals what the illustration should be.

Is there anything you don’t enjoy drawing?

- Feet!

Are you nervous when drawing out a new idea for the first time?

- Not at all, no, I’m excited! And if it doesn’t work out then nobody ever sees it…

How do you relax?

- I relax by reading, playing video games, watching YouTube, and drawing is actually very relaxing to me as well.

What is a defining moment in your career so far?

- I think something very recently actually when I found myself without a part-time job, I had always had one since University and did my illustration for the rest of my time. However, since becoming a full-time illustrator my opportunities have doubled!

How important are art events similar to Inktober to keep artists evolving? ( We LOVE your own Inktober pieces!)

- Yeah, I think they can be really helpful. It forces artists to create something they might not have done otherwise. I only did Inktober once but it actually was the beginning of my current style, it evolved a lot but I believe it began there.

Sun or Moon?

- Moon.

How do you motivate yourself?

- Looking at art, that usually gives me a burst of inspiration and motivation, also money is quite helpful and unfortunately necessary.

How has your art style changed since you started?

- Massively! I don’t think I really had much of a style until my final year at University, learning to use my iPad to create digital work has informed it a lot too. Finding your ‘style’ can be a stressful point for artists, but it always happens organically I think.

Your style is full of fairytale magic - what is your favourite fairytale?

- I think The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter, which is a more adult and feminist take on the fairytale ‘Bluebeard’

Favourite time of year, and why?

- Winter, I like to get cosy and I hate hot weather!

How quiet or private does your art cave have to be when you are creating?

- Sometimes I like to be tucked away and listen to a podcast or audiobook, maybe light some candles. But I also can sit on the sofa drawing on my iPad with people around me! Depends on my mood.

What art tool could you not live without?

- My iPad!

How is your Etsy shop going?

It’s going great! It was a big help during the pandemic.

Treehouse or toadstool home?

- Treehouse.

Do you prefer colour or black & white - or does the piece dictate to you?

- I prefer colour, I used to create a lot of black and white work and that was pretty much because I hadn’t worked out how to use colour yet…

Who is your biggest fan?

- Probably my girlfriend!

Is there a message behind your art?

- I don’t think there is a specific message, I do though want my work to be some form of escapism for people, I want them to wonder and forget about their worries for a while.

What is next for Liam Lefr?

- Hopefully that second map!